Gently We Go

Gently We Go: Tuscany

Terracotta floors, beamed ceilings, gorgeous views of the Tuscan countryside – there's no doubt that this villa is bursting with traditional charm. Inside, the bright and characterful living area is perfect for lazy mornings and cosy nights at home, with more than enough space to spread out and get comfortable. Downstairs in the basement suite, there's even more room. A small kitchen, living area and an en-suite bedroom make it a perfect option for those craving a little extra peace and quiet. But there's no denying that the piece de resistance here is the tranquil garden. The view alone is mesmerising – just imagine the outlook you'll have as the sun sets over the valley – and the open green space and sparkling pool only add to the magic. While away the afternoons in the water before firing up the traditional pizza oven for an alfresco dinner, sharing a bottle of Tuscany's world-renowned wine around the outdoor table as the evening draws to a close.

If you can pull yourself away from the idyllic garden, the weekly market in Ruota is the perfect spot to shop for fresh fruit and local produce. Lucca is only a thirty-minute drive away if you fancy a day of sightseeing, and all the other famous Tuscan cities are within easy reach by car, including Pisa (forty minutes), Pietrasanta (about an hour) and Florence (an hour and fifteen minutes).

Home truths:
*A cot, high chair, children’s tableware and baby bath can be provided for little ones on request – toys and a changing table are also included
*There are stairs in this home – it's about sixteen steps to the bedrooms upstairs, and eighteen steps down to the basement suite
*The pool isn't enclosed, so children must be supervised at all times
*A car is necessary here, but there is private parking available
*Ruota has very narrow, single lanes that won't work for large cars – to reach the home, you'll have to drive through a forest path that's not ideal for sports cars
*This home has a private entrance and guests can check themselves in via a lockbox on arrival