Dicono di noi - Reviews

********* GUEST BOOK *********
OPEN SINCE 1990 : 15.941 GUESTS ARRIVAL - 31 May 2010 - Send your comment to : info@castelloripadorcia.com (Subject Guest Book) *_* INFO WINES: HAS ARRIVED !!! NEW RED WINE " RIPENSIS " 100% MERLOT

Mr and Mrs Clark - Plymouth uk
Jenny and I must thank you again for our stay at your castle which we enjoyed greatly and hope to return one day. It is such a beautiful building and location and we liked so much that you have not made it to be too modern and too expensive so that only the super rich can enjoy it. Please do not change its character too much!! It's really special

RECOMMENDED BY
K....B.....( TRAVEL GUIDES) K.....Review Of This Property: The lesser-known area of Tuscany south of Siena makes a delightful discovery and the variety of landscapes within an 8-kilometer drive provides one of the most fascinating excursions in the region. Besides the charming hilltowns of Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino, there are the abbeys of Monte Oliveto and Sant’Antimo, plus the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni. A perfect base in this richly historical and natural area is the fairytale castle of the Aluffi Pentini family, theirs for the past 400 years or so and practically a village in itself. The family resides in the upper reaches of the castle while guests are accommodated in several separate farmers’ houses divided into a combination of apartments with one or two bedrooms, living room, and kitchenette, plus six simply and characteristically appointed bedrooms with country furniture. Rooms facing out have absolutely breathtaking views over the virgin valley (the same view that all guests enjoy from the lovely pool). Downstairs is the dining room with wood tables covered with cheery checked cloths, where breakfast and dinner are served using homegrown products. A common space for guests is the old granary, converted into a large cozy reading room with fireplace. A History Traveller Property

Mr/Mrs Harchaaik - London UK
" The Castello di Ripa d'Orcia is a beautiful facility in a beautiful location.We found the room to be clean,the food very good and the service efficent. We look forward to returning soon "

Darlene Lieden - Jefferson Hills - PA USA
Thank you for a wonderful stay,breathtaking view,good food! Your hospitality was gentle/accomodating.This was a once in lifetime adventure.thank you

Darin & Sara Haugland - InverGrove Hts Minnesota USA
" We enjoyed our two night stay with you. We had a wonderful dinner with delightful atmosphere and charming music.The Castle is absolutely beautiful. We would like to thank you & your staff for your warm & friendlly hospitality."

Arden Ellison ms. Denver
First i must thank you for allowing me to share your castello with you. It was a dream come true. Relaxing and peaceful and so very beautiful. One question are you open all yeaar or when do you open. Thank you once again.Yours truly "

Michael and Sarah Spinella - San Francisco Usa
“Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation! We enjoyed the peace and quiet, the breath taking views and the delicious dinners. You and your family are very gracious hosts and we hope to be able to return in a year or two…”

Mr&Mrs Briggs Northville MI. Usa
“We loved staying here – so peaceful and beautiful. Everything was wonderful…”

Mrs Miranda – Paris France
“The place is wonderful and everything is beautifully presented. The food is delicious. The staff are very courteous and helpful. It is a magical place and we feel privileged to be able to stay here”

Mr james Palmer Toronto Canada
“Dear Countess, thank you for your family’s warm +friendly reception + attention to detail. The rooms were clean +very pleasant + the meals were very good… I Look forward to returning”

Thomas and Barbara Frauenfeld Heidelberg Germany
“Spectacular View! Unforgettable Atmosphere! Excellent Restaurant! Great Wines! Superb Castello! Thank you for your hospitality”.

Mr L.A. Kamstra Haarlem The Netherlands
“The room is very nice furnitured and comfortable. … The people of castello di ripa d’orcia were all friendly. Breakfast was excellent. We enjoyed our stay very much”

Ms Rossiter & Mr P. Said – Sydney Australia
“Dear Gino & Staff, our stay has been perfect – your beatiful home is very welcoming and you provide everything that is needed…We will happily recommend the Castello to friends…Thank you for everything”

Ms J. Sills – London UK
“This hotel is our favourite hotel. The scenery is beautiful and it is very peaceful. Food is excellent. We are very happy.”

RECOMMENDED BY : A..S.. Special Places to Stay
As you drive up the long,white road,the castle comes into view:a thrilling sight.Ripa d'Orcia dates from 13th century, one of Siena's most important strongholds.The battlemented fortress (closed to the public) dominates the "borgo" encircled by small medieval dwellings.The family are descendants of the Piccolomini who acquired the estate in 1484 and are hugely proud of their heritage.Gran banquets and knights in shining armour may come to mind ...children will love it here.Rooms and apartments have huge raftered ceilings and are furnished simply and well;many have breathtaking views.There's also aday room,filled with lovely furniture and heaps of books to browse.You breakfast in small annexe off the main restaurant;there's cellar for wine tastings and a shop for you to stock up on your favourites.A pool too, and a beautiful chapel in the grounds.The area is a paradise for walkers and there is enough on the spot to keep lovers of history and architecture happy for hours - before the "official " sightseeing begins.

RECOMMENDED BY : Da Ospitalità di Charme in Italia edito da DeAgostini
“…Quando poi d’un tratto appare il Castello di Ripa d’Orcia lo stupore è grande : come una perla incastonata nella roccia, questa fortezza duecentesca giace al centro di una vallata di querce e ulivi, tagliata da un fiume verde smerlado….”

RECOMMENDED BY : K..B.. TRAVEL Guides’ “Charming Bed&Breakfasts”
”… A perfect base in this richly historical and natural area is the magnificient castle of the Aluffi Pentini falmily, … This is truly like a place out of a fairy-tale”

RECOMMENDED BY : GeoSaison
“…Hoch uber dem sich windenden Flusschen Orcia steht das castello, ein unmauertes Wehrdorf aus dem fruehen Mittelalter. Jeder Quadratzentimeter erzahlt Geschichte : die 700 Jahre alten, schief getretenen Cottoboden in den Bauernhausern, die gewaltige Vitrine mit Dokumenten, die bis ins 16. Jahrhundert zuruckreichen. Uber die Zinnen der Befestigungsmauer hinweg spahten einst sienesische Soldaten die Truppen des Vatikans aus. Heute halt nur Birillo Wache, der sich dafur auch auf angemeldete Gaste sturzt. Kein blasierter Windhund, sondern eine Art Dackel. Rundum Sympathisch.”

RECOMMENDED BY : Hotels et Maisons d’hotes de charme en Italie – G..C..R..
“Une intelligente restauration a redonné vie au chateau et à quelques maisons du village, …, offrant des chambres et des appartements aménagés pour vivre en toute indépendance, …Au coeur d’une nature protégée, Ripa d’orcia mérite une promenade”

RECOMMENDED BY : From the article by A..S.. “Simple pleasures”- The Observer
“I cannot resist including a thirteenth-century castle,… Your hearts will be filled with the magic of an ancient and noble house”

RECOMMENDED BY : F...TRAVEL GUIDES - ESCAPE TO TUSCANY
“Climbing to the parapet of the fortification walls, …, you will want to volunteer for permanent sentinel duty, for the view is guaranteed to take your breath away. As the golden late afternoon fades to black and the sky fills with stars, … The serenity of the place seeps into your soul, and for now you too are at peace, safe within the castle walls”

RECOMMENDED BY : Da Gli alberghi di Veronelli Guida Oro 2007/2008/2009
“Al centro della Val d’Orcia, (in) un castello di origine medievale del XIII secolo, …, Le suggestive camere sono ricavate nelle abitazioni che un tempo ospitavano le guardie del castello; hanno tutte vista panoramica sulla valle”.

RECOMMENDED BY : The G.. H..(Travel Guide ) ed. by Adam&Caroline Raphael
“A magnificient largely unspoilt medieval castle, approached up an unmade road, on a steep hill above the Orcia valley : the views “are wondrous” … said a visitor who found the set-up “delightful; peaceful and private; amazing value and the welcome helpful”

Martina Scolari -Milano
L'ultimo paradiso. Abbiamo soggiornato al castello di ripa d'orcia nel mese di ottobre.Tutto era perfetto e l'accoglienza era molto buona.ottimi i vini ,la cucina e la possibilità di visitare i paesi della val d'orcia

Harry Brown -Laguna Beach -CA
Loved the location and view. Food in the restaurant was good as was the wine. ... This place was incredible. The silence, the views, and the access to southern Tuscany sites were great. I cannot find the words to describe how it felt to spend the first night in a room in one of the apartments in this castle. We had incredible views over forests, vineyards, and river. Late at night there were brief fireworks. Too perfect

Wendy Dallas Usa
We described that we stayed in a castle, and how often do you get to do that!

James Best -North Vancover BC Canada
Upon arrival the owner offered to go down to our car and help carry the luggage to our room. ... The room was fabulous. We have never stayed in a room that large and with so much character. The view of the D'Orcia valley was awesome. ... The breakfasts were great and varied each day. The dinners where the best of our 5 week trip. ... Quiet, tranquil, enchanting, peaceful magical the best unique travel experience

Jody Hagles Dallas TEXAS
The dinners provided by hotel's restaurant are excellent and quite reasonably priced. ... We stayed in a selfcatering apartment and had a wonderful time. It was everything we hoped for and more, a real castle on the top of a high hill with views that went on forever. To sit on our terrace and watch the beautiful Tuscan sun turn the tower above us first gold and then rose was a perfect study of the fabled Tuscan light. All I can say is go and enjoy.

Robyn Mc Nally -Lane Cove -Sidney -Australia
This property exceeded our expectations in all respects. ... The new magnifecently located swimming pool. ... We would emphasise the beautiful location, the peacefulness and the excellent quality of food and wine available

Trish Charlton -London Uk
We had a wonderful welcome by one of family members. ... The entire visit was absolutely magical with a spacious warmly decorated room and wonderful views. The setting was absolutely sublime and very peaceful. Definitely recommended for a quiet weekend escape




Recommended by :
F.... (Travel Guides) - TUSCANY & UMBRIA This oasis of tranquillity in the countryside occupies an early medieval castle mentioned as far back as 1218. The Piccolomini family -- who've owned it since 1484 -- transformed several of the buildings into a hotel in 1988. The fairy-tale views sweep across forested hillsides (protected as a nature preserve) capped with other medieval castles, and the 10-minute dirt road that winds its way out here only enhances the feeling of solitude and a quiet retreat. In fact, they emphasize relaxation: The rooms, which require at least a 2-night stay, have phones but no TVs or other worldly temptations. The rooms are enormous country affairs, with antique furnishings and very comfy beds surrounded by thick stone walls and heavily beamed ceilings. There's a reading room with a fireplace and chessboard in the former granary, a quite good restaurant below the rooms (closed Mon), and they have installed an enoteca in the old cantina. The office will provide you with a map for hikes to sights in the surrounding area. Check-in is only from 3:00 to 7 pm; call to arrange arrival at any other time. Facilities: Restaurant (closed Mon, dinner only); bike rental; concierge; nonsmoking rooms,panoramic pool.

Recommended by :
ITALIAN COUNTRY HIDEAWAYS Vacationing in Tuscany's and Umbria's Private Villas,Castles and Estates by Kelley F. Hurst

SELECTED BY :
BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM




Ruth and Bill Bancroft - Bend - Oregon Usa
We enjoyed our stay with you - very much -every one was friendly and helpfull - the room was very nice. We hope to come again someday

Mr/Mrs John Gallagher San Francisco Usa
We had a nice welcome from the tall man who also served at dinner time.Our room was large with a lovely view,the bed was very comfortable.The dining room is cheerful and bright.The castle and buildings are magical!

Mr/Mrs Malloy -Cherry Hill N.J. USA
You have an absolutely wonderful place.It exceeded our expectations.The service was excellen and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Nicholas Sampson - Hong Kong
Don't change a thing ! It's perfect!

Ann & Bob Barrett - Seattle
Thank you for your wonderful castle village!We so enjoyed this stay- The rooms are so spacious,everything very well appointed;the atmosphere a treasure to find; so precious after busy city life.We will most assuredly return to your fine hospitality for a much longer visit.

Robert / Jane Owen Walters Ash High/Combe Bucks uk
Excellent! What more can we say - Bit disappointed that restaurant was not open on monday night after the wonderful meal had on sunday evening.

Mr&Mrs Mansell -Surrey uk
A wonderful oasis of peace and tranquillity on our long walking holiday from Certaldo to Montepulciano. A lovely room and excellent meals. How good to see " vietato fumare" signs in the restaurant ! And no television either - hurrah !

Mr Jos Ruigorke - Schiedam - Holland
You're castle is a very pleasant place to stay,no television,no radio, keep it that way. You're restaurant is very good.No trattoria in the area was better and I have been eating in 8 different places

Mr and Mrs Jonk - Essex UK
After the crowds of Florence and San Gimignano it was a delight to stay in this calm and also beautiful accommodation.Thanks to the fantastic food (compliments to your MOTHER) of which my last piece (warm clafoutis) couldn't be better. Arrivederci

Mr & Mrs S. Yamamoto - Osaka Japan
Thank you very much for your hospitality.We really enjoyed staying here. We love beautiful scenery and good cuisine and wine of Tuscany. We had sweet memories of our honeymoon trip. We hope to come again .Bye.

Mr/Mrs Buxton - Paderborn -Germany
The spectacular views,the peaceful surroundings and the friendly hospitality have made our 2 nights stay here alovely and very memorable one. The food too has also been excellant.Thank you for giving us the opportunity to stay in your wonderful castle.

Alex and Anne Brabers -Belgium
Hospitality:we felt at home Rooms:very clean Restaurant: exquisite We had a nice holiday here ! Thank you

Antje Ludwig - Hamburg -Germany
Wonderful views - No disturbs - Silence as its best !

Wim en Yvonne Winkel - Oisterwyle -Holland
It was a very good holidays; we were surprised of the beautiful castello with the many magnificent views!!! The apartment was/is very cosy and clean.We will recommend it to all our friends in the Netherlands. Greetings from Wim en Yvonne

Sig.ri Martini - Torino
Sperduti nelle gole del fiume Orcia abbiamo soggiornato a Ripa d'Orcia immersi nei profumi della campagna circostante. Tutto era come desideravamo che fosse. La cucina era semplice e naturale,i famosi vini molto eleganti e profumati. Camminavamo tra mura antiche che parlano ancora di epopee medioevali. Torneremo a far visita alla Contessa Laura e alla Sua famiglia che così amorevolmente mantengono in vita un ultimo paradiso naturale.

Mr + Mrs Kuperyk - London
Wonderful location.Good service, wines & food. Excellent accommodation.Thnk you for a wonderful 3 days. We have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and look forward to returning.

Sarah Humphies - Victoria Australia
We have been travelling from hotel to hotel for the past 3 weeks and this has definitely been the best so far. Keep up the fantastic work! Compliments to the chef as well - an incredible meal last night

Recommended by :P.... B...(Travel Guides) -C... and P... Hotels
Castello di Ripa d'Orcia A 13th-century castle Well off the beaten path, this castle is a wonderful hideaway for those who want to hear only the sounds of chirping birds in the morning and see only the lights of the stars and moon at night. Massive walls surround the castle and former village, or borgo. Here you'll find either the regular guest rooms let on a b&b basis or the self-catering apartments. Guest rooms come in a variety of styles: some have fireplaces, views, or massive beamed ceilings. All are very comfortable with large bathrooms and are furnished in a rustic style. Apartments have kitchenettes equipped for easy cooking, nothing elaborate. The nearest food supplies are 5 km away. The castle restaurant serves highly regarded dinners. A long garden with a fountain is a wonderful place to sit and relax, read, or simply enjoy the sweeping views of vineyards, olive trees, and forest of a surrounding nature reserve. Something special Serenely quiet and away from civilization Castle produces its own wine and olive oil Castle hosts are descendants of Piccolomini family who have lived here for over 500 years What to do: On site : Swimming pool Nearby: horseback riding; cycling; hiking; Siena; Tuscan hill towns

MR & MRS DeSalvo - Usa
Dear Famiglia Aluffi Pentini Rossi, We would like to thank you for our wonderful stay at the Castello di Ripa d'Orcia. We have been traveling to Italy for years, and have eaten well, but never as well as at the Castello. The food you serve is precisely what we'd always hoped to find in Italy, and never have before -- "casalinga" food, simple food, cooked exquisitely -- the hardest kind of food to make. So thank you again for all the care you put into serving your guests. We appreciated it, and hope to return with our entire family some day. Best wishes, L. and E.DeSalvo

John Gambino e famiglia NY USA
Nell’aprile 2008 siamo andati in vacanza in Italia e abbiamo passato la prima notte in questo meraviglioso castello. È stato fantastico visitare l’azienda vinicola, conversare con i proprietari, bere vino e mangiare stuzzichini seduti sotto quegli alberi magnifici. Io e la mia famiglia abbiamo alloggiato nell'appartamento n.5, era molto grande e con vista mozzafiato dalla terrazza. Durante la nostra vacanza abbiamo visto tanti posti diversi, ma il nostro soggiorno al castello è stata una delle esperienze più indimenticabili, peccato che non avessimo programmato una sosta più lunga

Mr & Mrs Nelson BOSTON USA
My husband and I just spent a weekend at this wonderful property. The pool area is a beautiful view on the amazing countryside, and the restaurant where the staff prepares homemade bread and local specialities were just further phantastic experiences. we absolutely will return !

carlo e maria - novara
E' tutto sorprendentemente magico, è un posto incantevole, sembra di vivere per qualche giorno in una favola... e tutto è chiaramente proporzionato... -servizio buono -cucina genuina-camere grandi e pulitissime -Atmosfera seducente Da provare almeno una volta nella vita .

Marie & Andre Laville grenoble france
Mia moglie ed io abbiamo trascorso una settimana a visitare la Toscana lo scorso maggio. Abbiamo trovato Ripa d'orcia idealmente situato, elegante e rilassante, ambiente, personale sorridente bellissimo e tutti i comfort che potreste desiderare. Il nostro viaggio un successo! merci à bientôt

Ingrid e Paolo Muller - Bolzano
Io e il mio ragazzo abbiamo trascorso un magnifico weekend a RIPA D'ORCIA, il luogo è da favola, il servizio eccellente ed i proprietari molto cordiali e disponibili. Consiglio vivamente questo castello immerso nella favolosa zona della VAL D'ORCIA

Maria OBBERTON TRIESTE
Dal primo momento in cui siamo arrivati ci siamo resi conto di essere entrati in una sorta di favola...un castello incantato,immerso nella campagna senese.Posizione comoda,ma nello stesso tempo lontana dal caos cittadino. Il castello è fantastico,tenuto in maniera impeccabile,con un'atmosfera allegra e serena. La nostra stanza era la numero 13.Vista mozzafiato,a 360°. Piacevole l'arredamento,semplice ma curato.Che dire poi di Gino...un gentleman attento,discreto e sempre disponibile per farci conoscere la val d'orcia. Un posto che sarebbe quasi opportuno tenere segreto... Un grazie di cuore anche a Madame Laura.E un saluto anche a GATTUS...il gatto del castello,che la notte ci scortava fino in camera.

Mike Connecticut usa
We stayed several nights in the middle of May, and wish we had more time. Certainly a place we will return to. Our room was wonderful, clean, airy, wonderfully maintained. There's no television, no room phones, and it's at the end of a 5k dirt road, but those are not bad things, it's exactly what we were looking for, a place to get away from it all. You are a short drive from the many sights throughout Tuscany. Cell phone coverage was excellent through, so you can still stay in touch if you want to. Breakfast was quite good, standard pastry, cereal, juices, etc. Additional items like eggs available for purchase. We had dinner one night, the food was excellent, extremely fresh and very authentic. The olive oil and wine they make is excellent, and priced to make you wish there wasn't a 50 lb limit on checked bags.

My princess got to stay at a Castle - Plivine Toronto
We spent a couple of nights at Castello di Ripa d'Orcia on our honeymoon. It provided us with a central location to explore Montepulciano, Montalcino and even Cortona! The Guest House, though, can be a destination itself. It is perched on a hill above the Orcia river and surrounded by forest and vineyards that can be explored on foot or bicycle. The rooms are charming, with big old wooden ceiling beams and wonderful views across the river valley. We ate one dinner at the nice restaurant that happily accomodated my wife's vegetarian diet - and were the only ones there (in August!). Truly treatment appropriate for a princess, but value priced.

A unique & awesome Experience -Vancouver BC Canada
We have just returned from a 6 week trip in Europe. Castello di Ripa d'Orcia was the hidhlite of our trip. We stayed in many out of the way places as well as well situated bed & breakfasts in major cities in the Netherlands, France and Italy. The owners were very helpful and pleasant.We met the father and both his sons who explained the history of the castle and region. While the father does not speak much English he made an attempt as I did with my limited Italian. The sons spoke English well and over the 3 days there we had several conversations. Our breakfasts each morning were wonderful and varied. We ate dinner at the castle each night and were very impressed with the menu. Our room was large enough to hold 8 people, the vaulted ceiling and the furnishings were incredible along with the view of the Orcia Valley. The bathroom was large and plenty of hot water. There were only 2 other couples there during our stay which allowed for a quiet and intimate stay after 7 days in Rome. We definitely will stay here again and would highly recomend others do the same. It is not a hotel but someones home. This is what makes it so unigue in addition to its' historical nature

Lisa Rude - Hayden Idaho
Fabulous wine and olive oil. ... Our stay, at the castle, was absolutely wonderful. The castle was so peaceful and beautiful. One morning we were awakened by a real live cuckoo bird. At first I thought it was a clock because I had never heard the call of the cuckoo bird before. The dinners were fabulous and our waitress was extremely attentive. We actually preferred the Castello di Ripa D'Orcia's wine, to all the other highly praised 'DOC' and 'DOCG' wines. After dinner we would take a glass of wine and sit out in the garden area, just off of the restuarant. One evening when we stayed past dark, we looked over the castle wall, and there were fire flies all down the mountain. The castle stay was our most relaxing and our favorite part of travels in Tuscany. I am a little concerned about Andrea(Gino) & Philipo finding wives and having bambinos to pass on the wonderful castle, that has been in their family for so many years.

Signori Trevisan - Milano
Ideale per chi, come noi, vuole passare un week end romantico in un luogo estremamente rilassante, con un'ottimo servizio, un'ottimo rapporto qualità/prezzo, in un'oasi di pace. Il personale è estremamente gentile, molto efficente, tutto funziona molto bene. Buona anche la cura dei particolari ed in generale la manutenzione

Bob and Sandra Ultemaier - D
il castello è veramente suggestivo e la famiglia molto attenta a qualunque richiesta.

MADAME MONTIER - NICE
Un paradis de calme, de bon goût, de confort . Dans ce manoir, perché au sommet d'une colline surplombant vignes et oliviers, entre le thé au bord de la magnifique piscine et le Ripagrande sur la terrasse, votre séjour atteindra la perfection !

Mark and Rhonda - MD USA
With breathtaking views overlooking the forested Orcia River valley, this authentic slice of medieval Italy is not to be missed. Phillipo and Gino are first-rate and yet invisible hosts; the estate wine was superb and very fairly priced, and the on-premise dining was first rate (best tiramisu we ever ate - the estate matriarch does all the cooking). The premises are very well-kept and the quietness and night sky are unparalleled. Only the Montana wilderness could match it. Days trips to key Tuscan wine areas (Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano) towns are easy. Should you decide to stay here, allocate at least 3 nights and dedicate one entire day to stay on premise (to include a good stint at the superbly beautiful hillside pool). This place will quielty overcome you in a wonderful way ... enjoy! P.S. ... the other 3 trip stops were Venice, Cinque Terre and Lake Como/Bellagio

Marta Delotti - Torino
Il posto è incantevole , si respira un piacevole atmosfera nel mezzo delle colline senesi,vicinissimo a San Quirico d'Orcia. E' tutto molto curato e pulito. La prima colazione ti fa sentire a casa ed il servizio è professionale,accogliente , ma sempre discreto. La piscina ed il giardino hanno una vista stupenda sulle gole del fiume Orcia.

Yvonne Le Cour - Ussel France
L'accueil a été excellent, ainsi que les prestations des chambres et du service!! très chaleureux dans l'ensemble de notre séjour! je vous conseille de gouter la "Faraona al Vin santo" fait maison! ainsi que le dessert à l'abricot!! hummm quel délice! merci à bientôt

Madame Melliot - Lyon F
Une expérience inoubliable ! Notre chambre était splendide, confortable et très vaste. La salle de bain, également de bonne dimension, est très lumineuse. Une jolie vue s’offre sur les vignobles et le jardin. Les lieux sont d’une propreté irréprochable. Le petit déjeuné est servi avec des produits régionaux dans une jolie salle à manger

Pascal & Bernard - Cournon d'Auvergne france
Quel beau souvenir, magnifique petit chateau Vue sur les vignes. Petite piscine mais dégustez-y un Le Piaggie chardonnay vin blanc et ce sera le paradis.

Mr/Mrs Leeuwen - IPSWICH UK
Ripa d'Orcia Castle is a wonderful B and B. It is five miles outside of S.Quirico d'Orcia. The room was lovely with an immaculate bathroom.I tend to be fussy about where I stay and this B & B more than met my expectations. We stayed here near the end of trip and wished we had found it sooner.....we would have liked to stay longer so that we could have explored the beautiful countryside. Madame Aluffi and philippo were so welcoming...very nice people. We enjoyed their company

Mr/Mrs Neilson - Oxford England
An amazing view, lovely food, and nice to leave the car outside the Castello so it was car-free inside! Wish we could have stayed longer!”

Mr/Mrs Holliday - London Uk
This was a fantastic place to stay - unlike anywhere else. The view from our apartment was stupendous and the new pool was a real bonus. We even had our own keys for the gatehouse. The family run castle is homely - more a family home and certainly not a hotel - but they were extremely helpful and went out of the way to help us out when our car broke down. We shall be going back and we shall be buying more of their excellent wine”

Mr and Mrs Jenkins - Charleston USA
My husband and I stayed at Ripa D'Orica at the end of a two-week stint in Italy. We had a fabulous time and will absolutely stay at Ripa D'Orcia should we be fortunate to visit Italy again. We had a very spacious, comfortable room above the restaurant overlooking the olive groves and Orica Valley. The view was beautiful and was one of the best in Italy! Our bathroom was also very nice and spacious. We ate dinner at the restaurant two of the three nights we stayed and the food was excellent! On our first night we ordered a bottle of wine but were unable to finish the entire bottle. The staff kindly put the bottle away for us to enjoy at our next meal. The food was authentic and home-cooked. I recommend eating at the restaurant at least one night during your stay - you will not be dissapointed!

Mr Jarras SAN ANSELMO CA
Skip David, the gondolier ride, and the ancient roman ruins. Leave the airport in Rome, proceed directly to the car rental and drive north along the historic road between Rome and Florence to the Castello and settle in for a week or more. There is no internet, no phone, and no TV. There are sweeping views of olive trees, vineyards and ancient forests sloping away from the castle wall. There is the sound of wind, water, and birdsong. There are no city lights, the night is either jet black or brilliantly illuminated by moonlight. Its easy enough to go find the 21st century that lies down the hill; the Castello di Ripa d'Orcia is a retreat into a timeless place. The descendents of the family that has owned this castle for centuries prepare breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is okay, but dinner is always fun. We step out of our room to enjoy a glass of wine in the garden before dinner. Then we join our fellow guests in the small dining room, order a bottle of what is literally the house wine, and find out what Mama is cooking tonight. Afterwards, we amble back out to the terrace overlooking the valley as we finish our wine and visit with new friends. Upstairs, our room was spacious, the bed great, the bathroom was nearly perfect and the open windows sufficient air conditioning even on the hottest afternoon. Even with the windows open, we enjoyed privacy. Our hosts were gracious, gentle people who appreciated our enjoyement of this place. Mama, who cooks, was a child living in the castle when it was occupied by the Germans of WWII and was present when the castle was shelled by the advancing american army. Ask her sons about the stories .....

Jody Hagler, Dallas, United States
The dinners provided by castle's restaurant are excellent and quite reasonably priced. ... We stayed in a selfcatering apartment and had a wonderful time. It was everything we hoped for and more, a real castle on the top of a high hill with views that went on forever. To sit on our terrace and watch the beautiful Tuscan sun turn the tower above us first gold and then rose was a perfect study of the fabled Tuscan light. All I can say is go and enjoy.

MR TALLET - DAYTON USA
Thank you for opening your castle -village to us .We believe this was truely a remarkable experience,and probably the highlite of our vacation.Good luck with the olive harvest and hopefully see you in the future.

Mirko e Paola Treviso
Il castello di Ripa d'Orcia rende magica ogni vacanza trascorsa in Val d'Orcia. Quando stai per arrivare tenti di immaginare come possa essere, ma credetemi, vederlo dal vero è tutta un'altra cosa. Fai un tuffo nel passato, sembra di tornare in epoche passate che scandiscono il tempo in modo più lento, permettendoti di rilassarti ed entrare in armonia con la natura. L'ospitalità è di casa. La Famiglia è presente e disponibile, ma sempre discreta, pronta a consigliarti itinerari culturali e gastronomici, a farti da guida turistica, ma anche a farsi da parte per permetterti di vivere un weekend romantico e indimenticabile, come se tu fossi il padrone del castello. Non vediamo l'ora di tornarci, ma la prossima volta ci fermeremo almeno una settimana, con la bici ci sono tantissimi percorsi da fare e nel castello tantissimi altri sogni da immaginare.

Mr Johnston / Mrs Roberts - London
Super hospitality and wonderful castle - thank you !

Mario et Danielle Bensasson - Toulouse F
Soggiorno unico,indimenticabile.Accoglienza e tradizione.Passato e presente,il calmo immenso della natura invita alla calma dell'anima.Merci

R. Ben and G.P. England -Limpsfield Surrey -England
We both enjoyed location of your home . the accommodation and food were as you would say in italian "bellissimo ! " The memories of the last few days will last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your home with us.

Johanna Murray - Buenos Aires Argentina
- Wonderful,charming room - Meals were exquisite - Really enjoyed our stay in this unique spot.I hope to return Thank you so much

Mr + Mrs P. Holtkamp - Schipluiden Holland
Dear Host, Please ,don't change anything. It 's perfect as it is! As we would say in Dutch: Het was gewoon te yek ! Greetings

Donna and Steve S. - Baltimore MD USA
It was a wonderful visit to a magical place.Everyone here was very helpful,the hospitality warm + welcoming.We will certainly recommend the castle to our friends.

Van Iperen BERGEN NDL
Scusi per mio italiano ,tutto molto bello ,tres romantico .Noi volentieri ritornare in 2011 Grazie mille per ospitalità Ute/Rolf

Don Nash + Goylen Pedersen LA CALIFORNIA
Your castle is the most charming place we have staed in.Thank you for all of your hospitality.The rooms are decorated so nicely; it feel like a fairytale.We enjoyed our walks along the ridge overloking the river.The food was delicious,dining room was elegant and comfortable.We hope to come again someday.

HANNIE FLIER -REDDITCH UK
It is very pleasant here.You are all very nice people with lots of hospitality.

Heleen and Grè Troost - Moerendael - Holland
We have been enjoying our stay in your "castello".We will recommend it to our friends. It is a very nice place for people of " any " age.

Mr + Mrs Pamment - ABERDEEN UK
A most unique experience.Wonderful location.The restaurant was excellent and your estate wine exceptional.We appreciated all your hard work.

Pam and Gene McGuire USA
We would like to thank you for our recent visit. The Castello was as wonderful as we remembered it from our previous visit. We even stayed in the same room, which made the trip particularly special. Our daughter, her husband and mother-in-law have heard us talk about the Castello for years and thus were delighted to experience it themselves. They were equally enchanted. We all found the rooms extremely comfortable and the food excellent. You made us feel very welcome in your beautiful ancestral home. Many thanks for a wonderful visit.

Mrs Wisava - Milano
E' un'immersione nel passato, con le comodità di un soggiorno moderno. Una vista incantevole ed un'atmosfera da favola. Producono olio, di quello buono, perchè le olive sono raccolte a mano, e anche miele... occasione da cogliere al volo

Mary Jo and Steve - USA
This castle is such a memorable place! The setting is extraordinary, right in the Val D'Orcia in the heart of Tuscany. Our room offered an amazing view as did several parts of the lovely grounds. There is great service from the staff (family-owned since the 1400's!). You need a car to get here but it affords access to some of the smaller towns in Tuscany such as Pienze, Montepulciano, Montalcino etc. Great breakfasts and the option to eat dinner there as well. Highly recommend!” All the best to you! Mary Jo and Steve