Magdalene's Garden

Magdalene's Garden: Tuscany

A restored barn that's sat in this landscape for nearly two centuries, this welcoming home is all rustic charm and country cottage chic. The hosts have lovingly preserved many of the original features, so you'll find a wooden staircase, stone masonry and exposed beams on the ceilings. It's cosy and romantic, whether you're curling up by the log-burner in winter, rustling up meals in the quaint kitchen or admiring the views from the beautiful master bedroom. But our favourite has to be the garden, and in the summer it's overflowing with wildflowers, olive trees, hazelnut groves and luscious fruit trees. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, sip wine from a local vineyard under the pergola and grill up a feast on the brick-built barbecue. On sunny afternoons, stroll down to the river to swim or fish, with only the sounds of the water and the birds. For day trips and a bit of sightseeing, historic Arezzo is a forty-minute drive while Florence is just under an hour away.

Home truths:
*The pool is open from the last Saturday in April until the first Saturday in October
*If there are six of you, two will be sleeping on the sofa bed in the living room
*You'll need a car to get the most from this area – there’s private parking available
*Firewood, extra cleaning and extra linen can be provided for a fee – speak to the host
*The master bedroom is on the first floor, while the twin room and bathroom are downstairs