Once part of a medieval fortress and lovingly restored to reflect the colors and textures of its environment, Podere La Vigna provides relaxation and seclusion in classic Tuscan style. The fixtures and furnishings, including an original stone fireplace and marble kitchen sink, give the common areas an authentic flavor, while the bedrooms are distinct and vibrant with antique decoration and artwork.

The hexagonal swimming pool on the lower terrace will quickly become a favorite gathering spot, your privacy ensured by a mature laurel hedge. Have lunch al fresco on the shady terrace, taking in the views of the surrounding vineyards, or relax with a book under the covered loggia.

Just a short distance away, San Regolo, with its small shops and tempting trattoria, affords magnificent views over the famous Brolio wine estate. Should you crave a more far-flung adventure, medieval Siena is only a 30-minute drive away, its narrow streets lined with designer boutiques and leading to the magnificent Piazza del Campo, filled with shops, bars and cafes.

A pretty stroll or short drive away from the villa is the hamlet of San Regolo, with its small shop, church and delicious trattoria affording magnificent views of Brolio castle. Winetasting can also be arranged in the worldfamous cantine of the Brolio estate, where a couple of bottles for the evening's dinner can also be purchased!

In nearby Gaiole in Chianti one can visit the perfectly preserved Castello di Meleto, with its impressive circular towers overlooking the surrounding vineyards of Chianti Classico or the fairytale hamlet of Volpaia, built as a military outpost in the 10 th century. Furthermore, if you rent your villa in the month of September you may well coincide with the Sagra della Bruschetta in Gaiole, when hundreds of varieties of the famous Italian antipasto will be on offer in the town's main square.

With Siena literally on your doorstep, a visit to this perfectly preserved medieval town is a must for any guest of Podere La Vigna. Visit the fine Gothic cathedral with its Piccolomini library and admire Duccio's masterpiece The Virgin in Majesty, then enjoy a coffee in the Piazza del Campo where the thrilling Palio horse race is held twice a year.

Florence, with her incomparable art treasures, is just over an hour away. See Michelangelo's David in the Accademia art gallery, enjoy a visit to the world famous Uffizi Museum and stroll through the Piazza Signoria with its impressive medieval buildings. And for a break from the heat of the city, enjoy a homemade ice cream as you wander through the Boboli Gardens.

For food lovers, local farms selling delicious cheese and some of Tuscany's best wine are on your doorstep, and there are openair markets in one village or another almost every day of the week. The more active may enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking or hot air ballooning, and there are beautiful walks in the rolling hills surrounding the villa.

Last but not least, there is the shopping! The outlet stores near Arezzo provide endless retail therapy opportunities, and then there are the leather goods and hand made paper that Florence is so famous for and the wonderful olive oil that is produced throughout the region - make sure you choose the greenest you can find!