We are looking for an apartment, B&B, or agriturismo in this area to stay for a couple days close enough to Volterra and San Gimignano for an easy visit. We are a family of four. We would prefer to be in the country rather than in one of the towns. Any suggestions?
Cindy - Just outside of San Gimignano about 3 miles is http://www.casolarelibbiano.it/
Owned by Berta and her husband Andrea this is one Beautiful B&B - From there San Gimginano and Volterra are very easy to visit. You guys would love it - check out their website.
Ciao, Greg
We once stayed at Hotel Pescille, http://www.pescille.it/pescille/index.php, which is 3 km outside of San Gimignano. We prefer staying in the towns, so we don't have to drive after dinner in town (and San Gimignano has several great restaurants), but we found Hotel Pescille comfortable and relaxing.
We visited San Gimingnano and Siena, etc. We stayed in a wonderful b&b outside of San Gimingnano. The name of the b&b is il vicario. You can find additional info on Trip Advisor. I would highly recommend this place.
Check out la-fonte.com for a lovely apartment in a renovated farmhouse situated between Certaldo and San Gimignano. There are 4 apartments to choose from - the one we stayed in had 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There is a pool, off road parking and space outside to run around or just relax on the lawn furniture. It's an easy drive to both SanG and Volterra as well as other Tuscan towns.
Several years ago we stayed at Il Rosolaccio (www.rosolaccio.com). It was a wonderful agriturismo. The towers of San Gimignano are visible from the property which has a pool and is set on a hill above a vineyard and overlooking many others. Both rooms and apartments are available and they serve dinner there. Lovely setting and vistas and convenient to many hilltowns. We visited both Volterra and San Gimignano from there as well as Siena and towns in Chianti. Check out their website. Rates look reasonable to me.
We also enjoyed our stay (apt. Ginestra) at Il Rosolaccio. It is in a lovely setting 5 km from Certaldo and 8 km from San Gim. Would stay here again!