I sometimes wonder whether the fact that Sant'Antonio began its life as a monastery is the reason it conveys such a wonderful sense of serenity.

We have stayed at Sant'Antonio several times, and have either stayed in or visited just about all of the apartments. Conversion of the monastery to apartments in a manner that retained the historical architecture of the buildings has resulted in thirteen apartments of different shapes and sizes, each having its own charming characteristics. The similarities are found in the cleanliness and quality of furnishings and fixtures in each apartment.

Each apartment has a comfortable sitting area complete with satellite TV. Most apartments have a wood burning fireplace with an endless supply of wood provided. Kitchens have a four burner stove top (no oven), a full sized fridge/freezer, and electric kettle and toaster plus just about every cooking utensil we have ever needed to produce full meals. There are complete sets of good quality china, glassware and cutlery and a reasonable selection of serving dishes. Garbage is removed daily. Wine, soft drinks, beer and water are replenished as needed, the cost of which (very reasonable) is added to your final bill.

Bedrooms have orthopedic beds, night tables with reading lamps, a chest of drawers and closet hanging space. Fully tiled bathrooms are equipped with hair dryers and sufficient storage space for your toiletries. Water pressure is good, and the water is hot. Towels and bed linen are of high quality and are changed mid week which we really appreciate. Extra pillows and quilts/blankets are found in each apartment.

Each apartment has its own outdoor patio or garden area furnished with a table and chairs in addition to a number of communal terraces with brick BBQs and larger tables for group meals. The swimming pool is at the highest point of the property, resulting in stunning views to Mt Amiata or across the valley to Lake Trasimeno. There are loungers, tables and sun umbrellas at the pool as well as dotted around the extensive grounds.

There are computers with high speed internet access available to guests for a small weekly fee in the converted stable.

Of course all of the above, to some level, can be found at many apartment rentals in Italy. What sets Sant'Antonio apart is the owner. Nico's energy, enthusiasm and determination to exceed the expectations of every guest transforms a wonderful vacation into something magical. Nico becomes a very dear friend to the many returning guests at Sant'Antonio, and of course the reason so many do return year after year.

Sant'Antonio is well situated for visiting the Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Montalcino, San Quirico, Chuisi, Bagno Vignoni and the Abbeys of Monte Oliveto Maggiore and Saint Antimo.

Closer to home, Montepulciano itself has a number of excellent restaurants, a couple of grocery stores, pharmacy, and a Laundromat. On Thursday mornings there is a typical market with everything from farm fresh veggies to shoes and the customary porcetta van!

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.

We love Sant' Antonio and have stayed here every year since 2001. There is no place we enjoy more--anywhere. It's location is superb, on a knoll overlooking the quintessential Tuscan countryside--the image that has come to epitomize the lure of Tuscany.

Sant' Antonio began life as a monastery in the 13th century. Since then it has been through many transformations including being home to farmers and peasants. In the 20th century it was restored to its original beauty and charm and now has become a favorite destination for people from many countries and continents.

All of the units are self-catering and well equipped. Linens are Egyptian cotton, dishes and glassware are of high quality. Wi-Fi is available in the apartments and there is a public computer available in the common room.

The pool area provides a wonderful place to relax after busy day trips to surrounding areas. There is a silence and serenity that seems to settle over the entire complex.

The very best part of Sant' Antonio is Nico and Elena and their two beautiful children. Charming Nico is always available to provide ideas and assistance.