Description Tuscan Hills: Monte S. Marie

This hilltop haven is perfect for those looking for a quiet, calm and restful stay in Tuscany. The villa can be found thirteen minutes outside of Asciano, with its medieval centre, amid stunning rolling countryside that catches the eye from every angle.

The villa has been restored from an elegant country house, so it retains lots of lovely Tuscan charm ¬– think heavy wood beams, terracotta accents and a classic stone facade. The layout is quirky, with two loft spaces housing the bedrooms – the plus side to all the stairs is that the views are incredible.

The countryside that surrounds this home is lush and green, with plenty of nearby routes for hikers to get stuck into. It’s also very close to Chianti country, so you might like to seek out a vineyard tour, or at the very least pick up a bottle to enjoy on the terrace one evening.

In terms of day trips, you can’t do better than driving thirty-five minutes to Siena. It’s a glorious city to explore, with its rich history and a wealth of fantastic restaurants. After a day out, head back to the villa for a dip in the pool in the early evening – it’s a splendid spot for a sunset swim.

Home truths:
*The building here consists of other apartments, though guests said it still felt private during their stay.
*The swimming pool is shared with other residents.