SAN GIUSEPPE
"For those wanting to experience 'real' Tuscany"
My family stayed there in 1999 - at the time we were living in New York and my extended family joined us from Australia for 2 weeks.
I had spent almost 30 hours on the internet trying to find a suitable property for our "large family". For us, a truly Tuscan experience meant finding a villa in a rural area that would allow access to all the wonderful villages and cities I'd visited 10 years earlier. Also, we were not looking for the " Frances Mayes " experience - preferring instead to find a place owned and inhabited by Italians, which would have that quintessentially Italian ambience. I'd spoken to several people who had rented villas over the internet and most had disappointing tales to tell so it was with some fear and trepidation that I committed to San Guiseppe.
However, on arrival there we were struck immediately not only by the beauty of San Guiseppe, but also the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The Villa is spacious and very comfortable - filled with beautiful, elegant furniture. However, it retains its rustic charm and warmth throughout. It is first and foremost a family home and its as though the owners have just stepped out for a moment, leaving you to enjoy what they have created, first-hand. With two small children, we were able to have our own space and the other adults in the villa were able to enjoy peace and quiet!
For those wanting to experience "real" Tuscany - where there are more Tuscans than tourists, where you can eat olive oil and wine made from the surrounding groves and vines on the property, then Il Calcione is difficult to beat. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience - having said that, we are already planning a return!
I will be more than happy to reply to any enquiries about San Giuseppe or Il Calcione.

Serena & Stephen Porges
New York, USA
email:serenaporges@bigpond.com