Where We Stayed: Agriturismo Guardastelle, San Gimignano

The Agriturismo Guardastelle is located about a mile outside the walled center of San Gimignano. It is a working farm that produces wine and olive oil and also has a B&B and a few apartments on the premises. The property is really beautiful, from the main house to the fields and the views of San Gimignano.

The inside of the property did not disappoint, either. We stayed in one of the rooms in the main house. It was charming and had a nice view.

It was also spacious. We could keep my daughter's sofa bed open without feeling cramped. The bathroom was roomy as well.

This is a property where you are better off with a car. Although you can walk to San Gimignano, it is not a short walk. We ourselves never walked it because of bad weather or a tired kid, but we heard it takes about 20 minutes. Also, if you want to explore neighboring towns, that is much easier to do with a car.

The staff at Guardastelle are great. Everyone was friendly and offered us great recommendations for the surrounding area. We also attended the wine tour lunch, where they were welcoming to my daughter and fixed pasta especially for her. The grown ups among us learned a lot and enjoyed the wines and rebollita.

We really enjoyed our stay and hope to return someday.

Breakfast: Breakfast is included when you stay in the rooms. There were pastries, yogurt, fruit, cereals, meats, and cheese--a good variety especially when you consider the relatively small number of guests. The staff also will bring you espresso and eggs made to order upon request. Everything was good.
Bathroom: shower/tub combo
Blow dryer: yes
Elevator: no. This is an updated Tuscan farmhouse, so you will find stairs throughout the house. At the same time, you probably wouldn't need a stroller in the main house, so a family traveling with one could just store it in their car.
Internet: free in the breakfast room and common living area. Getting on was a little complicated--it took multiple steps--and was a bit slow at times.
Nearest playground: Not sure. I didn't see one in San Gimignano. However, Guardastelle does have a pool and there is some space on the grounds for kids to just run around.
Recommend to families with young children: definitely
Recommend to people without kids: definitely
Website: http://www.guardastelle.com/ENG/