Four friends and I shared two apartments at the Sant' Antonio Country Resort for a week in late May 2007 to celebrate milestone birthdays.

We spent most of our evenings in the large and comfortable (2 bedroom/2 bath) Leonardo apartment, gathered around the long dining table. We cooked several dinners and some lunches in the well equipped kitchen. There was also a round table with chairs just outside the apartment on the lawn that was perfect for enjoying coffee in the quiet mornings.

I stayed in the one-bedroom Ghiberti apartment, with its comfortable double bed and window overlooking Lake Trasimeno. Loved waking up to sunrise over the valley!

One late morning and into the afternoon we rested poolside, and enjoyed an al fresco lunch among the flowers surrounding the pool. We also enjoyed antipasti and wine one evening on the large terrace built over the car park, admiring the long sunset views of the golden hills. Another late night found us in chairs in a quiet nook, finishing off a bottle of limoncello and stargazing. We took full advantage of the many private gathering spots tucked away on the estate. :) The layout of the property, with details such as privacy shrubs and hedges between apartments, makes you feel as if it's your own secluded escape.

We booked and thoroughly enjoyed the Wednesday night group dinner in the lounge. The food was so good! The next day in Siena we each bought a Tuscan cookbook to try to recreate the dishes! The evening was also a nice opportunity to meet our "neighbors" on the property.

During the days we explored the towns of the Val d'Orcia - Pienza, Montalcino, Cortona, Montichiello, and Montepulciano are all within easy driving distance.

Nico has clearly spent much time and energy in creating and maintaining his warm, welcoming, and peaceful corner of Tuscany. Nico went above and beyond in ensuring that our stay was everything we'd hoped for - and more - for our celebratory trip. He is a very special person, and the delightful Sant' Antonio reflects his generous spirit.