Q:  What’s around the Il Mandorlo?
A:  Nothing and everything at the same time.  You will find that just having a lazy day around Il Mandorlo, perhaps with a bike ride or a hike is one of the best experiences you can have.  Sometimes we just like to mark time by sipping coffee and watching the dogs herd the sheep slowly across the hillside in faraway distance.

But, when you do decide to venture past the driveway, there are many great experiences to be had ranging from a very short trip to Pienza to buy groceries or sample cheeses, to a day trip to Florence.  The wonderful city of Siena is only about an hour away.  Within thirty minutes, you can be drinking a Brunello di Montalcino at the very winery where it was made or you sitting in the natural spring baths of Bagno Vignoni, just like the ancient Romans did.  There are also a myriad of scenic drives, bikes, and hikes as well as seemingly unlimited small villages to discover, each with their own unique charm.

Q: What is the Val d’Orcia and what does it mean to be a Unesco World Heritage Site?
A:  We’re not an expert, but all we can say is it is probably the most beautiful rural setting we’ve ever seen.  OK, at least it has to be tied for the most beautiful.  It’s a very large area of rolling countryside, mainly farmland for growing wheat and grazing sheep, dotted with small villages and old villas.  Check out the following link to learn more about Unesco’s role: whc.unesco.org

Q:  Is there any wine in the region?
A:  Yes!  There are two fantastic vintages grown right in the area.  The very popular Brunello di Montalcino and the Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano.  I’m getting thirsty just writing this.

Q:  With all the sheep around the house, where are all the wool sweaters?
A:  Our understanding is that the sheep are only used for their milk, which is used to make the world famous pecorino cheese.  So, bring your own sweater and enjoy the cheese.

Q:  I don’t see Il Mandorlo or Cosona on the map.  Where is the villa exactly?
A:  The closest larger towns you are likely to see on a map are Pienza and Montalcino.  If you draw a line between the two, Il Mandorlo is just above the line and about a little closer to Pienza.  It is not in any town and truly in the middle of the countryside.

Q:  How old is the villa?  When was it renovated?  How modern is it?
A:  It’s old.  We recently found records dating back to the 1300s showing a home on this site.  It is estimated that parts of the current structure were erected about 350 to 500 years ago.  So it is old.  In 1990, it was converted from a farm home to a luxury villa.  While it has many modern conveniences (see Amenities page), it does not have a modern feel per se.  You will be quite a comfortable bucolic at Il Mandorlo.

Q:  What kind of amenities does the home have?  Can I do laundry?  Watch TV?  How about dishes?
A:  The home comes with most modern conveniences, including washer and dryer, TV with DVD, phone, fax machine, dishwasher, and microwave.  Please see the Amenities page for more details.

Q:  Do I need a power adapter? 
A: Yes. We try to keep several around the house, but to be on the safe side, bring a couple of your own.

Q:  Are there hair dryers there? 
A: Yes. We have placed one in each bathroom. 

Q:  What does the 'Il' in Il Mandorlo stand for? 
"Il" in Italian is the masculine definite article. In English the article is omitted but is almost always used in all Latin based languages (French, Spanish, Italian, etc.) to signify the gender of the noun. "Il Mandorlo" if we correctly understand it actually means "almond" or "almond tree."

Q:  How much does it cost to rent?
A:  Mandorlo is available for the week, generally beginning on a Saturday.  The weekly fee in US dollars is as follows:
Value Season - November - April - $4500/week
Regular Season - September/October and May/June - $4800/week
Peak Season - July and August - $5500/week

Q:  Is a cook included?
A:  No, but Massimo, the house manager, can arrange for cooks to come in as frequently as you like.  Generally, for between 20 and 30 Euro per meal, they will do all shopping, cooking, serving, and cleaning and base the menu on your request.

Q:  How do I find the essentials like where to get groceries, what restaurants to try, how to use the appliances, what to do in case of emergency?
A:  You have resources!  First of all, Massimo, the house manager, can answer any questions you have, make suggestions and reservations, etc.  Also, there is a House Book in the kitchen that will be a helpful resource to you.  Finally, as you prepare for your trip, call us!  We love the area and would love to share our favorites with you.

Q:  Are there bikes or mopeds?
A:  There are about eight bikes you are welcome to use, but there are no mopeds.  A fantastic bike ride is to bike about two miles to the charming old village of Lucignano D’asso for coffee in the afternoon or a beer before dinner.

Q:  How does cleaning work?
A:   The house will be clean when you get there on Saturday, and cleaned again on Wednesday.  If you want additional cleaning, Massimo can arrange.  Some have daily cleaning.

Q:  How much does extra cleaning cost?
A:  One full house cleaning is provided on Wednesday of your stay for no extra charge.  If you want extra cleaning, it is approximately 12 Euros per hour and can be arranged through Massimo.

Q:  Can I bring pets?
A:  Give us a call to discuss.

Q:  Do the fireplaces work?
A:  Yes.  Wonderfully.  And there is plenty of wood provided.  Maybe you don’t need that wool sweater after all!

Q:  Do you really love it there as much as it sounds?
A: We do. It's an amazing place and our enthusiasm for helping others to experience it is heartfelt and genuine.  We hope you can find some time to visit.  Enjoy.