The Palatial Peasant

The Palatial Peasant: Tuscany

It might sound impossible but we think the perfect Tuscan villa should manage to give off both a peasant and a palatial vibe at the same time. You know the kind of thing: a rambling country house that despite its impressive size – dozens of high ceilinged rooms, imposing archways, ideally a swimming pool out in the capacious grounds – still gives the impression that its occupants might just be out in their orchard picking olives. That description certainly applies to this gorgeous family-friendly villa: a classic example of super-relaxed luxury. Located in the Tuscan countryside, it’s surrounded by forests and within an hour’s drive of tourist favourites like Siena, Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Assisi. Inside you’ll find a country kitchen with a rustic dining table to seat 12; six comfortable bedrooms, colour-coded with their en-suites in earthy tones; and two large living rooms with plump, chintzy sofas. Throw back the patio doors to extensive gardens filled with lavender, olives and cypress trees, plus an outdoor lounge, a large swimming pool, barbecue and a wood-fired oven. Turns out the perfect Tuscan villa isn't impossible at all.

Home truths:
* Heating and electricity come as an extra charge
* The pool is in use from April to October
*City taxes are not included in the price of the stay and will be collected in person upon check-in