First… the view
PODERE MADONNA
A piece of paradise in Tuscany
In the rolling hills between two valleys - where the UNESCO World Heritage “Val d’Orcia” meets the “Val di Chiana” - sits “PODERE MADONNA”. It’s a recently renovated farmhouse which dates back centuries.
“Podere” means farmhouse in Italian. This one was owned by a noble family back in the day and would’ve been home to sharecroppers who would work the land and share the harvest.
We fell in love with this house - and its view - when it was still in ruins… and we’ve poured our heart into bringing it back to life.
We have decided to share our home with friends of friends when we are traveling.
This is a spot where you can unplug, write, think, relax, or listen to the birds. It’s a tranquil getaway… and a chance to live a slower life for a bit.
Our home is quiet and off the path beaten by tourists… but it’s on a paved road and you can walk about 10 minutes into town for a coffee.
There are a number of hiking trails that pass by our house and we’re well located to explore all of Tuscany.
We’re surrounded by vineyards and are just about ten minutes by car from Montepulciano (which you see across the valley)…fifteen minutes from Pienza and 35 from Montalcino.
Podere Madonna is tucked on a hill below this gem of a town, Montefollonico.
This once was the stable… and you can still see where the edges of the bricks were smoothed by cows rubbing their backs. This is the main living room - looking back toward the dining table and the kitchen. Work from Tuscan artisans is mixed with pieces from our travels.
Whether making a fire and settling in during winter or grilling out and eating under the pergola, taking in the view on a summer evening, PoMad is designed to be enjoyed in every season.
Authentic tradition meets modern luxury
An original farmhouse dating back to the late 1600s, Podere Madonna (we call it “PoMad”) just underwent a two year renovation. The idea was to enhance its original features while introducing modern specifications and amenities. This was a project of love and great attention to detail. We used traditional materials and worked with local artisans to find a balance between tradition and modern comfort.
PoMad has three double bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. It also has an office (which we would close-off and use as a place to store personal belongings to make space for you). The house has air conditioning and under-floor heating in every room, new Miele appliances, and Italian design furniture across the property. Yet, it’s the unparalleled views that will take your breath away.
At home in Tuscany
Our newly built kitchen is in the former granaio (hay shed) and has stunning views looking toward Montepulciano. (We find people don’t mind doing dishes because of the view).
You can dine in what used to be the former stables, next to the original manger, looking at our antique fireplace and the stone wall which has been hand grouted by local stone masons. Or maybe you’ll want a spritz in the porcilaia (the former open pig-pen) now turned into a gorgeous terrace overlooking the valley and San Biagio - the 15th century Renaissance cathedral. You will taste our organic, cold-pressed olive oil, produced on the property, and drink our neighbours’ Nobile di Montepulciano wine.
It’s a good spot… and we’d be happy to share this little slice of paradise that we have worked so hard to create…
LOCATION:
The house is a few minutes drive or 10-ish minute uphill walk to the town of Montefollonico. It’s a gem of a village perched between Val D’Orcia and Valdichiana. It’s less touristy than many other spots and is a place where you can find a real slice of Italian life.
Podere Madonna is a 10 mins drive from Montepulciano; 15 mins from Pienza; 35 mins from Montalcino and 45 from Siena. This is the perfect launch site to explore the heart of Tuscany.
You will need to rent a car or have your own car to stay at PoMad.
The fine (furry) print
Meet Caterina (the ginger cat) and Cosimo (the tuxedo cat). Podere Madonna is home to them too. They sleep and eat outside. They have their own space in a technical room at the back of the house - which has a cat door so they can come and go. They are barn cats…but have an identity crisis and like to think they’re inside cats. So, they’ll try to come in the house… but they are not allowed on the furniture! We do let them in for cuddling.
We’d have someone come to feed them each day… but you’d need to at least like cats to enjoy a stay here.
Downstairs Guest Bath
Downstairs Guest Bath
Downstairs Guest Bath
Downstairs Guest Bedroom
Downstairs Guest Bedroom
Downstairs Guest Bedroom
Additional services and ideas:
Once booked at PoMad, we can help you organize things like:
An in-house chef for the week or for one special meal, we might even be able to convince Andrea’s mom to come cook for you
In-house massage or we will connect you to three local spas/thermal baths for other spa related services - including incredible luxury hot springs 30mins away from the house;
We will send you a list of recommendations for places to eat, drink and things to do near us, and we will be happy to book restaurants or experiences for you;
Wine tasting experiences, some including lunch and/or dinner.
Rental Details:
PoMad is an adults only property. It can host 6 adults in three double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Minimum stay: one week
Upstairs living area
Upstairs living area looking toward door
Upstairs living room looking toward stairs
Upstairs living room
Upstairs Primary Bedroom
Primary bedroom
Primary closet
Master bedroom
Closet detail
Primary bath
Primary bath
Primary bath
Primary bath detail
upstairs guest room (two twin beds)
upstairs guest room bathroom
upstairs guest shower
Modern & rustic,
original, yet with all comforts
The house has been painstakingly renovated maintaining all original details yet giving every room a contemporary touch and all modern comforts (high-speed WiFi, USB and USBC plugs; air conditioning and underfloor heating in every room; international kitchen appliances)
Upstairs guest bedroom
Upstairs guest bedroom
Upstairs guest bath
Upstairs guest bath
Upstairs guest bath
Upstairs Loggia
Facade at night
Lunch pergola