San Gimignano holiday cottage: San Gimignano

Having stayed at Villa Pallero 3 yrs ago, I knew that was where I wanted to spend my 50th birthday, with 3 of my favourite people. The 2nd visit was all I hoped it would be. The Da Vinci apartment, which I love, comfortably holds 4, and contains everything (and more) you need for self-catering and it's star feature is a fabulous balcony offering stunning views of the landscape, which quickly became our main space. San Gigmingano (with a good supermarket) is easily reached by car, and the villa is ideally located for many other day excursions to the big towns and charming little villages like Monteriggioni (a favourite) and the chianti region. Its isolation is a virtue - but it does mean you need a car. Caretakers are on site to attend to your needs, but are unobtrusive - the best combination. They were helpful and kind in recommending and booking a fabulous restaurant (Bel Soggiorno) for my birthday dinner, and slipped a card through the door on my big day - little touches that mean alot. There are only 5 appts, so is never too crowded - very tranquil - & you have access to the large stunning gardens, with lots of places to mark out as your own favourite/secret spot. One small problem - we were there in the height of summer, and air-conditioning wasn't at all up to the task, so we had to make the best of the evening breezes and keep the sun out during the day. But if you go in cooler months this won't matter. And you can sometimes feel a bit hectored by the signs giving instructions - but these are really intended to be helpful and to remind you to consider other guests - it's so quiet, and you can feel so at home you can forget you're in a communal space! The overall experience is one of relaxation and privilege - "how did I you get so lucky to live in such a fabulous place for a week for a very reasonable price, considering what's supplied?" I kept thinking. I loved waking up and listening to the clanking, squeaking tractor in the distance on the working farm next door - an authentic Tuscan experience! I felt so special padding round "my" very own Tuscan villa (full of lovely furniture, rugs and pictures so it feels very personal) drinking in the view (and the wine) on the balcony ... or lolling on the sofa reading, listening to music, eating ... and venturing out sightseeing to a wealth of wonderful, accessible places. I'll be back next year, and for many more visits, I hope. And I'll bring more of my favourite people to share it with me.