B&B Il Colombaio di Barbara - Casa D'Artista

This place is a total dream. We arrived a few hours before official check in but were immediately made to feel incredibly welcome by Barbara. It felt like, having stayed in hotels for a few nights previously, we'd finally arrived home. Barbara is so friendly and relaxed, we felt like we were staying with friends. We met the dogs, the cats, and the runaway rabbit. The gardens are bright and full of beautiful flowers. We quickly took a dip in the pool. It's not huge but perfectly sized for kids to play in, or adults to cool off in the heat! The rooms are simple, but incredibly clean, spacious and have everything you need. The shower in my room was really good. While there is no air conditioning, the rooms are cool (even in the crazy hot weather) and the electric fan makes it pleasant. Barbara invited me and one other guest to do some pottery with her in the garden. I learnt a new technique for making a pot (Columbino technique!) and Barbara was very patient with me even though I was clearly rubbish at it... The village of Torri is very small and there isn't much going on there, but it is perfectly positioned for some Tuscan exploring. The drive to Siena is 20 minutes. We did a day trip down to Pienza, Montepulciano and the hot springs at Bagno Vinoni. Barbara suggested a route and it was genuinely the most beautiful drive I've ever taken. Stunning scenery. There's also a slightly larger town a few minutes from Torri with a few restaurants and a supermarket. I'd highly recommend taking the advice in the hotel brochure and heading down to the local river (5 minute drive away). You can swim in the calm waters and it's beautiful! This place is gorgeous. If you're looking for a fancy hotel with all the mod-cons then this isn't for you. But if you want to find a place to call home, with real personality and charm, for a few days exploring the Tuscan countryside, then it's perfect.