THE FACTS ABOUT VENZANO

Italy

Venzano is an enchanting place, a remote, 15th-century Augustinian monastery with a starry-vaulted chapel in the angular volcanic hills south of Volterra. Watered by a Roman spring, it is now a nursery specialising in aromatic plants and flowers run by Australian gardener Donald Leevers and Irish botanical artist Lindsay Megarrity. Not only are the gardens wonderful - the scents both day and night are unforgettable - but with room for no more than 10 guests, there is a relaxed and intimate atmosphere and visitors frequently hold communal dinner parties in Leevers and Megarrity's kitchen. Many are keen gardeners and are welcome to help out in the nursery. There are three impeccable apartments with cool, serene bedrooms, all decorated in the same faded green-blue found in the churches of nearby Volterra. Each has access to a small terrace. SUITABLE FOR Keen gardeners, walkers and anyone wanting a base from which to explore Pisa, Florence and the coast ACCOMMODATION Apartment 1 sleeps two to three (€90 per night); apartment 2 sleeps two (€80); apartment 3 sleeps four (€125). Apartments are available for a minimum of three nights LOCATION About 10km from Volterra; turn off the S68 at the sign for Mazzolla, about 8km east of Volterra, and watch carefully for the painted wooden signs marked Venzano CONTACT Venzano, loc Mazzolla,56048 Volterra (00 39 0588 39095; email: venzano@sirt.pisa.it; www.venzanogardens.com)