Archipettoli

The sturdy stone walls of this former farmhouse have stood since the 13th century, and the rural views the house commands are probably as tranquil now as then. But there the similarities end, for careful restoration has transformed the tower-topped building into a comfortable and characterful family villa. Furnished in traditional Tuscan style, under heavily beamed ceilings, the house is ideally flexible for families, with three of its bedrooms designed for use as a double or twin beds. The kitchen/breakfast room is complemented by a built-in barbecue and covered terrace, for al fresco dining and superb sunset views. And in spacious lawned gardens, with trees, flowering shrubs and swathes of lavender, there is table tennis, badminton and a twelve metre pool, along with a solar-heated pool shower. With a local shop 700m away, the villa is 10km from amenities in San Casciano, just 25km from fabulous sightseeing in Florence, and within 50km of Siena and San Gimignano .