An article in the International Herald Tribune discusses the restoration of a ruined village in the Val d’Orcia into villa rentals.  The novelty is that the houses have been restored using original materials and techniques and furnishings have been provided and produced locally.  The food served in the houses is also produced in the area and the aim is to make the village completely self-sufficient. The developer is also promoting cultural tourism, organizing concerts and artists’ residencies. Locals have noticed a new respect for the area which has been repopulating:  one vintner says the young are showing a new appreciation for their traditions.