Follonico: The Gentle Rhythm of Authentic Tuscany

In 2006, a forgotten ruin on a quiet Tuscan hill became the foundation of a new life. For Fabio Firli and Suzanne Simons, whose professional pasts were far from hospitality—he a logistics manager, she a nurse for patients with mental disabilities—the purchase was a leap of faith. Their dream was simple yet profound: to raise their children away from the rush of city life, in a place where time could unfold gently.

That dream took form as Follonico, a name that today evokes much more than a destination: it embodies a philosophy of living slowly and meaningfully.

At first, the couple approached the surrounding land with hesitation. The fields and vines seemed daunting to two former city dwellers. But over time, the soil reshaped their days and their outlook. It taught them patience, humility, and respect. By 2013, their connection with the land had evolved into a full organic farm spanning nine hectares—five and a half planted with vines, nearly one with olive trees, and the rest dedicated to pasture and open greenery. Every inch is tended with care and cultivated in harmony with nature.

Follonico is the perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic pause in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Over the years, the hill that hosts the farmhouse has blossomed into an enchanting natural setting.
Lavender borders and aromatic herbs frame the pathways, giving the garden a touch of rustic romance. Roses, jasmine, and honeysuckle climb over ancient stone walls, filling the air with the intoxicating scents of the Tuscan hills.

Here, guests are invited to slow down. To find a shaded corner to read, to sip a glass of Brunello beneath a wisteria-covered pergola, or simply to watch the sun melt into the valleys of Montepulciano. The gardens offer countless quiet nooks for contemplation, each one a small invitation to live at the pace of nature.

At the heart of Follonico is a family of animals that welcomes guests with unspoken warmth: geese wander gracefully around the pond, sheep graze on the sloping meadow, hens roam freely, while dogs play lazily in the sun. The family cat dozes beneath dappled trees, and in the paddock near the vegetable garden, an affectionate donkey and two horses complete this pastoral tableau.

This intimate coexistence between humans, animals, and land defines the spirit of Follonico, a place where life moves in delicate synchrony with the seasons.

Running an agriturismo for Fabio and Suzanne has never been about convenience: it is a personal, ethical choice. They proudly operate in accordance with Tuscan agricultural traditions and Italian law, serving only locally sourced, organic ingredients. For them, sustainability is not a slogan but a lifestyle: every product comes from within a 25-kilometer radius of home.

From their fields come olive oil, honey, and grapes—some transformed, with the help of friends, into small batches of wine for guests. The garden provides seasonal vegetables, fruit, and eggs from their own hens. Breakfast is served daily, while dinner is reserved exclusively for resident guests. The menu, nearly always vegetarian, changes constantly: no dish is ever repeated, no matter the length of stay. Everything is prepared fresh each day: homemade pastries, hand-rolled pasta, naturally leavened bread made from local flours.

The result is a dining experience that reflects the land itself: pure, seasonal, and full of quiet care.

At Follonico, there are no contrived experiences—no cooking classes or truffle hunts. Guests are encouraged instead to discover the rare beauty of simplicity. Watching swallows skim the pool, listening to birdsong at dawn, feeling the warmth of the sun—these are the moments that restore balance and joy.

This philosophy of life, which Fabio and Suzanne call “slowsophy,” is the true soul of Follonico: a gentle wisdom that invites guests to reconnect with nature, with others, and with themselves.

Follonico
Località Casale, 2
53049 Torrita di Siena (Italy)