PODERE DIONORA

Sweet seclusion in a quintessential hilltop Tuscan setting.

WITH ITS PICTURE-BOOK HILLTOP SETTING, Podere Dionora encapsulates Tuscany’s tranquil wine country to a T. 

A sturdy stone farmhouse sat at the end of a lane flanked with cypress trees and vineyards, this little Tuscan Eden is set in captivating countryside with views. Don’t be surprised to come across deer and rabbits if you wander through the woods, scented with broom in springtime and carpeted with wild mushrooms in autumn. 

There’s a large and elegant salon with a fireplace where you can curl up with a book and a glass of local wine in the cooler months. In summer, you’re more likely to be draped around the pool, admiring those quintessential Tuscan views. 

There are just six rooms here – all different, all comfortable and all beautifully decorated. They have beamed ceilings, wrought iron beds and polished wooden furniture. Spacious bathrooms come with indulgent jacuzzi baths and even private sauna cabins.

Sunflowers and sunsets

Delicious breakfasts are served in the sunny, glass-walled limonaia next to the pool, with its wide-open views. In summer, you can munch beneath the flower-shaded pergola outside.

The surroundings, fields of sunflowers and spectacular sunsets (best enjoyed with a glass of prosecco) are what make Dionora extra special. From here, you can follow roads that lead to some of Tuscany’s best known wine towns – notably Montepulciano, home of the famous vino nobile – Montalcino and historic Pienza. While you can be immersed in Tuscan tranquillity here,  all are within easy reach.

Manager Giulio – for whom nothing, it seems. Is too much trouble – wins heaps of plaudits from guests. He’ll be happy to help you plan outings, book restaurants and get the max out of your stay.

Wine and olive oil are produced on the estate using time-honoured traditional methods, and you are sure to sample both during your stay. Be sure to book early – rooms at this little gem are often bagged early by adoring returning guests.


Podere Dionora was reviewed by Room For Romance

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
You’ll need to dine out for dinner, but  Breakfast here is an extravaganza that should see you through the day: the buffet table is laden with freshly baked pastries, local hams and pecorino cheeses, fresh juices and fruit. What’s more, you can be deliciously slothful and enjoy it until 11.30 am.

Breakfast
A sumptuous breakfast including home made pastries, fresh juice, homemade cheese and ham and much more is served until 10:30.

Room service
Breakfast only.



See & Do
Tuscany’s Renaissance hilltop towns don’t come better than Pienza, bursting with churches and palazzi. Montepulciano has an impressive Duomo and a basilica just below the town’s ancient walls. Montalcino is another gem, encircled by medieval walls. More distant Siena and Florence are also within striking distance. You can also go cycling in the countryside, do some wine tasting, book a hot-air balloon ride or soak in the thermal waters at Chianciano.

Spa
There’s no dedicated spa – though you can get steamy in your own private sauna cabin. Massage treatments can be arranged.

Diary Dates
July
Take in some culture at Montepulciano’s Cantiere Internazionale dell’arte – a packed programme of ballet, theatre and classical music.

Late August
You’ll get a barrel of laughs at the Bravio wine barrel race.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via Vicinale di Poggiano – 53045 Montepulciano.

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
Chiusi – 20km

Taxis
Around EUR 30 from the station, or 150 from the airport.

Airport
Florence – 125km; Pisa 190km; or Rome – 200km.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 280 - 360

Open/closed
Closed from 10 December to 14 February.

Check-in
14:00

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
Two nights.

Children
Over 10s only.

Pets
No.

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Wedding license?
Small receptions can be held with up to 12 guests.