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"Refinement, quietness"
We spent lovely vacations at Il Calcione. First of course the apartments, not really flats, are much larger than what is generally on offer. We felt more like we were staying in the back garden of Tuscan cousins rather than renting some vacation accommodation
The swimming pool and a lake allow everyone to enjoy either company or privacy. Tastefully furnished, too. But then of course with artists in the della Stufa family...
Then, Il Calcione is a great base station from which to discover Tuscany and Umbria. Most of the most interesting places are on the doorstep: Montepulciano, Arezzo, the lake of Trasimeno, Perugia, Siena, Florence, Pienza, Asciano, are all less than an hour away, while Lucca, Pisa and San Gimignano are still within easy reach.
And then there is Tuscany itself... Refinement, quietness, the vibrant presence of all its artists, past and current, small towns and rolling (or steep) hills. At first, we wondered how so many people had had the means to build so many beautiful villas in such a small, privileged, area. Then we realized that some were only ordinary farms and public buildings which shared an aesthetic concern rarely seen in other countries. And the Tuscans have always been wise enough to keep those lovely buildings alive, while more narcissistic cultures were more prone to destroying and rebuilding.
As always in hilly country, there is also the magic of a different landscape behind every bend, beyond every hill top. For those of you who feel fit, bring along your walking shoes and bicycles. The walks and rides are fantastic, if sometimes energetic. And Tuscan food and wine taste so good, anything that stimulates your appetite or is a good excuse for self-indulgence is welcome.
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Jean-Marie Sohier
Brussels, BELGIUM
email: jean-marie.sohier@sealord-group.com
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