Podere I Corbezzoli

A far cry from its 18th century origins as a farm workers’ dwelling, this rustic villa, with its beams and shutters, complements simplicity with modern facilities including satellite TV, WiFi, and (optional) cook service, while its lawned gardens encompass a canopied al fresco dining area with fridge and barbecue, and a pool with lovely sea views from its timber decked surround. There’s character, comfort and colour in the split level sitting/dining room, and bedrooms are replete with rich fabrics, rustic chairs and big brass beds, the ground floor bedroom enjoying direct access to the garden. A super little house, set high on the hillside, Podere I Corbezzoli is surrounded by wonderful walking country, in an untamed landscape of Mediterranean greenery. For those who prefer a fairway, the 18 hole Argentario championship golf course is 2km from the villa and, just half that distance away at the foot of the hill, there are shops and restaurants in Porto Santo Stefano, from where the boats sail to Giglio island. At Porto Ercole, 7km away, the shores of a huge bay link the peninsula to the mainland.