CASA DEL CASTAGNO, CASA DEL NOCE & CASA DEI LECCI "A week that we won't forget" I cannot say enough about the quality of the place, the layout and the grounds. They were just right for our family. The fact that we had the whole place to ourselves was key to the success of our stay We kept the gates closed so the little ones could run around and we did not have to worry about their safety. The weather was kind to us in that we did not have the humidity or heat that we were warned about. Even the little rain we had did not deter us from having a good time. It was also a blessing to have at least two washing machines although the one in our apartment was very small. Two nights we had a local woman (I am ashamed that I cannot remember her name) and her husband cook for us. They brought all the food, prepared it and served it as well as cleaned up everything. The fun came when we had to pay them. Since we did not speak Italian and they did not speak English, it was very comical. But I think we were very generous. I hope so because they were very good. One night, we had a local cooking school chef come in with the ingredients and with her entourage and she conducted a cooking class in the kitchen of the larger unit (homemade pasta, ravioli, sauce, etc.) and they served us as well. The best raviolis I have had in years. The rest of the nights, each couple bought food and cooked it so everyone shared in the preparation of our dinners. We fit perfectly around the large dining room table and that was our social meeting place each night with dinner and games afterward. One very special night, we actually got to eat at the outside table as the weather stayed warm that evening. Most nights, however, we were able to close our windows and use all our blankets. We had a birthday celebration one evening with 3 local musicians who provided us with the Tuscan music at the pool which we had decorated with candles. It was a beautiful romantic night. Every morning, each couple would take off after breakfast and go off exploring the local towns. Everyone would meet at the pool about 3pm and cocktail hour began at about 4:30. It was a week that we won't forget and it will be hard to match that anywhere else. Yes, I would be glad to be listed as a reference for future guests. Thank you so much, Anne Falcon San Mateo, California, USA email: annfalcon@sbcglobal.net