THE FACTS ABOUT POGGIO A PIAZZA

Italy

Poggio a Piazza is in the Arno valley, off the main tourist track but close enough for day trips to Florence, Chianti, the vineyards of Rufina and the stunning Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casen-Tinesi. Set in six acres of land below the tiny village of San Donato in Fronzano, the estate borders vineyards and a riding school and has incredible views across the valley from the swimming-pool terrace. The gardens have been cleverly landscaped and are lovingly maintained; the owner grows his own vegetables which are put to good use by the experienced cook (an optional extra). The main house is furnished with some good antiques and paintings and the parquet floors are set off by an impressive collection of oriental rugs. Two large living rooms, a dining room and an enormous kitchen with French windows opening to a dining terrace ensure plenty of space for a group, although the two-bedroom annexe, while perfectly acceptable, does not reflect the attention to detail on display in the house. San Donato in Frozano, one kilometre up the hill, is convenient for local shopping, but not overtly charming (the same goes for nearby Reggello). But follow the high, narrow road above the Arno to Arezzo and there are some interesting stops along the way, including the parish church of San Pietro a Cascia. SLEEPS 10, with three in the annexe PRICE £2,665-£4,030 CONTACT Dolce Vita Villas (020 7436 0426; www.dolcevitavillas.com). FLY Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com) to Pisa (120km away)