Sant' Antonio is one of those gems you rave to your mates about with such gusto that they simply have to go there and check it out for themselves!

A stone's throw from the gorgeous hilltown of Montepulciano, Sant' Antonio is a unique place to stay, because you can really create your own bespoke experience. The accommodation is a rambling 12th Century Franciscan Monastery with classic Tuscan views over a mosaic of vineyards, orchards, oak forests and hilltowns. We chose a private cottage (Piero della Francesca) for our romantic getaway, and were delighted to discover it included a fireplace - the perfect place to sample the local Brunellos in the slightly cooler September evenings. During a previous visit, our extended family had stayed in two apartments - perfect for a reunion of far-flung rellies from kids to grandparents. The property features large stone terraces with BBQs for alfresco dining. So, depending on how you want to spend your week, you can tuck yourself away in a secluded spot for a quiet chilled-out break, or join guests from all over the world for some vino-quaffing and home-cooked meals either of your own making, or at one of the Tuscan banquets organised by Sant' Antonio's friendly staff. On the previous stay, one of the terrace BBQs attended by our extended family and other guests ended in a sponanteous midnight skinnydip in the pool after perhaps rather more Brunello than anticipated! The nature of Sant'Antonio means you'll always meet interesting likeminded people, but you can have as sociable, or secluded, a holiday as you wish.

Sant' Antonio's location also allows you to tailor-make your own break - during our stay the Americans were zipping off to other hilltowns across the region, train-tripping to Siena and Florence, squeezing in every 'must-see'. Meanwhile the Canadians prefered a more leisurely tour of the hilltowns, farmers markets, monastries, forests and of course Brunellos, closer-by. By the end of the week they were all used to seeing our convertible sports car (THE way to travel between hilltowns!) still parked up in the garage as they ventured out each morning, and we snoozed til late morning before eventually rising and firing up the espresso, over which we admired the views (again) and mulled over the plan for the rest of the day.

Yet, by far the best thing about Sant' Antonio is the owner, Nico, and his staff. Of Italian heritage, Nico grew up in Africa, and previously lived in London. This means you get the best of both worlds - European sophistication combined with a healthy dose of easy-going hospitality that seemed so Southern Hemisphere-esque to us as kiwis; nothing is too much trouble from a restaurant booking (we'd recommend the truffle pasta at the little place by the main arched gateway in stunning Monticiello!) to a good ol' chin-wag. You'd be doing well to bump into the staff who re-stock the firewood and wholesale priced wines in your cottage with utmost discretion and charm.

We're looking forward to going back to Sant' Antonio again in a couple of summers time, by which time we'll probably be tailor-making yet another variation on the bespoke getaway theme!

A good friend of mine told me about Sant Antonio, he was so complimentary I thought he had taken too much Chianti on board.
But he was adament i should visit, so I booked very easily via thier own web site and arrived in the summer heat of August to find he wasn't exaggerating at all, if anything he was underplaying the site.
Nico met us at the gates with a huge smile and a warm welcome and within half an hour the kids were in the pool and we were sipping the local wine on a fantastic terrace overlooking te Val D'Chiana.
The appartment was clean, spacious and very well equipped, the kitchen would be a little better with an oven, but apparently this is not possible due to Italian restrictions in a place of this sort.
The big plus of the stay was Nico and his georgeous family, they were always on hand to give advice about where to eat what to go and see and general info about the area.
The location is absolutely divine,stunning scenery, quiet roads fabulous restaurants within easy travelling distance and superb local wine ( very important ).
Do vist La Porte restaurant in nearby Montecchiello, the best view from a terrace in Tuscany.
Don't miss out on this genuine Tuscan gem is is trully delightful.

Sant' Antonio is a beautiful property with excellent accommodations. It is centrally located with most places in Tuscany within two hours by car or by train. The grounds are breath-taking and the apartments are comfortably furnished to help you feel right at home. And then there is Nico. He makes you feel so welcome. He goes above and beyond anything that would be expected and truly made our time at Sant' Antonio better than we could have imagined. We can't wait to make a return visit!

If only all travel experiences could be as pleasureable as staying at Sant Antonio, we would be traveling all the time!!
These accomodations are perfect for comfort, peace and quiet, and acessibility to all areas of the beautiful Val d' Orcia. Our first experience was 2004 and was very nice, but our return in Oct 2007 was even better. This is a great location for couples or families. All accomodations are provided with complete kitchens, making "cooking in" very easy, and barbques are available to! To my delight there are 2 high speed computers/printers in the "lounge"........made it very easy for my husband to keep contact with his office e-mail :)
In addition, there was a delicious and complete Tuscan dinner offered once each week.....really alot of fun and as in 2004, met some nice people from all over the world.
Nico Pannevis is an extraordinary host and Sant Antonio is a reflection of this!
We have traveled throughout Italy for the last 12 years....this is hard to beat!