Let me first of all say, this old stone hayloft has been beautifully converted into an ideal holiday cottage - the perfect size for us & our two kids. It has everything you need for a very comfortable stay including two bathrooms with excellent showers.Secondly, the views at Podere Monti are stunning & we have never enjoyed our morning coffee more than sitting outside as the sun burst across the breathtaking landscape. What's more the view from the swimming pool terrace is even better where you can see the ancient stone towers of San Giamagno on the horizon. In fact the pool terrace is idyllic with a good sized, fresh water pool - like the photos suggest. Also, Podere Monti is just a 20 mins stroll (1km) into Casole D'elsa for a lovely evening meal. OK, it's a steep road but is well worth it especially when the restaurant Dal Brigante awaits - definitely the best of the village options and has exceptional views - we ate there twice as it does all the Italian classics brilliantly.
Now the negative bits:
If you think this maybe a cottage with it's own private pool then think again. The cottage description is a little misleading. There are 3 to 4 other apartments/cottages on site all which have complimentary use of the pool terrace. We were certainly taken aback when we arrived, indeed one family checked out the morning after they arrived, due to their dismay. In the the end we made good friends with the other resident families so we still had a great holiday. However, had we known the shared nature of Podere Monti before then me may have considered other options - just be aware.
The beds and pillows are hard. I like a firm mattress but these were extreme. Whilst they didn't stop us sleeping the beds could certainly have be more comfy.
The rules - there are too many. For starters, you are not allowed to take any bottles, glasses or plates to the pool side. Not ideal when we would have liked to enjoy an alfresco lunch and a refreshing beer poolside. Also, the pool was closed and locked from 7.30pm. OK the owner liked to clean and refill the pool with fresh water but when you are on holiday you should feel free to enjoy an evening drink whilst overlooking the sites best feature - the views.
Our cottage BBQ was small and inconveniently located and the other larger BBQ situated near the pool was pointless as poolside eating is forbidden.
All in all, it's a wonderful place but it could be made perfect with some refining and easing of the rules.
