Castello del Calcione

I stayed here in 2009. The apartment we rented was magical, with amazing views and horses walking by every hour. I knew it was rustic, which I was prepared for. When we decided to bring our kids to Tuscany and meet up with another family, there was no question that we wanted a big house at Il Calcione. The owner explained that she took it over from her Grandfather who had passed away and was working on fixing it up. She’s putting a lot of time and effort into it and I totally respect that. However, the actual house we rented was in really rough shape, almost to the point that it shouldn’t be rented without some major updates. I was disappointed. Here are the issues: -The house we rented (San Pietro) said it had “sweeping views” but on arrival I realized there were no views. I asked when they were showing us around and they said, yeah, this house doesn’t have views. Okay, but it was in the description of this actual house and was one of the top things on my list when renting a place in Tuscany. -There had been water issues the day before we arrived. That’s fine, no hot water for a night. But, all the bathrooms had a stink to them that got worse over the course of the week. I’m not sure if it was related, but there were plumbing issues somewhere that wasn’t just hot water. -The washing machine didn’t work. They told us that, and they kindly did our laundry at the castle. But it was pretty inconvenient with 8 people, towels, etc. -The dishwasher technically worked but it didn’t actually wash the dishes. And when we got there, ALL the dishes were dirty, but put away. So I’m assuming the people before us just did what they could and no one checked to make sure they were clean. This meant that we did a ton of dishes by hand the first hour we got there and through the entire stay. And with one single dish towel that we couldn’t wash, it was very frustrating. -The entire house needed a deep clean. A major, complete, top to bottom, deep clean. -The first floor bedroom had no top sheet, and just one thick, stained, ripped comforter. It’s just the little things like this that make a difference. Just spend 50€ and buy a sheet and a new bedspread. -The website states that there are two lakes, canoes and crystal clear swimming water. We only found one small swampy lake with a dock and when I inquired about the canoe they said it was 45€ per person. -There weren’t screens on some of the windows, yet it was very hot, so there were flies EVERYWHERE. You couldn’t get away from them. Now for the good part: -The house was gorgeous. The artwork was amazing, the floors and ceilings were awesome. It’s a beautiful structure. -The people who worked there were kind and helpful. The owner came over to say hi when we checked in. -The pool area was magnificent and they kept it super clean. The kids were in it everyday for hours. -The area is beautiful and we love the little town, Lucignano, that was close. I hope this helps anyone booking there. Th

My fiancée and I spent a memorable weekend in March at Scuderia Calcione and Castello del Calcione, where we experienced a delightful blend of equestrian activities, Tuscan beauty, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The rolling landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region provided a captivating backdrop for an unforgettable stay. The horse riding at Scuderia Calcione was a highlight of the weekend, executed with impressive care and professionalism. We rode through scenic meadows, olive orchards, vineyards, and the classic cypresses alleys / vialle dei cipressi with the views changing beautifully at every turn. The well-trained trained Maremmano and Thoroughbred breeds, were responsive, spirited, and impeccably mannered, making each ride both smooth and exhilarating. A particularly thrilling moment was galloping along the horse race track, where the horses’ strength and training truly stood out. Riding through the medieval town of Lucignano felt like stepping into history, with its cobblestone streets and ancient walls adding a timeless charm. We paused for a coffee break by the town gate, sipping espresso while the horses rested—a "dolce vita" moment, that captured the essence of Italian life. Staying at Castello del Calcione was a comfortable and charming experience, steeped in history. The castle’s stone walls and elegant interiors created a cozy yet refined ambiance. Evenings began with aperitifs by the fireplace, where the crackling flames set a relaxed tone for conversation and anticipation of the meals ahead. Private chef Francesco consistently impressed with authentic Tuscan cuisine and pairing them with local wines. A wine tour and tasting at Azienda Agricola Fabbriche Palma offered an insightful glimpse into Tuscany’s winemaking traditions, featuring robust reds and crisp whites that were a pleasure to sample. On the next day we explored the area around Modanella followed by going through lush, unspoiled forests which were providing a serene setting for our rides. A lunch at a traditional Tuscan farmhouse added rustic charm to the day, with simple, fresh ingredients that reflected the land’s bounty. After a relaxed riding mixed with a crazy race up one of the hills on the Castello del Calcione property, the weekend concluded with a Sunday lunch that fostered a sense of togetherness. Owners, staff, and guests gathered around a long table by the kitchen fireplace. Chef Francesco prepared a classic Italian spread, featuring perfectly cooked pasta followed by vin santo and cantucci, a sweet wine and almond biscuit pairing that provided a fitting end. The friendly conversation around the table created a familial atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression. Thank you to Zoe, Selvaggia, Alessandro, Gigi, and Francesco for their dedication and warm hospitality. Their efforts ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience, creating a familiar and inviting environment at Scuderia Calcione and Castello del Calcione. Hope to return soon!