Tuscany, Farmhouse or city apartment?

It is in Siena, but we loved staying at Agriturismo Marciano. You can read many reviews on Trip Advisor. Our experience there was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip to Italy. We had a car and were able to make day trips to 2 hill towns per day.

In 2 weeks, we're going to stay in Florence three nights, then move outside of Certraldo for four nights at an agriturisimo. A rental car is being picked up on the way out of Florence, and dropped at the Orvieto rail station a week later. I have never seen a region that has so many villas, bed and breakfasts and agriturisimos providing so many positive lodging experiences. See Rick's Agriturisimo experiences in his Graffiti section for specific places to stay. And with the internet, it's so easy to find other travelers' experiences.

You will get different opinions and experiences all over the map. We like to stay in apartments in towns rather than out in the country. We like to have the ability to walk to and from coffee shops and restaurants etc. A few years ago we stayed at an apartment in the small village of Barberino val d'Elsa. It was in the historic center and the village was quite charming. There were two spots to eat and a small market within about a block. A coffee shop a bit farther out. Unfortunately, I don't believe the exact spot we stayed is still available, but you should be able to find others. Many but not all of the country spots are far enough outside of a town that you need to drive to get to anything. When in Italy, we tend to have wine at dinner and I won't drive after drinking. Being in town makes it easier getting around.

Depending upon time of year you will need to book 7 nights - Villa Cafaggiolo has gotten great reviews

I have the same opinion as Ron. We prefer to stay IN small cities or towns so that we can roam around and stop at cafes before dinner, have dinner and not even have to think about the designated driver, and wander around and get gelato after dinner. We have stayed several times in San Gimignano. Very touristy during the day, but quiet and still gorgeous at night. The main piazza has two fabulous gelaterias, too! In San Gimignano, we easily park our car outside the town walls, and walk to our hotel from there.

We've been to Tuscany 4 times in the past 7 years and have thoroughly enjoyed our stays in apartments in or near the small village of Panzano on SR222 in the heart of Chianti. Two times we stayed in Panzano in a small agriturismo (no pool, great rates) apartment within walking distance of center of village and very good bus service to Florence. Two other times we stayed in the countryside(again, no pool but gorgeous apt and great rates) within just a few kilometers of Panzano and Greve-in-Chianti. Good restaurants and shopping in Greve, along with excellent bus to Florence(don't drive to Florence). Unlike San G. both apts had easy parking on site and towns not so overrun with tourists. I suggest strongly that you rent a car so you can alsoenjoy the other Tuscan hill towns like Castellina, Radda, Gaiole, Volterra(a favorite), and San Gimignano(because everyone goes there). And an easy drive to Siena for the day.

Got to agree with Tony; Panzano is a fantastic little town as a base. We stayed at an absolutely wonderful agri about a mile and half out of town (Borgo Sicelle; check out on Trip Advisor, <$75/nite), and would have been happier staying in town, or within walking distance of Panzano. (especially after wine tasting or late night, well "lubricated" dinners!) We loved lunch and dinner at Dario's, the "mad butcher of Panzano" (what a great guy!). Wine tasting at the Accedemia was awesome. (read more on TA) And there were so many great little restaurants. We could not believe that such a small little quiet town could offer so much.