La Ripolina

La Ripolina farm is a vast 500-acre farm comprised of several different brick farmhouses. Self-catering apartments (two for up to ten people) and individual guest bedrooms are divided among five farmhouses dotting the  hills of the property. Two apartments are found within the Pieve di Piana, a cluster of houses grouped around an ancient church with bell tower dating to the 9th century. The richly historic Pieve sits on a hill and enjoys panoramic views of farmland extending as far as the eye can see. The manager, who when we stayed did not speak English, resides in one of the apartments and several others are availalable for guests to rent. Five rooms are next door in the Ripoli house, each being individually appointed with appropriate country local antiques. Walls are painted in  earth colors and the upstairs loggia, a typical open porch with four large arched windows, has been enclosed and transformed into the breakfast room. A country breakfast buffet includes croissants, bread, biscuits, honey, marmalade, fruit, ham and orange juice.  A swimming pool and bicycles are available for guests.