Agriturismo Santa Croce

What a gem, lovely located on a hill very close to San Gimignano, this secluded old farm is a true tranquil paradise. It was one of the first farms opening itself for tourists in the 1980’s and not a lot seems to have changed since. We cannot decide, which view is better, towards the cities towers, or the country side with its rolling vineyards. Both offer peace. This impression of peacefulness is supported by our wonderful charming and most sympathetic host. He offered us a breakfast in the garden, taking care that the table is protected by the fig tree from the sun, caring for excellent coffee and tea; just a lovely host. Our apartment is spacious even though the space is useless. A small corridor leads from the staircase to the well sized main bedroom, passing the tiny bathroom and opening into the small kitchen, which is more a dent in the corridor. Above all that is what might be called a living room. Obviously this concrete and aluminium construction was added later to the historic building. It is one spacious room, covering the same floor space as the rest of the apartment. It is the highest room on the farm and hence the highest construction in the area. The all around windows offer a stunning view, absolutely stunning. Now in July it is almost impossible to spend time in this room. The atmosphere rather resembles an attic than a living room, very hot and very dry. The aluminium window frames do not insulate, the concrete roof stores the heat. Only the blind windows try to keep the hot sun out. So even though the apartment is spacious, we can only use half of it. A few pennies (or more) spend would improve the apartment a lot. The kitchen would benefit from a re-do, the bathroom even more. Don’t get me wrong, everything is clean and working, just clearly worn and torn. My recommendation for a perfect day in Tuscany? Start with a breakfast under the fig tree, just stay there for the day, listen to the sounds of nature, get refreshed by the constant light breeze and later walk to San Gimignano, stroll through the ancient beauty and have dinner wherever your heart guides you to. End the day with a sundowner near the fig tree. Final question: Would I come here gain? Yes, because the tranquillity of the garden and the hospitality of the owner by far exceed the need for renovation of the apartment. And for all those who red until the end: Renovation is scheduled for 2023