Edward Hendriks
Agriturismo Sant'Agata near Cortona in Tuscany is a special holiday residence. First of all, because the accommodation of the Bernardini family is a real farm. Quietly located in the hills of the Chiana Valley in Eastern Tuscany.
At the invitation of NOVASOL, we spent our autumn holiday week at Agriturismo Sant'Agata. The holiday accommodation is closest to Cortona as the crow flies, but Castiglione Fiorentino is the easiest to reach place in the area, where you can also do your shopping.
In the hills of Eastern Tuscany
The agriturismo is really located in the hills – you could say mountains – and it takes you from Castiglion about 25 minutes to get to the mountains over the winding asphalt road and the last piece of unpaved road in the hamlet of Cantalena. This hamlet consists of no more than a few scattered houses, of which the Bernardini estate is part.
At night you can see thousands of stars and hear owls calling. During the day you can relax with a book at the pool, in a sheltered spot in the garden or on one of the many terraces at the holiday accommodations.
Like a village
The most striking thing is that the complex resembles a small village. There is a square with a water point, there are several buildings and there is even a church. A large garden with several steps and paths, vistas, fruit trees, lawns, swings, a slide and other play equipment make it a great place for children to play.
To further reinforce the idea of a village, signposts have been placed on the estate. There is also a real pool bar and a restaurant where you can be treated to delicious regional products.
We stayed in the autumn in one of the largest apartments – three spacious bedrooms, a kitchen/living room and a small bathroom – on the first floor of the old farmhouse and we were the only guests. One evening we had dinner with the Bernardini family. Nonna had made us delicious pasta with pesto and roasted chicken and potatoes.
A real farm
Running the agriturismo is clearly not the main activity for the family, which makes it all the more charming. That is the new farm near the agriturismo with cows, horses, piggies, ostriches, pigeons, geese and a donkey. The family also makes their own products such as jam, olive oil, wine and herbs, which you can of course also buy. If you ask them, you can view the animals under supervision.
Several apartments have been created in the various historic buildings. About 6 apartments are suitable for rental. We had one of the 2 large apartments for groups of about 6 people in the main building. In addition, there are a number of smaller apartments.
They are real farmhouses with thick walls, old fireplaces and typical Tuscan farmhouse furniture. The apartments do not offer much luxury, but still have everything you need to relax for a week or longer without radio or TV. For those who really can't live without their tablet or smartphone, there is a WiFi hotspot.
Eastern Tuscany and surroundings
The environment of Eastern Tuscany on the border with Umbria is wonderful. Here you will find beautiful medieval cities such as Arezzo, Cortona and Castiglion Fiorentino. Also a visit to the Lake Trasimeno is recommended.
You will find this fourth largest lake in Italy an hour's drive from the accommodation. From the fortress in Castiglione del Lago you have a great 360-degree view of the lake and the surrounding area. From here you can also make good trips to Umbrian cities such as Perugia and Gubbio.
Hospitable
The Bernardini family really goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Owner Walter and his wife don't speak English, but their children and in-laws do. On arrival wine, juice and some refreshments were ready.
The agriturismo remains open all year round and there is heating for the cold months. When we left the agriturismo we took a few liters of homemade olive oil to take home.
Have you become curious about this rustic place in eastern Tuscany? You can find this special accommodation on the website of NOVASOL Holiday Homes with the house code ITA288.
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