Valliole

This sprawling 17th-century villa occupies a dreamy position in the heart of rolling Chianti country with views across oak forest, vineyards and olive groves. Beautifully restored, Valliole has a real sense of style and combines well-worn terracotta tiles and wooden beams with contemporary style featuring modern art pieces. Sleeping eight across the main house and a separate annexe, it suits a large family or group of friends who wish to relax and indulge themselves in the splendour of their surroundings, while soaking up the gorgeous scenery. The spacious gardens are adorable, laced by stone paths scented by colourful flowers, and dotted with olive trees. A spacious pergola overlooking the large private pool is furnished with a table with chairs, while a stone outbuilding holds a table and benches plus a barbecue and a sink. Additional spots just outside the lounge and to the front of the villa add to the choice of spots to relax al-fresco. The luxury continues around the private pool, which is set slightly lower than the house, with plenty of places to soak up the sun, all with views to Siena. The Tuscan hamlet of Lecchi in Chianti with a small grocery store, wonderful restaurant and a bar is a 5 minutes drive or a nice walk through the vineyards of half an hour away, while Radda in Chianti at 15 minutes drive offers plenty of restaurants, a supermarket and lovely shops nearby. Ground Floor Hall Cupboard, console table, chair, fireplace, stairs to first floor, entrance. Lounge-Diner Two sofas, two chairs, woodburning stove, table and chairs, cupboard, two sets of doors to terrace. Kitchen Fully equipped. First Floor Library Table, two chairs, wood burning stove. Bedroom 1 Twin beds (can be converted into double), two wardrobes, table. En-suite Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Bedroom 2 Double bed (cannot be converted into twins). En-suite Bathroom Bath, shower, WC, Sink Bedroom 3 Double bed (cannot be converted into twins) Bathroom Bath, shower, twin sinks, WC. Separate Annexe Kitchen-Diner Well-equipped kitchenette, table and chairs, door to terrace. Master Bedroom Double bed (cannot be converted into twins), wardrobe, two chairs. Bathroom Jacuzzi bath, shower, sink, WC. Our Thoughts This good-looking villa wouldn't be out of place in an interiors magazine with its eclectic pieces. Hotel-style luxury is achieved with elements such as the Jacuzzi in the master bedroom so guests will be genuinely torn between enjoying the stylish inside and hogging the poolside seating with those perfect views. Notes Four bedrooms. Four bathrooms, two en-suite. All bedrooms have ceiling fans and in winter the house is heated with underfloor heating and radiators. A brief housemaid service for kitchen and bathrooms, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, is included in the rental. By the main terrace there is a laundry room with washing machine. Mosquito Screens In Bedrooms Fire Place: Stove Pool Internal Roman steps in one corner lead down into the pool, which is surrounded by a paved terrace furnished with sun beds at either end, one set under a vine-covered pergola and benches, and a shower and WC. There is an outside shower. Pool size: 12m x 6m, 1.4m deep. Open Easter to October, weather permitting.