Last summer we stayed for a week in a lovely spot in the Val D'orcia -->

http://www.trustandtravel.com/tuscan...gallinaio.html.

The pictures don't do it justice - it was incredibly wonderful. In May, it's Euro 700 for the week. It's on the edge of Vivo D'Orcia, a small village with a couple of lovely restaurants and a small but adequate grocery store.

We spent a week in October and stayed at an Agriturisimo in Bucine. It was very good and the staff is great. The name is Tenuta Lupinari, web-site is http://www.lupinari.com. A convenient place to travel from.

In 2011 we rented an apartment at Agriturismo La Falconara near Montepulciano. Alex and Ingrid are wonderful hosts. Alex is very helpful with maps, directions and restaurant recommendations. They have three apartments on the lower level and they live on the upper level. It is set among vinyards and very lovely. We were there for 2 weeks and did day trips throughout the region, visiting several places you mentioned. We did get a parking ticket, though, so do pay special attention to that. We thought the white places were free. They are, but only for a time period. That's when you have to set the little cardboard clock on your front window. We didn't know what that was for until it was too late. Blue lines are pay lots with meters where you pay first and put your ticket on your dash. Do not park within yellow lines. They are for residents.

Thank you all for your replies. We have decided to stay at the Fonte Betisimo although I have't heard back yet. Now I am looking for an apartment north of Florence for one week, perhaps in Lucca. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to locate an apartment in that area? thank you in advance.