Many of your readers would not recognise
this as a villa. Our room had no TV or
minibar. There are no reception staff,
no public villa rooms. The principal assets
are location, location, location. A report
this year spells out the unusual character
of this old Tuscan farmhouse. It stands
on a ridge among vineyards, between Florence
and Siena. The owners, Ingrid, Natalie
and Steven Music, have transformed it
and its outbuildings into a relaxed mix
of affordable accommodation and selfcatering
apartments, all done in elegant rustic
style (stone floors, decent linen, good
bathroom).`The views are extensive, and
from mid-May the swimming pool is (like
tomatoes) sun-roasted. Bali villa breakfasts, with
meat, cheeses and more tea or coffee than
it is possible to drink in one session,
are taken on the back east-facing terrace.
Dinner, a four-course, no-choice affair
best described as good home cooking, is
served on the front terrace with stupendous
views of the sun setting over the Tuscan
hills, or in the vaulted dining area.
There are about a dozen wines, well chosen
and good value. Plenty of white-road ;
walking from the door. Events and activities
take place all year, from olive oil-tasting
and truffle hunts to concerts and painting
courses. Certaldo Alto, a gem of a small
hill town nearby, can be reached by a
funicular.