Hi Linda,  It seems like only yesterday that we were emailing backwards and forwards about our Tuscan escape and now it’s over and we all have the memories to treasure.
Well what can I say other than Casa al Vento was fantastico, meravigliso and even far better than we could have imagined.
Where do I begin – the views were absolutely amazing, the villa was grand and so very comfortable.  Beatrice (the housekeeper) was unable to greet us as she was in Paris .... which we discovered on the day we arrived.  But a lovely young lady, Guilia was there to look after us.
Franca (the cook/housekeeper/local knowledge marvel, etc.) was a typical Italian Mum.  I can say this because I have one just like her!  She was available when we needed and certainly could cook!!!!!  The meal she made for the anniversary was unbelievable.  She had to feed 12 of us in the end and she didn’t bat an eyelid.  We discussed the menu and she decided to cook “typically” Tuscan cuisine and this included pasta with a “wild boar” sauce (mmm mouth-watering)!  I think we had 5 courses in total – a real banquet.  She is an absolute treasure and I must say, she did enjoy our company and chatting to us (without being too intrusive).
The location was perfect for our party and we felt like we were on top of the Tuscan hills (which infact is true).  The town of Pieve a Presciano which was a short drive or nice walk away, was so beautiful and the local grocery shops and restaurants which were part of this were something out of a story book.  Quaint and just as you’d imagine them to be.  The local people were so friendly, welcoming and extremely accommodating, even to the point of opening their doors when the shop was supposed to be closed.  We got to know the local shop owners  who also ran the Perbacco restaurant (attached to the grocery store).  By the end of the week, we were like old friends.  They loved chatting to us (as best they could).  The whole family was on site at some stage – Nonno, Nonna, Mum, Dad, son, daughter-in-law, etc. 
It was a great time to be in Tuscany as it wasn’t high season and the locals revelled in having us around so they actually had time to get to know us.   So much so that they invited one of our group to a cooking lesson at their restaurant.  He was instructed by the chef (who was gorgeous might I add) on how to make spinach and ricotta ravioli (hands on from start to finish).  After all this, he gave us the ravioli to take home to cook and eat – “free of charge”!  How very generous.  This is one of the highlights that will be told over and over as it was a chance in a lifetime.
The resident cat (as was mentioned on the website) didn’t appear at all.  Yes, the heating was expensive but we only turned it on for the first day we arrived and then the day before we were leaving.  There was an endless supply of wood for the fire and this was more than enough to keep us toasty warm.
All the furniture, linen, crockery and facilities were “top-notch”.  We all slept very comfortably and the layout of the villa allowed everyone to have space if they needed it.
We spent many hours out on the terrazzo gazing at the towns below us.  The panorama was breathtaking – day and night. 
There is so much more but I just wanted to let you know that we had an incredible time and that we are all home safely and missing Tuscany terribly!   More on our Tuscan adventure later.
Thank you again for your wealth of knowledge on the region and all it had to offer.  The immense guidance and advice you gave us when planning this holiday was so valuable.
Ciao and saluti da Anna. (Australia)

P.S. Robyn and her family’s villa was only a short walk away from us.  It worked out perfectly.