Il Borgo di Petroio Hotel

Tuscany

Nestling among the Tuscan hills, this 900-year-old farmhouse has sweeping views over deep forests and the eye-wateringly picturesque village of Acone. From the outside it’s a vision of rustic charm with a red tile roof, swimming pool surrounded by vineyards and apparently endless shady seating areas in which to while away lazy afternoons. However, a recent renovation has elevated the interiors to something special. Original features such as enormous stone fireplaces and ancient wooden beams sit quirkily beside contemporary art, while bedrooms painted in pretty sorbet colours are a pleasure to wake up in. The property is owned by a pre-eminent local family and there are some fabulous excursions on offer through their contacts, from a Florence market tour and cookery class to a Chianti wine and cheese tasting. It’s a winding drive to reach the main road, but the sense of utter tranquillity that permeates this 364-hectare farm and estate is well worth the adventure. From £5,074 per week, sleeps 14. ,