Dear Silvia and Paolo, It has been almost 3 weeks since we have been to your beautiful, charming hotel. We just want to say that we enjoyed our stay very much and we would like to say thank you again for you SUPER hospitality. You are great hosts, your place is so beautiful and you practise it absolutely perfect, everything was great and so well organized. We travelled a lot in our life, we saw a lot of places and hotels but you are absolutely way ahead!!! You make such a great job, stay like this! We definitely will recommend Podere Salicotto (but just to childless couples – hihihi) Have a wonderful rest of the summer

Thomas and Iréne from Switzerland

In ten years of visiting Italy this is the first place we have ever felt compelled to visit for a second time, it really is wonderful – ‘the complete package’ Delightful charming hosts, amazing breathtaking 360° views, incredible breakfasts and first class accommodation, I can see we will definitely be back a third time! There is always a chance to try something different too, this time a very special meal with Ranuccio, made all the more enjoyable by the special comradierie that Silvia and Paolo so expertly nurture in their guests. This time it was Thomas and Irene and Iris and Massimo.

Sue & Anson from England

Bon journo Sylvia and Paulo, hello from D.! Just a quick e-mail to thank you both for a really wonderful holiday . We were very sad to leave but we know that we will be back in the not too distant future. Our holiday was good in every way, but made even more memorable by your kindness and hospitality. Being offered the use of the BMW made it special for Paul, and my afternoon with you on the horses came close to my idea of heaven! So thank you again, you are doing a great job…do come and see us if you are ever in the Highlands or in Edinburgh-you will always be welcome. Ciao Bella and Bello! xxxx

Ginny from England

Silvia & Paulo, we had an absolutely wonderful time while here. Your place is beautiful and you both are wonderful hosts! I am “astonished” of your hospitality! Tuscany is beautiful and your home and how you have welcomed us has just made it even more so. We will treasure our memories from here. We wish you much success! Ciao Bella!

Monica & Joe from The United States of America

Dear Paolo & Sylvia, Hi how are you both?! This is Gerard here… Kara and I were the Australians that stayed with you about 6 weeks ago. Firstly thank you again for having us. We had a great stay and have very fond memories of your place and Buonconvento. We were lucky enough to be there when the local festival was on and we both think the food was some of the nicest we have ever had. We also won’t forget the breakfasts at your place and your fantastic hospitality. We have told just about everyone we know about our stay with you! Unfortunately though since we arrived back in Australia about 2 weeks ago we have both had to start diets..you see after Italy we ate our way through Ireland, England and New York for about the next month..what the hell you only live once hey!  Hope that the both of you are well and that you are going to have a good time next month. If you ever come to Australia please get in touch it would be great to show you around. Anyway stay safe and thanks again for having us and letting us know so much information about your area. It is certainly something that we will never forget.

Gerard from Australia

Dear Friends, David and I want you to know how much we loved Podere Salicotto, the lovely breakfasts, the exquisite views and beautifully appointed rooms. Most of all, we want to thank you for making us feel so welcome with your warm hospitality. Thank you also for helping with train schedules, restaurant recommendations and wine tasting. You surely made our staymost special and one that we will long remember. With warm affection

David & Mary from The United States of America

Sylvia & Paolo, we have thoroughly enjoyed our magical stay here at Podere Salicotto. Sylvia thank you very much for all your wonderful suggestions with wonderful plans to eat and excellent places to see. We hope to see you again in our future visit to Italy. Warmest regards

Maureen & Gary from Canada

Dear Sylvia & Paolo, Podere Salicotto is a fantastic estabilishment in a magnificent setting in a fascinating region of Italy. All of this, however, pales next to the grace and warmth that you both have shown to us Many thanks until the next time. Arrivederci,

Frede & Rodger from The United States of America

Silvia & Paolo, you have done a wonderful job of estabilishing a warm and inviting place for people to stay while exploring the most stunning part of Italy. Thank you for your sincere welcome; your ongoing assistance with information regarding walks and restaurants; and the beautiful breakfast each morning. We have had a most wonderful time and will always remember our time here. There will be another time!....Grazie.

Diane & Vlad from Australia

To Silvia & Paulo – We enjoyed very much your magnificent place and your warm hospitality. It was the best ending to our wonderful honeymoon in Italy. Tuscany is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world and your house is one of the nicest in Tuscany. We will recommend your place and hopefully come back in the future. Keep in touch

Irit and Iair from Israel

 Thank you so much Silvia and Paolo for the wonderful days I had here with you! I felt being welcomed and received like a friend! You, your house and the beautiful landscape make the farewell hard for me! Auf ein froehliches Wiedersehen im naechsten Jahr! Herzlichst,

Eva – from Germany

How I really know what the expression “homefrom home means”. It is truly a beautiful place because of the beautiful setting but above all because of all the care and thought you have put into your place and how you treat your guests. Thank you for the little oasis you have created. Till the next time.

Georgina – from Rome

Cara Silvia e ‘darling’ Paolo, Stumbling upon*Podere*Salicotto* has been a voyage of spirit, joy and laughter. Salicotto calms the soul, bringing to life long buried dreams of all that life may bring. In friendship and gratitude, grazie mille!!

Corinne – from Canada

Liebe Silvia, Lieber Paolo, Wir sagen herzlich Danke Scoen! Ihr habt es hier so schoen gestaltet und seid so liebe und nette Gastgeber und Menschen. Wir haben un shier sehr wohl gefuehlt. Eure Herzlichkeit ist etwas Wunderbares. Wir wuenschen Euch Alles Guete und hoffen wir sehen un shier bald mal wieder. Zwei Hamburger sagen Tschuess, P.S. Silvia Dein KUchen war ein Traum…so lecker.

Swetlana und Thomas –aus Hamburg

Dear Silvia and Paolo, We thank you sincerely for a simply magnificent stay. We love every aspect of Salicotto, but above all your hospitality, charm and good humour. Until next time.

Bernard and Lynn Washington DC and Canada (“Secret Agents”)

Paulo & Silvia, our trip “a return to roots” at every turn has blessed us with new friends + a feeling that “we must return here!” No where is that more true than at Podere “Salicotto”. Your kindness, your genuine hearts, your FABULOUS COOKING have made this part of our journey one of our favorites. We heard about the beauty of Tuscnay but you have found the most beautiful spot in Tuscany! Millie Grazie for the exquisite attention to every DETAIL!, from the fabulous restoration of this beautiful hilltop to the choice recommendations of places to see, eat and rink. Until we return, with friends & family, GRAZIE DI TUTTO! With love,               P.S. we promise to work on our Italian…Thanks for the TOrta Ricotta “Salicotto” recipe. It will be treasured.

Michael Sherri Bryan Colca – from the United States

Dear Silvia, just wanted to say a HUGE Grazie fo your superb hospitality. You really are the “hostess with the nosetest” as they say in England. You have a special way of lookinf after your guests that immediately made us feel so welcome + part of the family. You are an amazing cook with the lightest of touch and your thoughtfulness + recommendations are always perfect. Paulo, sorry we did not get to meet you this time. You have a beautiful home + a beautiful wife (in every way). Everything is Perfetto! So until the enxt time, don’t change a thing. Grazie di tutto. A presto!   P.s. Thanks for arrangino the bicycle training with your friends from Buonconvento.

Diane + Nick Jeggo – from Newport, Shropshire, England

Dear Silvia + Paulo, Thank you both for a fabulous 2 days, we came for a day and wanted to stay for the year. Wishing you all the future success you so richly deserve. We will be back soon for the wonderful welcome, wine, pool and of course Brunch!! Best wishes

Allison + Mike – from Ireland

Dear Sylvia and Paulo, we came , we saw and were conquered by the setting, the countryside but above all the charm and the genuine feeling of Sylvia making us feel really welcomed. Sylvia you are a natural at this game and Podere Salicotto will fast become famous for its hospitality around the world. Kiaora to you both. Kiaora is Maori for “All Hail” Salute!

Paul and Sandy Harrop, Nicky, Joe + ben – from New Zealand

SILVIA and PAULO, How does one describe into words that words cannot describe! Ascending the driveway with our man BELVEDERE, we took pleasure in the splendour of our view. A feeling of relief that we had made the right choice from a multitude of choices. SILVIA’S warm smile and sincere approach to hospitality was wonderful! You are a ‘natural’ for this Silvia (our Contessa)! True spirit of service before self. Paulo, a terrific host and historian of Italian culture and the arts. We learned more over a glass of wine than years in a classroom. Podere Salicotto became our home away from home. Peace and solitude in a world not at peace and a world too busy to slow down and enjoy the view. We have never been taken in and made a part of a/your family like we have here! We will be back. The only place on earth where we both felt at peace with one another!

Scott & Debbie – from The United States

There is a place in Buonconvento that embodies the beauty and romance of Tuscany – Podere Salicotto. Paulo + Silvia, your kindness and hospitality is unsurpassed. I have enjoyed the peace of your surroundings and your lovely kindness.  P.S. Would love to see you in SA soon! Grazie

Renay – from South Africa

This is an extraordinary place, with two extraordinary persons – Silvia and Paolo – running it. Everything they do and say comes directly from the heart. It feels as if they have made a dream come true, and we – their guests – are part of it. This is not just a journey to Tuscany – it is a journey into peace, quietness, a fantastic landscape and the warm and extraordinary hospitality and “relaxedness” of Silvia and Paolo and the Italian people. Thank you very much for everything, it was a real pleasure! So, jetzt in Deutch. Es war eine wundervolle Zeit hier in podere Salicotto, alles war mit unglaublich viel Liebe und Herzlichkeitgemacht. Wir warden diesen Ort NIE vergessen…So Gott es will, warden wir bald wieder kommen!? Euch, liebe Silvia und Paolo, wuensche ich von Herzen Gottes Segen und ganz viel Kraft fuer die naechste Zeit. Danke fuer Alles!!! Eine herzliche Umarmung fuer Euch wunderbare Menschen. We are sad to go back home, but rich and full of impressions!

Carsten und Carolina – from Germany

Dear Silvia and Paolo, thank you very much for a beautiful week at your farm. It’s now a very special place for us. We’ll remember a combination of a fantastic nature and human warmeness. We are very impressed how you could think and remember about all small things. It will be difficult to return from this paradise to the regular life.

Fira and Simon Gindikin –from Russia living in the States

Oh dear. I don’t know where to start. In fact I’m not going to start – I am just going to say that of all the places I have travelled to, Salicotto is the first that I know I will come back to. Everything was perfect. Nessun Dorma – Nessun Pomodoro – Nessun Problema

Julia May-Brown XXXX – from England

Everything was absolutely perfect. You are both such lovely people – I think we need to send the rest of the UK over for lessons in Cockney-Italiano! See you soon                 We do have our suspicions that Silvia & Paulo are NOT Italian BUT COCKNEY LONDONERS!

Simon XXX – from England

Liebe Silvia, Lieber Paolo, Mir hat podere Salicotto sehr gefallen. Besonders Eure Freundlichkeit, der Pool, der schiene Ausblick und die Hunde Etta Betta und Brina. Es war einfach toll!! Sozusagen war es der Beste Urlaub meines Lebens! Ihr seid so nett und lieb. Ich hoffe, dass wir uns mal wieder sehen.  P.s. grazie fuer diese schoene Zeit.

Eure Dana Kummerfeldt (Pescelino con occhiali) from Germany

Wir kamen in das Herz der Toskana, jenes Land zu finden, welches Leonardo und Michelangelo hervorgebracht hat,welches unter dem Einfluss der medici die Zeichen seiner Kultur bis heute bewahrt hat, wo der Wein von Montepulciano und Montalcino und der Pecorino unsere Gaumen verwoehnt hat. Dort fanden wir nicht nur die Waerme der Sonne, nicht nur die Schoenheit von “Le Crete Senese”. Wir fanden vor allen Dingen die Freundlichkeit und Herzlichkeit von   Silvia&Paolo    Jetzt verstehen wir das Laecheln von La Gioconda. Dafuer danken wir Euch von ganzem Herzen. Mille Grazie.

Dana, Anastasia, Alla und Rainer – from Germany

Sylvia and Paulo, you are the prove that rest can be found in a house of hospitality. We enjoyed the place so much that it hurts to get home. You let us taste of Tuscany in all his beauty: nice homemade food, cultural advice in visiting small cities, bicycling touring by Paulo (a little training up mountain should be good when other Belgian bikers will come and I make sure they come to you!), the smile and “come stai bene” from Sylvia, singing entertainment in the abbey, social engagement with our children. We’ve loved our stay and are in love with Tuscany and Salicotto, Thanks molto bene GRAZIE DI TUTTO E’ stato un soggiorno molto piacevole XXX

Gerd, Sofie, Liesbeth, Delphine and Matthiew (new player for AC Milan)Club Brugge – from Belgiun

Dear Dear Sylvia and Paulo, Thanks for a great time. The food was delicious especially the jam and apricot tart. You both speak better English than a lot of English people do. Thank you for helping me speak better Italian. Hope to see you again. Forza Milano. P.s. Thank you for giving Chelsea Andriy Shevchenko!

Sam from London

Dear Silvia + Paulo, we have been searching for an agriturismo in this area for years – and now we have found it! Such a lovely place, everything you need + a fantastic welcome from you two fabulous hosts. Podere Salicotto has all you need for a relaxing + enjoyable stay in the Sienese hills. Ideal for adults + children alike. You have done a brilliant job on the house, you run a truly marvellous b+b. You deserve all the success I’m sure you will get. Ci vediamo presto mille grazie

Sue Jim + Sam  xxx – from London

Paulo the King. Silvia the jewel in the crown! Unending hospitality, nothing too much terrible, unending breakfast.  Do we really have to go home? Unfortunately yes but we will be back as will Nick+ Di. May your success continue, our best wishes from

Maureen + Michael Jeggo – from Newport Shropshire

Dear Sivia & Paolo, after having a perfect evening together, this year it’s up to me to write down what we felt over here…..it was a good sort of homecoming . Feeling welcome in all of its ways! Feeling home….When Loes suggested to stay the last week of our ‘cycle’ trip at Salicotto…I got enthusiastic as well. Looking forward to the perfect area and warm hospitality we had last year. And that was what happened. When you come stressy and leave with a big smile it’s OK. Thanks! We will meet again… (naked and covered with honey) Grazie & Love  p.s. this is the map..I’ll send you a few more! + photos)

Marco & Loes – from Holland

Carissimi Silvia e Paolo, Just a short e-mail to say thank you so much for a wonderful, wonderful holiday. We were really sad to leave you both and your lovely home. It really is one of the best places we have ever stayed in Italy. We really enjoyed the wine tasting evening which was a lovely way to spend our last night with you. We were also lucky to have met Gianfranco and his lovely wife, they were delightful. Although the send place we stayed was nice  it was not as friendly and we missed you both too much!!, and of course your wonderful breakfasts  which we looked forward to each morning. It was really nice to receive your e-mail “Settembre nelle Crete Senese” today, please keep us on your mailing list as we certainly intend to return to Salicotto one day! Many thanks Love from

Sue & Anson – from England

Liebe Silvia und Paolo, Leider muessen wir schon wieder diesen wundervollen Ort verlassen, es hat un ausserordentlich gefallen. Wir wuenschen Euch eine gute Zeit und viele Gaeste

Erich und Edith – from Germany

Silvia and Paulo, Kira and I would very much like to thank you for the wonderful respite with which you favored us last week at Podere Salicotto. We can without doubt say that our week with you was one of the nicest times we have had away from our home, not just in Italy but in all of our travels. The accommodations were excellent (I for one particularly appreciated the wonderful view of Montalcino) and the food was absolutely top drawer. Most of all, though, we appreciated your kind personal attention (and that of your staff!) to enriching our stay. Your help familiarizing us with Buonconvento and its surrounds, your advice and suggestions on touring the province and where to eat while so doing, your allowing us to use your bicycles, your loaning us Etta for a time, the superb Brunello, and many, many small intangibles all added up to an “awesome” week for us in Tuscany. Tuscany, Toscana, is one of my most favourite places on the planet, and I am happy to tell you that Kira, with your help, now feels much the same. We hope to return, and we hope you will again allow us to stay with you when we do. Our best regards

Ed & Kira

Dear Silvia, our stay in your lovely home was just incredible. The setting ambiance, lovely spacious rooms, panoramic views, fantastic fully equipped kitchen for us to use, advice on where to go and dine, location, beautiful pool, many little details and the incredible homemade brunch in your gorgeous kitchen you provided every day was just spectacular. But most of all, you and Paolo’s warm hospitality was much more than we ever expected. We can’t wait to return for a longer stay and will certainly recommend Podere Salicotto to all of our friends. Many thank & warm regards

Jeanne and David E. – from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Hi Silvia and Paolo, We had a marvellous stay at Podere Salicotto and would stay here again with great pleasure. You have attended to every detail one could ever think of to make guests feel welcome, and to feed them extraordinarily well. You’ve created a warm welcoming, restful place to tour this beautiful area. We’re planning to return. Ciao

Linda and Jack – from USA