CASA DEL CASTAGNO
"Truly a memorable adventure"
Dear Olivella,
I cannot tell you how embarrassed I am that it has taken this long to write this letter. I just wanted to thank you for a very wonderful stay at Il Calcione. This was truly a memorable adventure for us, and your hospitality made it even better. The accommodations were perfect for both the adults and the girls.
It was very kind of the game warden and his wife to let the children visit their home and see the animals, especially Atilla. They really enjoyed that.
Each of our day trips to the Tuscan towns and villages was a treat, and with time we began to think of Lucignano as "our little town". An unexpected surprise for us was the city of Lucca. We had no expectations when we went, and what a treat it was; I hope we can return there one day.
Please express our gratitude to your parents. It was very kind of them to have us over for a visit that evening. They were both very engaging. Their home is beautiful, and the tour of the Chapel was a special time for each of us. You and your mother were most helpful with the car with the "porcupine problem". The mechanic in Sinalunga was a great idea, and his handy work allowed us to get back to Florence without a problem.
Grazie! I do hope that one day we can return to Il Calcione for another visit. Your patience and hospitality made our trip to Italy a truly wonderful vacation.
In addition to the above, I would tell prospective renters that Calcione's location is ideal. Although it is close to larger cities like Siena, Florence, etc., its nearness to (our preference) wonderful smaller towns, like Lucignano, Monte San Savino, Sinalunga, Cortona, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, made it ideal. We enjoyed the market in Lucignano for immediate shopping needs, but Sinalunga (a bit further) provided the hefty Supermercato for more involved food requirements.
Calcione's accommodations were perfect for 2 families and children: it allowed plenty of privacy as well as sufficient common area. The pool, al fresco dining, and surrounding countryside gave us a much needed respite from being tourists. The view from the upstairs bedroom looking toward Lucingano could easily compete with any that Traveler magazine features in their "Room with a View". And finally, having access to Olivella as a personal concierge rivaled any high end hotel. We have rented 2 other villas in France and found Il Calcione to be our best experience thus far. Feel free to use our email address for further inquiries.
Sincerely,

George Fish, Kathleen Sullivan and Elizabeth - USA
email: sullifish@cox.net