PJK---Borgo Grondaie is indeed the place I was thinking of for Siena. They have apartments, which would be perfect for our family, as well as a pool. It is good to know that you liked it. The location was good? From reviews on Tripadvisor, it sounds like the walk into Siena is along a busy road. Is that correct?

Mimar---buses are fine too, as long as I can figure out the schedule! I have sometimes found the Italian bus schedules quite confusing.

yes Aramis see my tuscany trip report

there's an article in the Ny times travel section on little known beach places in Tuscany

Yes, the hike to town was fairly long. I believe there is a sidewalk most or all the way. We are big walkers, so it was not a problem. We had a car most of the time we were there but did not want to take it into the old part of town.

It is an easy walk to catch the train or bus. Do get good maps. It is tucked in behind a grocery store and some other commercial buildings, but don't let that scare you away. Once you get to the grounds, you will feel you are in the country. The breakfast there was exceptional, much nicer than most. In the evenings, they offer a light appetizer selection with wine for those who do not want to venture out for an evening meal. It was very good and reasonably priced (maybe $6-8--can't remember for sure, but at the time, I remembered thinking it was an okay price for what we got.) The people there were exceptionally nice about helping us with our travel plans. We picked up a car in Sienna and drove to several of the towns people have listed as favorites. We chose Borgo because of its proximity to the train station, knowing we would return the car in Sienna before taking a bus back to Rome. If you stay with your plan to travel by train, I think this location would be perfect for you. You would get a taste of a Tuscan villa without having to have a car.

cigalechanta---is that in today's paper? I'll go try to find one. Thanks!

PJK---thank you for the detailed information. I may reconsider Siena. . .