|
|
 Tuscany Country Hotels
If you want your hotel to involve peace, quiet and rural landscapes, you will be spoilt for choice in Tuscany. You can stay in converted castles, mellow old family-run villas, luxurious spa resorts, seaside retreats and Agriturismo farmhouses or working wine estates. You will most likely be immersed in idyllic countryside and will never be more than a short hop from great art, wholesome country food and excellent local wine. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Nicky Swallow |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
| Luxury: Fine furniture, lovely grounds and gourmet food are among the highlights |
| Location: Località San Martino, just north of Cortona |
|
|
|
| Among Tuscany’s best hotels, the civilised Falconiere has sweeping views over the Valdichiana. Beautifully furnished bedrooms are housed in the main villa or various outbuildings; grounds are delightful. The Michelin-starred restaurant moves from the old limonaia on to a romantic terrace in summer. |
|
|
 |
|
| Luxury: Seductive hotel created from an entire Renaissance hamlet |
| Location: 1.5km outside Sinalunga |
|
|
|
| Set in rolling countryside and occupying a whole Renaissance hamlet complete with tiny chapel, the Amorosa is one of Tuscany’s most captivating hotels. The bedrooms are beautifully appointed, there is a fine restaurant and service is professional yet discreet. The grounds are lovely too. |
|
|
|
|
| Luxury: Beautifully decorated country house with glorious views |
| Location: in the countryside above Greve in Chianti |
|
|
|
| This elegant yet relaxed country retreat occupies a 16th-century patrician villa in the heart of Chianti with uninterrupted classic views of rolling hills, vines and olive trees. The stylish interiors are done out in strong, earthy colours; bedrooms are luxurious, bathrooms splendid. There’s an excellent restaurant too. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Simple but idyllic island refuge |
| Location: Isola del Giglio |
|
|
|
| This '50s villa set in beautiful gardens (only accessible by boat) makes a simple but idyllic island hideaway and a genuine retreat from modern life. Courses are offered in painting, yoga, pottery and cooking or you can just laze on the rocks in the sun. The three night minimum stay shouldn't be a problem; once here you'll never want to leave and you can choose between half or full board. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Peaceful 'agriturismo' in Chianti Classico |
| Location: Volpaia, north of Radda in Chianti |
|
|
|
| Located in the heart of Chianti Classico country, the Podere Terreno is part of an award-winning wine estate and run as an 'agriturismo' by a Swiss-Italian couple. Accommodation is quite simple but perfectly comfortable and delicious meals are served at a communal table by a vast stone fireplace. Half board obligatory. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Elegant country villa with a private house feel |
| Location: 3km south-west of San Casciano Val di Pesa |
|
|
|
| This gracious, pale salmon-coloured villa dates from the 16th century; today it is a thoroughly civilised hotel offering a warm welcome. In spite of the 20-odd bedrooms, the atmosphere is that of a private house and it is filled with antiques, paintings and beautiful linen fabrics. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Attractive apartments and guesthouse in a 13th-century fortified hamlet |
| Location: 7km west of Monte San Savino, between Arezzo and Siena |
|
|
|
| Set in unspoilt countryside, this 13th-century fortified hamlet has been sensitively converted into rustic but comfortable self-catering apartments and a small guesthouse. Breakfast is served in the old olive press and there is a good restaurant too. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Charmingly rustic bed-and-breakfast in a converted barn |
| Location: Località Feriolo, between Florence and Borgo San Lorenzo |
|
|
|
| A great choice for anyone wanting to visit Florence while staying in the country, Casa Palmira is run by a charming couple who have converted their barn to accommodate guests. The pretty bedrooms have wood floors and handmade furniture and there is a huge fireplace in the welcoming sitting room. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
