Le Cerbaia

Rustic charm and a relaxing atmosphere are the hallmarks of this rambling former  farmhouse, designed for comfort, oozing easy informality, and enhanced with inclusive cook service for truly idle days. Flowering shrubs climb the villa’s walls, cypress spires and cushioned cane loungers are sprinkled  around the sizeable swimming pool, mature trees cast cooling shade over long lawns, and a vine-cloaked pergola is the perfect spot for leisurely lunches al fresco.

Looking out to rolling hills, a sundowner terrace hems the house while, within the unpretentious villa, accommodation is spread over several  levels and splashed with colour from cheerful rugs and throws. Bags of social space includes a sitting room, dining room and very convivial open-plan breakfast kitchen/living room; and bedrooms feature four-poster beds nestled under mellowed roof rafters. Set in the Cetinale estate, La Cerbaia’s grounds are adjacent to the acclaimed gardens of Villa Cetinale, with which guests share use of a tennis court. There are shops, a café and restaurant in Sovicille, 5km away, and the splendours of Siena are just a 14km drive from the house.