A Comet at Twilight

Dating back to the 17th century, there is an undeniable air of rustic charm to this villa near Arezzo (a thirty-five-minute drive away). As the sun sets over the surrounding hills, the stone facade practically glows against the landscape. You’ve got 80 acres of ground to explore, dotted with cypress trees, olive groves and peaceful woodland. Exploring every nook and cranny, you’ll stumble upon hammocks strung up between trees, outdoor lounges looking out over the rolling hills, a dining area beneath a wrought-iron gazebo and, of course, the turquoise pool in the terraced garden. Our favourite spot is the courtyard garden, bursting with potted flowers in a riot of colour.

Inside, it’s exactly what you expect from a historic home in the Italian hills. Ceilings are wooden with gnarled old beams, thick stone walls are pristine white and the time-worn terracotta floors look as though it has seen centuries of footsteps. Although it’s been completely renovated, there are still signs of the times gone by – the huge old hearth in the dining room, gilded mirrors and exposed stone walls. Antiques and book-filled cabinets add to that feeling of an old-world country retreat.

If you want to head out for a meal, the nearest restaurant is a ten-minute drive away, and the pretty medieval town of Monterchi is a further five minutes where you’ll find a selection of places to eat and shop for groceries.

Home truths:
*In a remote location, having a car is essential and there is plenty of private parking at this villa
*The last few hundred metres leading up to the villa entrance are along a very steep and narrow road
*All of the bedrooms are upstairs (including on a mezzanine level) so this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*The washing machine is housed outside the home
*The swimming pool will be closed from 30 September until the end of the season
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants, just ask
*You'll have your own private entrance here