Cretaiole is run by the wonderfully hospitable Moricciani family, headed by Luciano and Liliana. They have been associated with the property since they were married in the mid-1960s, and have been Cretaiole’s proud and respectful owners since 1980.

You can be completely confident in your decision to stay with the Moricciani’s, because they are devoted to their guests and always treat them with honesty, respect, and appreciation. They are generous with their bounty, and, most of all, will give of themselves to you and your traveling companions to ensure that you will Embrace the Enduring Spirit of Tuscany.

The First Generation

Both Luciano and Liliana come from farming backgrounds. For generations their ancestors have worked the land near Pienza and Montisi, just a few kilometers from Cretaiole. Their knowledge of the land, its crops, its wines, and the traditional foods of Tuscany seems almost instinctual. They can make anything grow and they both love raising small farm animals such as pigs, chickens, rabbits, geese, guinea hens, turkeys, and guinea pigs. They delight in showing them to all their guests (especially the children!) who care to see them.

Liliana is a magician in the kitchen—just like her mother, her grandmother, and all the women who came before her. With only the simplest of ingredients, she can create delicious meals, sauces, and desserts! The Moricciani’s hold high the value and meaning of food—food is life, food is love, and food is friendship. The fruits of their labor—their food and wine—are never taken for granted! Their appreciation for creation and the lessons they have learned from their forebears to use creation to feed their families runs deep.

Luciano now finds traveling a passion of his—and Liliana accompanies him, leaving Cretaiole in the competent hands of Carlo and Isabella. The elder couple is proud of their family, and so happy the business has been embraced by the younger generation. They are hardworking people of the land, who love to share their lives with their guests.

The Second Generation

Their son and daughter-in-law, Carlo and his Milanese wife, Isabella, are thoroughly involved in the operations of the agriturismo. Carlo grew up working on the farm in Pienza where his parents still live. He went to school in Siena and studied agriculture—it has been his passion always.

As an adult, Carlo recognized his special ability to taste and smell, and so he studied to be an olive oil tasting expert. He is an official olive oil tester in Siena, serving on a panel that evaluates and approves the quality of the region’s olive oil. He respects nature and the crops that grow in this special Tuscan soil, and he feels it is his duty to make the very best of what is grown on the land. He studies and works hard to produce grapes and make the very best Orcia DOC wine possible. Carlo is a man of the earth, solid as a rock, with a personality as warm as the sun.

Isabella, a big-city girl from Milan who speaks four languages, fell in love with Cretaiole (and Carlo!!) over a decade ago when she came as a guest herself! She traded her high heels and business suits for what she says is the “real” dolce vita, living on the land, living within the natural rhythms of nature, concentrating on family and friends, and being grateful for the basic values of life.

Isa has traveled the world and completely and thoroughly loves to be with people from different countries and cultures. She will be there to greet when you arrive, and will provide you with detailed information about the apartment, the area, and the specific events that will be happening in the area while you staying at Cretaiole. She channels her “ball-of-fire, Type-A” personality into meeting the many needs of her guests and making certain they have an experience they will never forget. She is funny, flexible, and enchanting.

Laura Moricciani, Carlo’s sister, is a high school teacher in the Val d’Orcia, and lives at Podere San Gregorio with her parents. Recently, in her spare time, she and her parents have started a new agriturismo on that property. You are certain to meet this intelligent, beautiful young lady during your stay.

Their cousin, Giulio Moricciani, is indispensable to the family and to Cretaiole. This man is able to do anything—woodworking, gardening, landscaping, you name it! Whatever is needed, Giulio is there to help.

The Third Generation

When you visit, you will meet the adorable sons of Carlo and Isabella, Niccolò and Filippo! Niccò is destined to be a farmer, paleontologist, or veterinarian. Moricciani blood courses through his veins carrying with it a deep love for animals, nature, and the land. He loves soccer, playing outside, trading Pokemon cards, drawing dinosaurs, and meeting new kids. He’s learning English so he can communicate with guests. He is an active and well-behaved boy!

Filippo was born in February 2008, and it is a bit early to determine just what he may grow up to be or do—but he will win your heart with his big smile and sparkly smile. His happy nature makes him a joy to around.

The Moricciani Family Philosophy

As a guest at Cretaiole, you will sense the pride the Moricciani’s have in their work and in their land. They demonstrate their belief that they are stewards of all they have. This is their philosophy.

“We believe that running an agriturismo means living in and with nature, and that we are an integral part of nature and cannot possess it. Nature governs the rhythm and success of our work, and credit is due to her for the fruits that she bears.

In this oasis of peace and tranquility, we provide our guests with the opportunity to discover the rhythms of nature and her seasons, and to experience the abundance of aromas, flavors, and images that are waiting to be found.

Our Tuscan heritage is the source of our strong ties with the earth, with the land, and our love for our work. We aim to involve our guests in order to permit them to grasp the essence of our land and its natural, historical, cultural, and culinary identity.

We aim to make our guests feel at ease through our warm hospitality and the quality of our services, which make us stand apart. We pledge to do all that we can to enable our guests to Embrace the Spirit of Tuscany.”

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