Hidden away among verdant vegetation in the Tuscan countryside, this handsome stone villa is the ideal location to get yourself a little taster of la dolce vita. During the warmer months, afternoons can be passed all too pleasantly by gliding gracefully through the swimming pool, reading in a shady spot somewhere in the garden or enjoying a languorous dinner on the terrace — a meal perhaps cooked on the barbecue. The interior is rustic in style with exposed stone walls, shuttered windows and an open-hearth fireplace to get cosy around once the sun's gone down. That being said, there are a few modern flourishes — our favourite being the hydro-massage bathtub. When you're looking for afternoons out, the excellent location means you're truly spoilt for choice. The medieval city walls of Lucca take about a quarter of an hour to reach by car, while Pisa can be done in twenty-five. Perhaps best of all, you can be swimming in the Ligurian Sea from the sands of Spiaggia Della Lecciona in just over half an hour.

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