Just returned to U.S. after having spent six days at this most FANTASTIC property. We rented the entire villa and really enjoyed the privacy it allowed us, both inside and out. The outside is everything you imagine a Tuscan villa to be. As you enter through the private gate and down the gravel drive (exquisitely lit at night), the villa slowly becomes visible just before you bear right to the small parking area near the the late 19th century tool shed. Then a short walk down a rock paved lead brings you to the gorgeous property. Stop. Drink it in. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself: this is not a dream! There are three outdoor sitting areas. The largest seats probably 8-10 people and overlooks the vineyard. The view from this patio is spectacular! (This is the patio with the oval table pictured on the website.) The smallest of the three is just outside the dining room door and may have been my favorite. It too overlooks the vineyard, but is small and quaint. (This is the white iron table and chairs, pictured on the website.) We enjoyed coffee and mimosas, not to mention the sounds of nature, in this spot almost every morning. The inside is, in our opinion, even more charming. From the old wood doors to the old wooden windows and shutters, from the hardware on those doors and windows to the tile floors and what used to be an old trough that runs the entire length of the living and dining room (on the first floor--obviously!), the property has been meticulously restored and refurbished. The beauty of this property is simply breathtaking. It truly is. From the villa we drove up and down 408 to a number of fine castles and wineries. And I suspect we only scratched the surface of wineries during our six days. Driving is not for the faint of heart, however. The roads twist and wend their way around like I have never experienced, with precipitous drop offs. And they are narrow, with motorcyclists and trucks speeding around the hairpin turns at breakneck speeds and unapologetically crossing the center line. I thought it was fun; my wife....not so much. Finally, a word about the family who owns the property. They are kind, generous and remarkably good people. Like many other visitors, we got lost on our way. (Tip: When you receive directions to the villa from Ducchio, follow them and only them. Somehow we pulled up the wrong map, which will get you there, but take you on the A1 through toll portions, which you do NOT want to do!! Trust me!!). Just be sure to exit where Ducchio's directions tell you to exit, and follow from there. At any rate, Ducchio and Enzo (his dad) ended up driving 20 minutes out of their way to meet us in Gaiole and lead us to the villa. But, if you follow the directions provided, you will not get lost. (Tip #2: I do advise using voice navigation on your mobile phone to get around. Especially if you plan to drive into Sienna or visit San Gimignano or Florence. The roundabouts are tricky and the signs are too small to afford reading as you're driving.) I am already planning our next visit, this time with our children (I hope), during an upcoming sabbatical. Any negatives? Hardly. The mattresses and bed linens were not as comfortable as they might have been, but hardly worth complaining about. Tip #3: If you will arrive at night or late afternoon, I would take advantage of the owners' offer to purchase a few things for you and have them waiting upon your arrival. Cheese, a bottle of wine, some fresh bread and olive oil. (The olive oil in this region is second to none. We found ourselves repeatedly raving about just how good it was. Nothing in the states compares.) And perhaps eggs, oatmeal and milk for the next morning. We were so exhausted from the flights and drive that we had no desire to go anywhere else, upon arrival, but we also had nothing to eat or drink in the villa. So, I highly recommend having a few things waiting for you. Bottom line: trust me; if you rent this place, you won't be disappointed. It exceeded our expectations on every possible level.…