Antico Borgo San Lorenzo - Poggibonsi, Italy 

Great place to use as your Tuscan base-camp. We rented a car and were able to travel to most smaller Tuscan towns as day trips. Don't be fooled, the town of Poggibonsi is quite large. It had everything we needed, the supermarket (Co-op) was less than 10mins drive and the hospital (which we luckily didn't need) was only a 6 minute drive from the Borgo. Access to the Siena-Florence motorway was 3-4mins from the Borgo, but don't misled, there is absolutely NO traffic around this place. In fact, our GPS unit couldn't even get us there - it said we were off-roading! Follow the website's directions or call and you will get excellent directions. While the owner and his son speak just enough English to get by, the daughter-in-law speaks perfect English. The room (we stayed in Alloro) was ample for my husband and I, and our 16 month old. They provided a cot and no additional charge. The kitchen was well furnished with cooking utensils and cookware. However, we had to scrounge for matches to light the gas hobs! The bathroom had ample space, a tub and shower, toilet and bidet *which are pretty standard in Italy*. The only complaint about our particular room was the lack of natural light. The apartment is on the ground floor of a slope, and had a north facing placement. But we were out for most of the day anyway, so it wasn't that much of a bother. It would be ideal during hot summer...cool and dark. Also, keep in mind that this is a rural location...which means, creepy crawleys...they come in peace and were there long before you arrive...just keep your shoe handy if you just can't handle it! Oh, and another person posted that the rooster really bothered her...there is a chicken coup on site, but it's at the far rear of the property...and we NEVER heard the rooster crow. The pool was pristine...clean and large (although it was a bit too cool for us to use this time of year). There is a washing machine for use, for free...you just have to hang dry (drying rack provided in your apartment). Each room has it's own tv with one english channel, but there is a 'community room' near the reception that has a full Sky cable box, so most anything can be seen. There is also a BBQ pit available, it was just outside of our apartment and was really convenient for cooking. Each apartment has it's own private terrace area, and there is a large outdoor dining area near the restaurant. The property is laid out well, but questionable for those with disabilities - lots of stairs in/out of apartment and gravel drives *which my daughter loved* The restaurant on site is top notch. The family prepares delicious gourmet meals...with that being said, it was a bit pricey. Their wine selection was fantastic. In fact our daughter was having a tough day and wasn't particularly interested in dining in, so they brought our meal to our apartment - they were fantastic! There was ample parking; a wonderful old Church on site; great walking trails with vineyards and crops all around...it was truly our dream holiday. Would definitely stay here again!

We stayed at Antico Borgo San Lorenzo in September 2006 for 5 nights and we really enjoyed it. The apartment was clean and had very modern cooking facilities with d/washer. Antico Borgo is a little off the beaten track, but is peaceful and romantic and worth the trip down the dusty track to get to. (with a car). We also enjoyed swimming in the pool every day after long hot days exploring the tuscan villages. One word of warning though, this is a farm enviroment, and the rooster starts crowing from 4.00am onwards, and without seals on windows and doors, it can be quite annoying. We slept with earplugs, but even that didn't help much. Without the rooster, this place would have been perfect..... Car parking access is also great.