Fattoria Solaio

In yet another lesser-known pocket of Tuscany halfway between Siena and the sea is the absolutely stunning 1,000-acre property of the Visconti family. Dating back to the 1400s, in its heyday it was a village in itself, complete with the noble family’s main villa, farmers’ houses, church, nuns’ quarters, oil press, and blacksmith and carpenter’s shops. These stone buildings are all attached to the villa in a U-shape formation with a beautiful formal garden within. Terracotta pots with lemon trees and red geraniums give spots of color among the greenery. Vitaliano and Vittoria, whose home has been in the same family since its origins, welcome guests in the restored part of the villa where eight bedrooms with private bathrooms have been created including three large triples. All with beamed ceilings and brick floors, they are simply appointed with beds and armoires, looking out either to the garden or woods at the back. Common areas are the living room with enormous fireplace, the dining room where delectable Tuscan country meals are served (€20), and an upstairs loggia with a panoramic view over the countryside, which seems to take in all of Tuscany. Apartments are available for weekly stays. For those who enjoy spectacular scenery in a very special, historical setting, this is the place.