Casa del Tortora

With a sizeable private swimming pool and table tennis in the garden, a tennis court and informal restaurant within the estate, walking trails to hillside hamlets, and a range of activities (on request), from wine tasting, cookery and language lessons, to mountain biking, riding and tennis tuition, groups with varied ages and interests are spoilt for choice here; especially in late July, when the Villa of La Foce joins forces with the medieval Castelluccio, to host events and concerts for the cultural festival, ‘Incontri in Terra di Siena’. And for guests whose deepest desire is to do practically nothing, Casa del Tortora can oblige. Its tranquil gardens are scented with herbs and roses, shaded with old oak trees, and enhanced with views across the valley to distant heat-hazed hills. Its bedrooms are furnished in calming country-house style, and include a semi-independent annexe for four guests. And its social space includes a large and light summer lounge, an elegantly informal living room, and a charming breakfast kitchen. Lime-washed in cool blue, and with a modern version of a traditional Tuscan cooking fire, it could be extra-leisurely with (optional) cook service.