The Hillside Escape

The Hillside Escape: Tuscany

The sprawling grounds of this Tuscan villa are home to woodland walks where you can spot birds, a big private pool for cooling dips and lots of different places to dine and unwind out in nature. Inside, the traditional decor won’t be for everyone – the kitchen feels a little dated, but it’s got everything you need for big group meals, and the ramshackle collection of sofas and armchairs is homely. There’s a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom adapted for accessibility, but the rest of the bedrooms are up a twisting stone staircase. Location-wise, it’s in the Chianti hills, surrounded by vineyards, and Florence is just a few kilometres away.

Home truths:
*The living areas, a double bedroom and an accessible bathroom are all on the ground floor, so this place may suit those with limited mobility.
*At capacity, two guests will be on single beds sharing with a double bed. Three guests will be in a triple room.
*The traditional decor won't be to everyone's taste – it's a little dated in parts, especially the kitchen.
*The swimming pool isn't fenced. If you're bringing little ones, they'll need to be supervised at all times.
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended. There is plenty of private parking within the grounds.