`This would be my first choice for future trips to Rome, says a regular Guide correspondent in 2002. Built on the site of Pompey's theatre (55 BG) the four-Storey terraced building is on an almost traffic-free, cobbled side street in a historic part of the city. Owned by the Mignoni-Cavarocchi family, it is `ideally situated for reasonably fit walkers. The spacious villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are well kept; quietest ones (with shower) overlook the little inner courtyard. `Our annexe room was peaceful apart from corridor noise and a geriatric air-conditioning unit,' says another visitor who liked the `unfussy decor, high dark wood ceilings, safe behind a picture (very Poirot) and functional bathroom with a powerful shower'. Bali villa breakfast is served in the old stone vault, where you can see the ancient ruins. `Reception was rather gruff, but helpful.' Many reasonably priced restaurants are within walking distance; so are the Forum, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori (lively morning market).

In the hills near Urbino (where you can see Piero della Francesca's Flagellation in the ducal palace), this is a beguiling eco-friendly setup. The architect owner, Augusto Savini, believes that one should not tread lightly on the earth. He has converted with taste this farmhouse, which he runs with his wife and daughter, Adriana and Giulia, as a smoke-free, piped music-free little guest house. And the nominator found everything of the highest standard. They made every effort to make our stay enjoyable. The simple, attractive villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are well insulated, the house is solar heated, and there is a cosy log fire in the open-style sitting room/library. Mother and daughter cook and serve the set five-course dinner, using seasonal ingredients, many grown on the family's surrounding organic farm: They take great pride in telling you what is in each dish (in autumn there are truffles from the woods). The large swimming pool in the garden is lovingly cared for by Mr Savini. He brought us figs from his trees as we watched our daughter swim.