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Borgo Argenina.

My wife and kids knew that I have always dreamed of going to Tuscany. For my birthday, they arranged the trip for us and found Borgo Argenina, Normally, when you dream of a place or thing for a long time, the actual experience is not as good. I am glad to report that I was wrong. Tuscany is beyond belief and then add Borgo Argenina and you won’t want to leave. Elena’s creative energy, the facilities, the beauty of the surrounding countryside, the food, wine, and people made for a trip that I will not forget.

If you are planning a trip to this region, do yourself a favor and spend time at the Borgo Argenina. Like me, you will be planning your next visit before you leave.

During the spring of 2011, we traveled for 16 days in Italy. Four of our favorites were spent at the Borgo Argenina, nestled in the hills of the Chianti region. The beauty of this restored Tuscan Farmhouse B&B is matched only by the warm spirit of its host and owner, Elena. She welcomed us with a glass (or 8) of the most delicious wine, entertained us with Tuscan tales, cooked us the most amazingly authentic food, and helped us plan our day-trips with her wise advice. After having spent several days buzzing around Florence, life at the Borgo Argenina was just what we were craving — the food, the company, the ambiance — it was the Italy we had been searching for. Thank you, Elena!

We blogged about our stay...check it out with pictures:

http://ispeakamerican.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/the-meal-wed-been-waiting-for-2/

Synonymous with the name Tuscany, is Borgo Argenina. You travel to Tuscany to experience the culture, absorb the beauty of the land and to remove yourself from your every day life. This can all be accomplished at this one B and B.

From the moment you drive the one kilometer country road through the grape vined fields and arrive at this little stone village consisting of the main house and three unique villas, you know you have made the right choice. You are greeted by the two of the friendliest residents you will find, Elena’s dogs. I am not a dog fan, but I fell for these precious, huggable creatures.

Elena has renovated an old country farmhouse with the look and appearance of yesteryear, but with the engineering and operation of today. And, she has decorated the house and villas with great taste and style. The views from the kitchen, bedrooms, and yes the bathrooms, of the countryside, vineyards and olive trees were breathtaking.

The morning breakfast was something you looked forward to every night as you laid your head on your pillow. Elena would make suggestions for your day trips around the region, she arranged a wonderful tour of a local winery, and cooked for us one night with ingredients and customs of the region.

The location is approximately 30 minutes northeast of Siena and about an hour south of Florence. In between there are many towns to visit and enjoy, but you look forward to returning to your country haven in the evening, sit on the stone patio with a glass of local wine and overlook miles and miles of beauty.

A few of the other guests have been there at least once before, stating that Borgo Argenina is the only place they would stay in Tuscany. They were right. Why stay anywhere else. If you want to be in Tuscany and experience Tuscany, start with this gem.

Thank you, Elena.
Richard and Theresa

 

Dear Karen,

Thank you to you to send me the best people of America.

Most of them are now my friends.

I will never forget Richard and Teresa.

Elena

We recently had the pleasure of staying at Borgo Argenina and could not have chosen a more idyllic setting for our seven day stay. Elena Nappa has transformed a hamlet of 1000 year old stone buildings in Chianti into an inn surrounded by smaller villas overlooking a landscape of rolling hills, vineyards and estates in the distance.We stayed at the larger home known as Olivera Villa affording us the use of a living room and kitchen on the main floor with bedrooms and baths on the second level. The French-style doors on the main floor and windows in the bedrooms, provided spectacular views of the surrounding countryside with the only sound being that of church bells in the nearby hillside village.
Elena has used her background in the Milan fashion industry to authentically decorate each area of the villa with a wonderful combination of traditional Italian paintings, colorful fabrics tossed over comfortable sofas, blended with a collection of local artifacts surrounding a fireplace.
Each day began with breakfast on the stone terrace adjacent to the vineyard or in the artistically decorated breakfast room, after being greeted by Elena\'s gentle canine companions Josephina and Pasquelina. Luige the cat usually kept his distance. Elena was always available after breakfast to help us plan the day\'s adventure, and provided us with a very useful map leading us easily over meandering country roads to nearby medieval villages, wineries and castles.
On the second night of our stay, Elena gave us the opportunity to meet other guests by treating us all to a dinner of freshly made pasta, with salads and vegetables from her own garden. Of course, there was no shortage of Chianto Classico!!
Elena could not have been a more gracious hostess, and made her home our home for a glorious week in the unspoiled Chianti countryside.

I found Borgo Argenina about 7 years ago in your guide, before she became famous. We decided to return there this September before continuing on to Liguria and Piedmonte. We arrived on September 25th and on September 26th my Wife fractured her right leg and was taken to Florence by ambulance to the Hospital. She remained in the Hospital for 8 days, where she was operated on, and we returned home on October 6th. When I left the ’Borgo’ on the 27th, Elena helped me cancel the rest of my Itinerary by telephoning the other Bed and Breakfast’s I was scheduled to stay. At the ’Borgo’ you are required to pay in advance the day you arrive. So on September 25th, I paid for 4 nights. No deposit is required when you make the reservation. When I received my Visa bill, I e-mailed Elena and told her I didn’t see a credit for the two days that I had paid for but didn’t use. She e-mailed me back that we would settle it the next time. I e-mail back that I had no idea when the next time would be and that I would like a refund now. She replied that I had forfeited the 2 days because I canceled the reservation. I told her I did not cancel, that a medical emergency prompted me to take a room in Florence to be close to my Wife. I have not heard back from her. The reason for this e-mail is that I love and trust your guides. I never take a trip without first looking at your guide for recommendations. The ’Borgo’ is still in your guide and highly recommended and should be, it is a beautiful place with lovely surroundings. However, her policy of paying in advance, and her interpretation of what canceling is, is frankly illogical and unfair. Four hundred and eighty Euro’s is an expensive cancellation fee. The other places I booked were much more accommodating and understanding, including Cascina della Rose, which we also found in your guide, many years ago. I think your readers should know of this problem and be weary of paying in advance.  I intend to inform the facebook community, trip advisor and the other guides that recommend the ’Borgo’ of her business practices. Lou

When we arrived after the gorgeous drive on the curving roads through the vineyards, the dogs, Pasqualina and Guiseppina quickly ran up to greet us like long lost friends. Elena leaned out of the second story kitchen window, and uttered the first of her warm, loving welcomes. We were in Chianti at last! We soon quickly discovered that we had found a home away from home. Elena offered hugs and kisses, then a glass of Chianti, and a seat at her kitchen table, while she chatted with us as she cooked our fabulous dinner! This is not really a bed and breakfast; it is like staying with a member of your family. Elena could not do enough for us. She offered maps and sightseeing information as well as restaurant recommendations. One morning she was worried we would miss a particularly enchanting vista, so she drove us to it! And in the late afternoons, the wine bottle was on the kitchen table and she was ready to hear about all our adventures. It is hard to adequately describe the inn; it is charming, lovely, and comfortable. It is difficult to imagine it was a humble farmhouse and stables in total disrepair 15 years ago before Elena completely redid it, doing much of the work herself, and all of the interior design. Our room was spacious and relaxing, complete with sitting area; the bathroom was huge, bright, and modern. Everything was immaculate and decorated charmingly. Breakfast was served in a lovely room looking out over the vineyards. The buffet offered something for everyone...meats, cheese, fruits, cereal, sweets, but the highlight was always Elena’s fresh baked coffee cake. Elena’s helpers, Desy and Qanie, never let a coffee cup be empty, and always with a smile. And the biggest surprise was that everything looked exactly like it did on the website. Was it heaven on earth? That, and more. We will come back to Italy, if only to come back to Borgo Argenina. It was truly a dream come true.

Borgo Argenina is breath taking! From the time you drive onto the property to every morning you wake up to the beautiful views, you are truly amazed. Our villa was designed true to the period of the farmhouse with all the modern luxuries. Elena Nappa was such a gracious host and is quite a gifted artist. Don’t miss out on the cooking classes! My husband enjoyed cooking with Elean and I enjoyed helping her pick the fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden. We both enjoyed getting to know all the other guests. Our friends are very much enjoying Grandma’s Tiramisu’. Ten years ago we decided to visit Italy for our 25th Anniversary. The experience in Tuscany was even better than the dream thanks to Elena. Ciao!

After an exciting 3 days in Rome my husband, Chris, and I were looking forward to the countryside of Tuscany. Neither of us could have anticipated how wonderful our time would be there. Borgo Argenina is not your typical B&B. Elena Nappa, the owner and hostess, is an artist and has created a very charming, authentic haven. Every detail was decided by her. The paintings on the walls, the furniture, quilts, plates, glasses were all picked for their connection to the area. When we arrived,she greeted us as if we were family. She then brought us up to her beautifully authentic Tuscan kitchen, poured us a glass of wine and gave us ’the talk’ we had read so much about. Elena has drawn out a map of the area for all her guests to use, with pictures of the places she recommends visiting. She wants visitors to experience the real Tuscany and if you follow her direction, you will not be disappointed. We drove all through the Chianti region, and also more south through the Crete areas to see frescos in churches, small hamlets, wineries, and unbelievable views. Rolling hills, deep colors, morning mist, evening sunsets took our breath away. Every morning we awoke to open our window and see such brilliance. Down in the breakfast room we were always greeted by the two canine hostesses, Pasqualina and Giuseppina, who are just as much a part of this B&B as Elena. New on the scene is little Liugi, the cat...who cuddles on your lap and drives the two dogs crazy with jealousy! Guest at the Borgo somehow instantly become your friends and soon you are going out to dinner, or visiting a winery with them. Emails are exchanged, invitations are issued, and friendships begin. This is the atmosphere that is the Borgo Argenina. While there, nothing is al la carte. Each day your small room refrigerator is refilled with water and juice, etc., wine is poured, and food abounds. If you are lucky enough to stay there when Elena cooks dinner, this is extra, but so worth it! When we left we continued our journey to the Amalfi Coast, beautiful as it was, it just wasn’t Tuscany. If you have the opportunity to stay at the Borgo Argenina you would surely consider yourselves fortunate.

The beauty of Chianti only matched by the beauty of Borgo Argenina and the gracious Elena. What a way to make our honeymoon seem to spring out of a novel. You had to pinch me as we drove up to this wonderful home to make sure it was real. Elena is a beautiful person who made our stay a perfect memory. The meal she cooked for us was out of this world and certainly made for a highlight. I cooked a meal out of the cook book she gave us as soon as we got home to accompany the wonderful wine we brought home from the region. The friends we invited to share in the meal said it was the best Italian meal they ever tasted! Thanks Elena -- we will cherish the recipes. We will return one day to the beauty of Tuscany and the beauty of Borgo Argenia.

My husband and I along with lifelong friends spent 5 glorious days at Borgo Argenina. Elena and staff were fantastic. We stayed in her largest villa, Villa Oliviera, and it was so much more beautiful than the website portrayed. Each day after a long sightseeing trek, we looked forward to coming ’home’ to this wonderful place. The breakfasts were hearty and we started our days with careful directions and much interest from Elena... a mother sending her children off on an adventure... waiting to hear our stories in the morning when she greeted us. The region is strikingly beautiful and Elena is proud to show it off.. and very passionate about her home , her region and her country. We look forward to returning in the future...it will be a welcomed sight and so worth the wait. Go, visit and to quote Elena ’don’t worry, just come!’.

Borgo Argenina is heaven on earth. It starts in the kitchen with a warm welcome from Elena, and a glass of iced tea or wine (homemade, of course!). Elena immediately gives you her map, and explicit directions to the surrounding countryside. A word of advise- follow Elena’s directions- if you think you can get there on your own (especially driving TO Borgo Argenina)), you will probably get lost. Although the address says Gaiole in Chianti, the B&B is specifically located in the town of Monti.

Her recommendations for daily drives and restaurants was SPECTACULAR!!!! We would have missed some of the best meals of our lives had we not followed her advise (La Rana- the Frog, in particular!). The house is so lovely, the views are indescribable, breakfast was delicious. You will leave dreaming of the day you can return!

This stay was actually our second at the Borgo Argenina, having been there first in September 2009. As Americans living in Europe for over thirty years, we have travelled extensively and thought we had seen it all. Nothing prepared us for our arrival at the Borgo Argenina. Just stepping on the grounds of this incredible hamlet we felt that sharp intake of breath that indicates you have truly arrived at somewhere special. Because of Elena Nappa’s incredible personality and creator of this impeccable place, you almost feel as if you lived there, that for a few brief remarkable days you could experience that this was your own house in Tuscany. Do not come here expecting room service, TV or your morning paper, but come to enjoy the outstanding country Italian decor and the views and proximity to the best Tuscany and Chianti has to offer. I think one of the best "atouts" the Borgo Argenina has to offer is the other guests! A savvy bunch of travelers meet at dusk on the wonderful veranda to share their wine and stories of their day’s outings. Or in the breakfast room in the morning. Elena provides dinners to remember in her Italian farmhouse kitchen and we assure you, these rival any restaurant in the area. While the main building provides charming rooms, treat yourself to one of her three villas. If we have one drawback about the Borgo Argenina, it is that it is such heaven we are tempted to spend the day there, soaking in the atmosphere and sun instead of sightseeing the nearby attractions!! We will be returning in September to visit the world famous Antiques Market in Arezzo. Can’t wait!!

Is it your dream to stay in a beautiful Tuscan vineyard estate?

Wow! We stayed for 5 days, and it was not long enough! Elena is a gracious host, wonderful cook, and excellent resource for the Chianti region. The property is in the middle of the Chianti region, with easy driving to Sienna and Florence. Elena provided a map and easy directions for whatever activity we inquired about. Breakfast every morning was ample and delicious. I highly recommend having dinner with Elena (an extra option) - she is an excellent cook and teacher. The buildings are beautiful, and everything was extremely clean and comfortable. We traveled with grandparents and a teen, and everyone loved it!

I have found paradise and never wish to leave! This inn oozes with charm and friendliness. I could spend hours with the little country antique details ranging from the furniture to the light fixtures to the window latches etc. Elena befriends her guests and many people that I’ve met are on their 2nd or 3rd visit. My favorite spot is her large patio which overlooks the countryside and vineyards.

My wife and I have traveled many parts of Chianti and stayed in many B&B’s and Farmhouses but Borgo Argenina is "TOPS"! What a beautiful setting, what beautiful accommodations and what a beautiful person in Elena, she is prepared to help make your stay perfect and has all the information you would need to see the sites in a natural way, her recommendations for places to dine are well, PERFECT! my wife and I are still talking about how great it was eating at such and such etc.
WE highly recommend a stay at Borgo Argenina while in Tuscany!

Dan and Penny Lionello

This is what heaven will look like. Borgo Argenina is perfect in every way, and Elena is a most welcoming hostess. I felt like I was at home from the moment we arrived. After a lovely breakfast, we set out each day for exploration - Borgo Argenina is centrally located, so all of Tuscany was within our grasp each day. We visited wineries, saw the sights of Pisa and Florence, and shopped in ancient, quaint mountaintop villages. In the late afternoon, we relaxed on Elena’s porch or in her English garden with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying quiet moments with a beautiful vista. Elena’s recommendations for dinner each night were spot on. I will definitely return again and again.

Borgo Argenina B&B was absolutely fabulous! The website is perfect and provides a tiny sampling of what you will receive when you arrive. Borgo Argenina sits on a hill surrounded by perfectly manicured vineyards and olive groves. Our accommodation was a picturesque ancient building surrounded by beautiful vineyards now restored by Elena into a gorgeous villa with a private patio and a spectacular view of the Tuscan sunset. Elena prepared our delicious breakfast each morning and with her easy conversation made us feel so welcome. Borgo Argenina’s location is fabulous for touring the small villages and wineries nearby or for visiting larger cities such as Siena and Florence. Elena provided a map of the area and gave us great recommendations on vineyards and restaurants. We believe her when she says, ’Don’t worry, just come.’ We very highly recommend Borgo Argenina!

Heaven on earth does exist,its location is Borgo Argenina in Gaiole in Chianti, and its proprietor is the lovely Elena Nappa. Set amidst beautiful, rolling vineyards along a totally quiet hillside, Borgo offers travelers a true respite from the hectic day to day world. Friendly staff, including the angels, dogs and cat, as well as inviting breakfasts...have the unforgettable coffee cake...as well as a convenient location...it’s no more than an hour to everything...Borgo Argenina invites you relax. In a world where so much is promised but so little delivered, Borgo Agenina delivers...and more. Would we return? In a minute...no,make that a second. Tuscany may be memorable, but Borgo Argenina makes memories. Go, smile, be happy.

Borgo Argenina is an amazing place. Everything on the website was accurate and even more wonderful in person. Owner Elena Nappa has created a paradise in the Tuscan countryside. From the moment we arrived and visited with her in her kitchen, she made us feel at home and like we were friends. The dinner Elena made our first night was a culinary masterpiece and the comraderie with the other guests around her farm table was something we will always remember. The rooms are magnificently appointed and you can really see the love that went in to the five years it took Elena to restore the property. Her dogs Bianca and Pasquellena along with her cats add to the charm of Borgo Argenina. We have raved about Borgo Argenina and Elena to all of our friends and we will surely return to this wonderful place. Thanks Elena for making our first trip to Italy a memorable one.