Casa della Collina

Reached by a track that winds up from the village church, Casa della Collina’s views are exceptional, even by Italian standards. Set in 17 hectares of olive terraces, gardens and with a freshwater spring, it is a villa of rare charm and peacefulness with its own farmhouse, artist’s studio, swimming pool and private chapel. The villa itself sleeps 10 guests. The farmhouse annexe is near the main house, and provides additional accommodation for a further 6 guests. Families are welcome and children well provided for. The villa has been restored with integrity and authenticity, making the most of its high ceilings, large and numerous windows and impressive double doors. The thick walls ensure a cool interior even in the height of summer, and throughout there is relaxed refinement. A terracotta-tiled terrace, lined with lemon trees, leads onto a shaded pergola with a large travertine table and iron chairs. In summer this is, in effect, an outdoor living and dining room. A gas barbecue makes outdoor cooking simple, and there is a wood-burning, traditional pizza oven by the farmhouse. An evening of pizza-making is great fun for all ages. The swimming pool, with shallow end and Roman steps, is set just below the villa on a separate, deep terrace. Sheltered and with all-day sun, it has sweeping views of the valley. A second pergola provides a covered seating area. This is a great place from which to explore northern Tuscany, but once here you may not want to leave...