THE FACTS ABOUT CASALE SODINI

Italy

Just outside Vorno (see Villa Controni), Casale Sodini has been sympathetically converted by the owners, who live next door. Because it used to consist of stables, a grain mill for the village and basic farm accommodation, most of the rooms have dark-beamed ceilings and some have exposed stone walls; the old grain-storage pit can be seen through an illuminated glass panel in the dining-room floor. The terracotta floors, rugs and sturdy country antiques are similarly rustic, and the paintings and prints are well-chosen and tastefully framed. The swimming pool is a short walk from the back door, set in a lawned terrace at the end of a long, narrow garden. There is an outdoor shower and a substantial summerhouse (or gazebo) where the owners say most of their guests choose to spend lazy days between trips to Lucca, Florence, Pisa, or the coast. The house also has a small annexe - with an additional double, single and bathroom - available at a supplement. SLEEPS 10 comfortably; there is also a sofabed in the master bedroom suitable for a child PRICE £7,070 per week, March-October, including maid service CONTACT Elegant Resorts (01244 897 444; www.elegantresorts.co.uk) FLY Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com) to Pisa (20km away)