Follonico B&B is perhaps the most enchanting place we’ve ever experienced. Tucked amongst the vines of the Tuscan countryside, with medieval hilltop towns all around, the property captures your heart from the moment you drive up the gravel road onto Fabio and Suzanne’s organic farm. The breathtakingly gorgeous farmhouse, rose-filled gardens, and working farm are beyond just a passion project for the couple; it is their love, and it is their way of life.
Walking up to the property, you’re first stuck by the story-book setting. Rows of grape vines blanket the countryside all around, the medieval town of Montepulciano sits regally atop the tallest hill in the distance, and butterflies dance in the blue sky. The farmhouse itself is drenched in flowers. Vines with a bounty of pink and white roses climb the old stone walls, and pots overflow with purple, yellow, and red blooms. Just down the hillside from the farmhouse, geese swim about the pond and Suzanne’s horse grazes majestically in the field.
If the beauty of Follonico ended right there, we’d be pleased enough. Put us in a room with comfy bed and it’d still be our favorite place. But Fabio and Suzanne’s passion for their guests to have an unparalleled experience shows at every turn. The attention to detail is superb. A thoughtfully-curated array of antique decor brings unique character to each room. In the “Blu Notte” guest-room, reclaimed wood from the original farmhouse hangs as the headboard over a plush king bed, copper pots dangle above the fireplace, the most romantic white dress with green sash hangs in the corner, and a black & white portrait sketch rests, museum-like, on an easel by the door. While rustic charm emanates from each space, the centuries-old property boast all the modern amenities you could ask for in a luxury experience, including climate control technology, a modern rain-shower, and high-quality artisanal linens produced by one of the most ancient fabric makes in Tuscany. Detail matter at Follonico.
In the mornings, bird songs and chirping would awake us. We’d throw open the shutters to watch them zip about playfully in the sky and let the Tuscan sun pour in. Then we’d head down to for a delicious breakfast made by Fabio with fresh produce and eggs from the farm. Afterwards, we’d venture out for a day of exploring nearby vineyards and towns like Montepulciano, Pienza, Siena or Cortona. Follonico is ideally located in the story-book Val d’Ocia region and central to many of the great destinations in Tuscany. Regardless of where our adventures took us during the day, we were always excited to return and unwind at Follonico in the evenings. We’d gather under the pergola overlooking rows of grapes and soak in the surroundings, while chatting over over a bottle of wine that we had picked up that day.
Food and farm-life is at the core of Follonico, so we highly recommend setting up a cooking experience with Fabio. It was one the highlights of our entire trip, and we had the most wonderful evening learning, helping, and creating a meal made from scratch with ingredients from just outside the door. We attempted to master the art of dough kneading under Fabio’s jovial direction, and we laughed at our lack of delicacy when placing lady-fingers into the tiramisu.
Of all the charming corners on this Earth, Fabio & Suzanne’s farmhouse property in the Tuscan country side stands out among the most special we’ve visited. It’s a magical place and we highly recommend it…to you!
Check out our Montepulciano Guide, Pienza Guide & favorite winery, Avignonesi, for more to do in the area.
By: Brennan Hoppe
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Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest at Follonico, and thanks them for a lovely stay. As always, all opinions are our own.
