Podere Mandriato Farmhouse, Pieve di Santa Luce (Tuscany)
Highliths
- Ideal for trekking, cycling, e-bike
- Strategic location for exploring Tuscany
- Organic and locally-sourced food
- Family atmosphere
- Authentic Farm experience
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Podere Mandriato: the 'true' Agriturismo
“I can confidently affirm that our establishment embodies the real concept of Agriturismo…”
This is how Jonathan begins his introduction to the structure that he and his wife Valentina have nurtured. They met when she came on holiday to Tuscany.
The organic farming Agriturismo Podere Mandriato is situated on the Pisan hills of Santa Luce, (15 km as the crow flies from the sea) a small village that stretches over about 60 square kilometres and is inhabited by only 1600 people.
“Therefore, we all know each other! Ours is a small, yet preserved, reality where the atmosphere of community and togetherness can be truly experienced. Our location has always been agriculturally oriented with a rich history, attributed to both Etruscan settlements and early 19th-century structures like the Church of Pieve Santa Luce.
Additionally, in Pomaia, we have, for over 40 years, one of the largest Western centres for Tibetan Buddhism. Hence, it is common to encounter Tibetan monks strolling through the village streets.
Our Agriturismo was established within the ‘Podere Mandriato’ Farm, which has been owned by my family since the ’50s, first by my grandfather Vittorio, then by my father Dino.”
So, Jonathan, what prompted you and Valentina to invest in this project?
“I was born and raised on these hills, always working on the farm, even though I had held other jobs for 20 years. In 2009, following my father’s death, I began managing the business and developing my own project. However, I was still occupied with another job. In 2014, finally, I was able to dedicate myself full time, alongside Valentina, to making our dreams and desires a reality.”
The apartments and services
How many apartments does the Farmhouse have?“We can accommodate our guests in two apartments located in the main farmhouse:What services do you offer to those staying with you?
- one with 5 beds
- another with 4 beds
“We offer accommodation for small and medium-sized pets, free Wi-Fi, a well-equipped communal garden, and upon request, we provide breakfast and dinner services. Guests can savour our dishes, prepared with farm or local products, all organic or locally-grown, where possible and cooked according to Tuscan tradition. We also have our own outlet for farm and local products. I would like to add that at our place, those who wish can genuinely experience the farm by participating in our daily activities: from taking care of animals to harvesting vegetables in the garden, or simply having a ‘chat’ under our gazebo in front of a good glass of wine.”
What is the best season to stay with you?
“Our Farm stay is suitable for all individuals and families who enjoy life in nature, the tranquillity of the countryside and desire to relax in the silence of the hills, living in contact with animals. Therefore, each period of the year has its own distinct features.
For instance, spring offers the awakening of nature after winter, and one can enjoy a landscape coloured green by various blooms. In the villages close to the Agriturismo, Santa Luce and Pieve, Castellina M.ma, Pastina, Orciano Pisano, the first festivals start to come to life. The climate is mild and ideal for walks and excursions. You can visit art cities or even go to the beaches to soak up the early sun.
Summer naturally offers the chance to experience the Tuscan sea, but even in this period, sporting activities, trekking, cycling and jogging can be enjoyed, especially in the evening and morning hours, with the light of dawn or sunset.
Autumn is the quietest period and if we’re fortunate, we can enjoy beautiful days both by the sea and on the hill, and even visit some of the villages for which Tuscany is world-renowned. The beginning of olive harvest offers the opportunity to taste ‘new’ oil, along with a nice bruschetta and good wine.”
Sporty holidays among the 'Colli Pisani'
What sporting activities can be performed around Santa Luce and the Pisan hills district?
“In our area, mainly, we can enjoy trekking, cycling and e-biking, even in collaboration with expert guides, with the possibility of assistance and rental.
In February, the sports association of Pieve di Santa Luce organizes a cross country mountain bike race called ‘Prova Trofeo 10 Comune’.
Other trekking-related events can then be found during the lavender flowering season (from approximately June 15 to July 15), where you can participate in another series of events such as meditations in the lavender field with Tibetan bells, picnics, themed dinners, and much more.”
Why choose Podere Mandriato Farmhouse?
Final question of ritual: why should people choose your Agriturismo? What does one take away from a stay with you?
“For two main reasons: firstly, because we are a small, quiet Agriturismo that has been hosting with much love since 2004, in the heart of the ‘Colli Pisani’. Here guests can relax, live the atmosphere of the countryside, but at the same time have the opportunity to do all the sports activities they prefer, either nearby or just a few minutes away. These places are perfect for those who love long walks, bike rides, and more.
Within half an hour’s drive, we are in Pisa, within an hour we reach Florence, Lucca, Volterra, San Gimignano and in about two hours we go to Siena and Grosseto. Naturally, during these trips, Tuscan villages are not lacking. Another key reason to come and stay with us is the proximity to the beaches and the sea.
As a second reason, I want to emphasize that by coming to us you contribute to the survival of small farming realities like ours. Farms like us, in recent years, really struggle to get by and very often when our ‘old ones’ can no longer manage, they get absorbed by big companies. Many of these practice industrial agriculture, based on the use of chemical products and are not at all attentive to the territory, realities like ours, on the other hand, are the ‘guardians’ of the territory, its biodiversity and traditions. They are very careful to produce healthy food adopting cultivation techniques such as organic and biodynamic, in respect of the environment and people.
We are fundamental realities for the territory and its social fabric and by staying with us you can really contribute to ensure that all this continues to exist.”
Thank you, Jonathan. Your words reveal a deep passion for your business and for the realization of your project. We at ‘Vacanze Sportive Toscana’ will do our best to support your dreams.
Sports and Facilities Summary
Sports available on-site or in the surroundings: mountain biking, e-biking, road cycling, running, trekking (possibility to be accompanied by local guides), holistic disciplines, Yoga
Services: Pets allowed, Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Location
Contacts
Podere Mandriato Farmhouse
