By The Hearthside

By The Hearthside: Tuscany

We immediately fell in love with the view from the swimming pool at this villa tucked into the Chianti hills. Nothing but green hills as far as the eye can see. The grounds are kept blissfully private as a long tree-lined driveway separates the house from the road, so you can dine alfresco and sip a glass of red as the sunsets in complete seclusion. The villa is a picture of Tuscan tradition, from the stone facade and wooden shutters to the original fireplaces and antique furniture inside. Step across the threshold and you’re greeted with the cooling touch of tiled floors and the rustic ambience of timber-beamed ceilings. Our favourite spot has to be the dining room when a long table stands beside the hearth, still adorned with pots and pans as if frozen in the 19th century. The breakfasting kitchen has everything you need for modern-day cooking and there’s a choice between relaxing in the grand lounge by the fireside, or in the cosy family snug. You’re in the heart of Chianti countryside here with wineries and farm-to-table restaurants dotting the hills. It’s also a forty-five-minute drive to Siena, perfect for a day trip.

Home truths:
*Though perfect well-equipped, the bathrooms and some of the bedrooms are a little dated, aesthetically
*The owner of the villa is a wine producer and you can book a visit to his cellars with wine tasting
*Three of the double beds can be turned into twin beds, just ask your host
*A final cleaning and heating fee is payable on departure
*Only three of the bedrooms have air-conditioning
*There is plenty of parking at the villa
*Electricity is not included in the price of your stay, it will be charged upon check-out based on consumption