A Midsummer Daydream

A Midsummer Daydream: Tuscany

You might think that you have to pick between homes that respect tradition and those that embrace more contemporary design, but villas such as this one in the Florentine countryside show that you can have both if you choose wisely.

Step behind the front door and you'll spot some of the rustic features common in the region's homes, be that wooden ceiling beams, stone archways or the large fireplace in the lounge. However, the glisteningly modern kitchen packed full of appliances will be a treat for the culinarily gifted among guests, and the bathrooms are equally as easy on the eye.

Perhaps the most striking recent addition to the address lies beyond the four walls in the shared garden – it's remarkably easy to picture long afternoons spent gliding through the swimming pool before drying off on a lounger under the Tuscan sun. The picturesque outdoor space is completed with a ping pong table and a private terrace on which to enjoy alfresco feasts.

The location is certainly secluded, but there's a shop 400 metres from the front door and a restaurant another 200 metres beyond that. You're more than welcome to spend your time exploring the local Poggiosole region, but the city of Florence takes about half an hour in the car to reach and rewards those that make the journey with some of the most famous artworks in the world.

Home truths:
*Please let your host know if you are travelling as a party of four or less (excluding children age 4 and under sleeping in cribs) and do not require the ground floor en-suite bedroom. If arranged in advance, this area can be locked for a saving of €100 per night.
*The home is spread over two floors and there are also a few steps between the rooms on the ground floor.
*There's space available to park up to two cars on the premises.
*Your host can provide a cot, high chair and children's tableware for free upon request.
*The swimming pool is only available between mid-May and mid-October, and is shared with one other lodging along with the ping-pong table and olive grove.