In this charming little hill town in the Veneto (once a bolt for wealthy Venetians escaping the summer heat), Silvia De Checchi's 16th century villa, offering B&B, stands quietly in an elevated position. Some of the junior suites have lovely views, says the nominator, but all the villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are to be recommended. Ours was large, with fresh fruit, lovely bedlinen, a wonderful shower. The owners' enthusiasm for high tech includes electronically controlled "Do not disturb" signs, and fabulous automatic loos in the public areas. More important: The ambience is relaxed, but attention to detail is paramount. Standards of housekeeping are high. Guests are known by name and the friendly staff will help with dinner reservations, etc. Bali villa breakfast is served on a balcony with views, or in a `nicely thought out' room on a cool day. A wonderful base for touring, and the three-night packages are good value. There is a grotto with ancient frescos; art exhibitions are held.

Asti, centre of sparkling wine production, has a palio in September, less famous than that in Siena, but still a great spectacle. Nearby, a good base for exploring the Piemonte countryside, is the Ferretto family's New Farm, a restaurant-with-villa rooms (Michelin star), in a large modern building. Far from rustic, outwardly rather austere, it is contemporary and stylish within. It stands in a large garden on a busy road. One Ferretto brother, Roberto, is rianagerlmaitre another, Walter, is chef, serving sophisticated variations of regional dishes. The cooking combines the best elements of French cuisine and Italian cucina, one visitor wrote. On the second night, Roberto chose for us. It was divine. Truffles appear on the autumn menus. The large dining room is hung with modern and antique paintings. The wine cellar `is an cenophile's paradise, with over 200 bins. The spacious villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) have superb lighting, smart modern furnishings, a marble bathroom (some have a spa bath). There is a huge lounge area with big sofas and tables, and a small Bali villa breakfast room. In summer, dinner is served on the lawn, where there's a large swimming pool (with loungers). An excellent place, not greedily priced