Hillside Vines

In the undulating Tuscan countryside, this villa sits atop a hill, right on the ancient oil and wine route through olive groves and vineyards. It’s a fifteen-minute drive from Volterra, a medieval walled town with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants and old churches to explore. And Siena is just under an hour’s drive for a day trip. Panoramic views take centre stage outdoors, where raised terraces can provide shaded spots for meals outside. From a poolside lounger, you can admire the forest-clad hills around you, before slipping into the turquoise pool to cool off from the sun. Aperitivo is best served on the first-floor terrace, where comfy seating looks out over the countryside. The villa may have the stone facade and arched windows of a traditional Tuscan farmhouse, but the wall of glass in the living and dining room is a testament to the 21st century. There’s more than enough room for the group to spread out and dine together at two banquet-sized tables inside. Unwind beneath a brick vaulted ceiling in the evening. Chefs will feel right at home in the kitchen – all chrome and steel like the professional kitchens of a Michelin-starred restaurant, but with a wood-topped pasta-making table straight out of a 19th-century farmhouse. Home truths: *As is common in Italy, heating (including pool heating) is not included and is payable based on consumption at the end of your stay *There is private parking with this villa *Having a car is recommended as the nearest supermarket is a short drive away *Heating costs are paid separately and are based on usage and market prices