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"We will be dreaming of Il Calcione for months to come and cannot wait to return"
Words really cannot express the absolute joy and sheer bliss we found during our recent stay at Casa dell'Alloro at Il Calcione in October of 2007. This place is the perfect combination of old-world, rustic charm but with all the modern conveniences one needs. I had lived in Italy many years ago (Rome) and I wanted to treat my siblings and a friend to the wonders and magic of Italy, as they had never been. So I wanted to choose a special place. By chance, an artist friend of mine in New York informed me that she and some girlfriends had stayed at Il Calcione and had absolutely loved it. So I knew I was already on the right track, as personal recommendations are always best. We were not disappointed.
Every aspect of this place is truly special, from the unique setting - a centuries-old castle on a huge olive and wine-growing estate surrounded by restored and renovated former staff and family houses - to the bucolic location itself, to the cozy warmth of the houses (all different but all delightful), to the gracious, gentile aristocratic hospitality shown by Olivella and her lovely parents (who live in the castle) and even the family dog, Striscia! Il Calcione is not "faux-Tuscany". It does not cater to or seek those looking for all the conveniences of modern hotel living with Tuscan decorations. It is a family estate, a working estate, and as a result Olivella has created something quite extraordinary - a place to enjoy the feeling that you are part of that life. However, being the wise cookie that Olivella is, she also realized that, as American travelers, we appreciate our little comforts, such as modern bathrooms, dishwashers and washing machines, the option of a beautiful pool to swim in (or the estate lake), screens on the bedrooms windows to keep out the few insects that might wander in, etc. Some people have found the estate's location somewhat out of the way, as you can't walk into the nearest town, Lucignano (a delight, by the way). But I say you can't have it both ways. It wouldn't be as special as it is, as quiet as it is, without it being in its own little world. Besides, Lucignano is only 4-5 kilometers away, a short drive, and has everything you need in the way of shopping and wonderful small restaurants. You can even see it from the stunning terrace of Casa dell'Alloro. And oh, the estate's wine (a mere 3 euros a bottle) and olive oil are superb. We will be dreaming of Il Calcione for months to come and cannot wait to return.
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