Five Traditional Hideaways in Tuscany
08 August, 2017
- Words by
- Zeni Kristina
The
The
iconic scene in which Juliet walks to her farmhouse window
to greet an impatient Romeo waiting in the rose garden below – with
a modern twist of Eat, Pray, Love – has long attracted
holidaymakers to Italy.
While Shakespeare may have chosen Verona as the setting of his
love story, Tuscany
harbours similar romance in the form of scenic landscapes, historic
hill towns, sprawling vineyards and olive groves recognisable in
the Renaissance paintings which fill
Florence‘s Uffizi galleries. These rolling hills cry out for a
summer spent
road tripping between the region’s rustic villas, punctuated by
visits to the horse races in medieval Siena and sunbathing on
Elba’s beaches. The biggest decision you’ll make is whether to end
your days with a Montepulciano or Aperol…
To help you live la dolce vita, we’ve rounded up some of our
favourite traditional hideaways in the Florence and beyond – but
you’re on your own when it comes to finding your Romeo or
Juliet.
hotel
Antica Dimora Firenze
Florence
Nestled down one of Florence’s quieter streets, this intimate
guesthouse channels the character of old Tuscany. A homely vibe is
unmistakable throughout the six well-equipped guest rooms, thanks
to silk curtains paired with striped sofas, walls painted in washed
rose or pistachio, four-poster beds and antique chairs. After a
long day of exploring Italy’s finest art collections, it’s an ideal
place to finish with a
wine-tasting class in the dining room. Enjoy a breakfast of
homemade cakes and jams with your hosts and fellow guests who will
be more than happy to share their travel tips.
hotel
Sovigliano
Florence
Halfway between Florence and Siena, this ancient but recently
renovated farmhouse stands among vineyards, olive groves, cypresses
and pines in the Chianti hills. The walls are covered with rough
stucco, while handmade Florentine terracotta floors, ceilings
featuring old wooden beams and arches throughout the building
compliment farmhouse furnishing – think four-poster beds,
warm-coloured textiles, pinewood drawers and oil paintings. On top
of the views, a spacious pool and an exercising area in the
tree-dotted garden,
alfresco dining is available throughout the day. If you’re
visiting Sovigliano for a romantic getaway, book into the west wing
of the building for a more private stay.
hotel
Pieve di Caminino
Caminino
Set on a hilltop overlooking Montemassi Castle, this elegant
B&B set in a 11th-century monastery promises panoramic views
outside, while a rustic interior invites you to get merry in front
of roaring fires of perfumed olive wood inside. Marrying history
and nature, the impressive estate – which has belonged to the same
family since 1650 – more than lives up to its Tuscan heritage. The
self-catering rooms are surrounded by an organic farm made up of
olive trees (the owners produce their own oil) and a small vineyard
which create an proper countryside atmosphere, while canopy beds,
peeling columns and a lack of TV and wifi contribute to the Tuscan
holiday dream.
hotel
Antica Casa Le Rondini
Colle di Buggiano
hotel
Campo Regio Relais
Siena