Our journey to Tuscany had been somewhat dramatic, having to change travel plans a number of times, we were exhausted before we even reached our destination but when we did, our stresses and anxieties evaporated in an instant... We were totally awestruck not only by the beauty of the location but the warmth of our hosts and fell in love with La Malva our chosen apartment.

We were greeted on our arrival by the owners, who after parking up the car, showed us around the apartment and showed us where all the utensils and things were. Provided us with a useful map of the immediate area. We were starving after having nothing to eat on the flight over, so knowing that a local shop was down the bottom of the road, was a godsend. To help us relax furthermore we were delighted to receive a bottle of their own olive oil and a fantastic red wine, both of which are totally organic.

We were very tired but found ourselves settling in very quickly, in the comfort of a very nice apartment and safe in the knowledge that we could simply knock on the door if we needed any help or advice.

Over the course of the two weeks that followed, we got to know the owners better and their own personal love for their way of life in the Tuscan hills, living off the land and the crops that they grow. It gave us more of an insight into Italian life than any other kind of holiday could. It also was good from the point of view that we'd never tried an agriturismo holiday before nor had been to the Tuscany region before. Matteo would simply point places out on the horizon that we may be interested in exploring. The view was amazing, you could see a very long way out towards the val d'orcia area. I got up early on a number of mornings to take photographs without having to take the car. As a photographer, I loved that and the light first thing in the morning was beautiful.

I liked the fact that we could enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside, taking walks around the nearby woods and farm tracks. We spotted Deer and a variety of wild birds that you'd never see in England such as Hoopoe. The birdsong around the farm was incredible as were the swallows nesting in the eaves of the buildings. Yet on the other hand, Siena was just a short drive away. So we found ourselves hopping between the two and enjoying the best of both worlds. We could escape the tourist tour coach crowds and be back in the countryside, only 5km but so different.

We loved Siena and explored a little bit each time. We found that at the weekend it was both tricky and expensive to park there. So we found that during the week outside of peak hours, free parking was available if you drive in. We never made use of the buses but did find out that you could catch one from Costafabbri, the village next to La Prodaia if you preferred to.

In the second week the pool was ready for use and at the same time the weather had started to become much hotter than our first week. The pool is great for people of all ages, it isn't deep and is stepped at the furthest end so that you can stand. The view across the vineyard and woodlands beyond was magical. The swallows liked the pool too and I watched them for hours on end swooping in to fish out trapped insects, a kind of natural pool cleaning system! I liked the shaded area next to the pool and we had plenty of poolside furniture to choose from.

The kitchen became our main indoor space for reading and for me and my laptop, editing the photos I had been taking during the trip. Two hobs was enough to cook on and we found the separate oven to be very effective. We love our toast and were thankful for a toaster. Just one thing we missed was the lack of a kettle. In the end it was no trouble boiling water on the hob but it would be nice to have had one. The fridge was just about big enough for two people but then again La Malva is designed for two. La Prodaia do have bigger apartments ideal for family groups.

We didn't use the lounge all that much, preferring the kitchen table and patio furniture for sitting at to eat, read or just to chill out and do nothing at all. We both thought the sofa in the lounge wasn't very good, the cushions just fell off as soon as we sat on them and this was to be honest my only criticism of the whole place. I would have liked a better sofa and perhaps a small coffee table.

The bedroom and bathroom were ideal. I slept really well and sometimes when travelling I don't, as beds can be uncomfortable. La Malva was absolutely fine, it was firm and very comfortable. Plenty of bed linen and spare pillows in the wardrobe if you needed them. We were glad for the spare blankets in the cupboard as the nights for the first few days were quite chilly. If you stay for two weeks, you get fresh towels and bed linen in the middle weekend. You also have a set of towels each and we thought that was ideal.

We loved the gardens around the main farm house and the swimming pool. They are beautifully landscaped and if you are a big fan of roses (as we are), you'll be in for a treat, as they are stunning and the scents are amazing.

We loved La Malva and the whole of La Prodaia. It is a warm and welcoming place where as a foreigner, you feel very much at home and after many long days out exploring, walking and burning off plenty of energy (Tuscany is mostly up rather than down), we were glad to return to.

We will be delighted to go back for a second time at some point in the next few years. I would also recommend that you go and stay with them. You are guaranteed a lovely time.

In July 2007 I have spent my holiday together with my family in Siena, Tuscany, more precisely in Costafabbri, the outskirts of Siena. The place is named La Prodaia and is run by a very nice Italian family. The house is placed very near to a former monastery and it has a breathtaking view of pines and olive trees. Rooms are furnished in a very cosy and elegant style with old-style furniture and decorations. I made the reservation on the Internet, in February, paying an advance (25% from the total amount) by money transfer, getting in contact with the owner by email. He was extremly supportive and nice; still I was nervous until the last minute because I was wondering if my choice was right and thinging that it may be adventureous to book only based on the Internet presentation, with no previous recommendations from other tourists. When I finally arrived there I was so pleased to see that the pictures were so real and that was nothing exagerated or faked in their presentation. The place is absolutely wonderful is looking exactly like in the presentation (even more beautiful) and my family was so delighted about my choice. I stronlgy recommed La Prodaia for anyone who wish to see a part of Tuscany, During a week (while we stayed at La Prodaia) we visited San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Isola Elba, Colle Val d'Elsa, Cortona, Arezzo and of course Siena. The distances are convenient to any of these beautiful toscan cities; you can leave in the morning and be back in the evening by car. The place is offering only accommodation, no meals but the kitchen (there are 2 apartaments having their own kitchen) has everything a tourist might need. Shopping can be done very near at the entrance in Siena were two supermarkets are located. There is also an excellent restaurant in Costafabbri were you should eat one of the most delicious "pici" I ever eat in Tuscany.