Any suggestions for a 3 night stay in October at a agriturismo in a central location in Tuscany? Many places require a week minimum, so that is the first challenge. Most importantly, I would like a place with dogs or other animals as we will definitely be missing our own animals at that point in our trip. Oh, and if it not too much to ask, I'd also like a place that serves breakfast and is run by a family. Any ideas?
October would be considered low season. From that perspective I would approach any agriturismo you like and ask them if they have availability for a 3 day stay - even if their website says one week minimum. Many will relax that requirement outside the high season.
We stayed at Agriturismo Marciano in Siena & it was fabulous; I believe it would meet all of your criteria. It's an organic working vineyard and they also produce their own olive oil. It's run by a sister and brother & the sister cooks dinner several times a week. The dinners are optional but they were the best dinners of our entire 3-week trip in Italy. The dinners contain farm fresh ingredients and each course is paired with their own wines. If you read the Trip Advisor reviews, you will see the dinners mentioned. Breakfast is included in the rate and is served around a farmhouse table in the kitchen. It's a nice opportunity to meet other people and to interact. When we were there in 2009, they did not require a 1-week minimum and the rate was extremely good. The agriturismo was clean, comfortable and homey feeling. They have several cats which I loved. The owners could not have been more gracious and welcoming. They were very helpful and made us feel right at home. The agriturismo is only 10-15 minutes from the walled city yet it feels like you're out in the country & very remote.
Ditto to what Sheron said about Agriturismo Marciano. It is fantastic. We were there for 4 nights, but while we were there I know one couple was there for only one night.
Google "airbnb podere ben martha italy" Ben and Martha have a nice farm house between Siena and Mt. San Savino. There is a a great restaurant close by (Osteria Caccitore). Martha has a blog you might enjoy. Ben and Martha are from Virginia.