Antico Casale di Scansano

The Maremma, an intensely scenic area in the coastal foothills of southern Tuscany, offers a wealth of sightseeing possibilities: walled villages, Etruscan ruins, archaeological sites, and marvelously unspoiled landscapes. The congenial Pellegrini family converted a 200-year-old stone farmhouse into a hotel and over the years, into a veritable country resort. The “Castagneta” restaurant is the heart of the inn and has tables set in a beamed-ceilinged room filled with sunlight from large French doors opening onto a panoramic terrace where meals are served on warm days. A real bonus are the delectable typically local meals coupled with fine regional wines. Learn the kitchen’s secrets firsthand by participating in the cooking classes. The singles and some double bedrooms are found in the main house in addition to the spacious guestrooms in two nearby annexes, comfortably appointed with wrought iron beds, artisan-made furnishings and many amenities. Self-catering villas are also available for rent on the property. There is also a full spa offering a variety of oriental philosophy based treatments, indoor heated salt-water pool, sauna, and outdoor pool. Down the hill from the hotel you find the equestrian center where horses are groomed each day for guests, ready for countryside excursions. Plenty to keep one happy here.