Antipasti on the Patio

Antipasti on the Patio: Tuscany

Just 11km outside of Siena, nestled on a hilltop in the Tuscan countryside, you'll find this idyllic villa. It's a gorgeous spot with over a thousand square metres of grounds to explore, and plenty of space for your friends and family to roam.

The home itself is vast, with charming Italian interiors that combine high-end luxury with comfort and cosiness – think chandeliers, sumptuous fabrics, and terracotta tiles. There's a gym with views over the valley, where you can work up a sweat, and an outdoor wood-burning oven for you to refuel yourself alfresco. Outside, there's a covered loggia that extends the entire length of the villa, along with a vegetable patch where you can pick fresh ingredients. There's also a fabulous swimming pool, complete with an outdoor shower, as well as a hot tub for long, revitalising soaks.

Exploring the splendid Tuscan landscapes is easy from here – visit picturesque villages, working vineyards, and rolling hills for a true taste of rural Italian life. However, if you're in the mood for museums and galleries then you're in a surprisingly good location – the ancient city of Siena is only a fifteen-minute drive away, while Florence is just over an hour away. Stroll through cobbled streets, gelato in hand, before visiting some of the world's most prized art collections. And, after a long day out, you can take your pick from the fairytale bedrooms back at the house for a fantastic night's sleep.

Home truths:
*There is space to park four cars
*The pool is open from May to September
*All bedrooms have air conditioning
*A baby bed and a high chair are available free of charge
*Pets are allowed on request
*At full capacity, some of the guests will be sleeping on sofa beds