THE FACTS ABOUT CALCIONE

Italy Tuscany

Calcione is a vast estate in eastern Tuscany, its turreted castle holding sway over woods, lakes (for swimming or pike fishing) and farmland, as well as vineyards and olive groves. It feels as if it's miles from anywhere, but the estate lies just 17km from the Florence-Rome motorway. The Lotteringhi della Stufa family, who have owned Calcione since 1483, are down-to-earth country aristocrats living with kids, dogs and wellies while producing organic olive oil, wine, honey and vegetables. The houses and apartments are a little shabby, with 1970s tiled bathrooms and an eclectic assortment of family cast-offs and valuable antiques. Style gurus may shudder, but for anyone with boisterous children the houses are ideal. The two houses, San Giuseppe - where the present generation was brought up - and La Fornace, are the most desirable. The first has its own swimming pool and garden; La Fornace, set in the woods, is a short walk from a swimming lake. Three other houses have been converted into apartments sharing a swimming pool. SUITABLE FOR Large families ACTIVITIES Fishing, swimming, tennis, walking ACCOMMODATION San Giuseppe sleeps 17 (weekly rates on request). La Fornace sleeps eight (€1,300-€2,000) LOCATION From Siena, take the Siena-Bettole road and turn off at Rigomagno then follow signs to Calcione CONTACT Calcione, Lucignano, 52046 Arezzo (00 39 0575 837 100; email: calcione@calcione.com; www.calcione.com)