Italy

A laidback retreat, well placed for visiting some of the most popular Tuscan gems, with a sparkling pool, traditional meals & charming hosts

What a surprise to find a masseria in the heart of a Puglian village. Welcome to Anna’s elegant agriturismo

A sleek modern building on one floor with huge sliding doors to a private pool and beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for peace-seekers

Pure Swallows & Amazons: a glorious spot for groups who want to get away from it all in a magical lakeside setting, near Lake Como

Play boules in the garden, swim in the natural pool and enjoy Monica’s wonderful cooking served with local wines at this village farmhouse

Secluded farmhouse with panoramic views and an excellent restaurant. Walk through the forest, swim in the biolake or relax on your patio

Stay just two kilometres from Siena's medieval gates with views over vineyards, lovely interiors and a hot tub

A flawlessly restored palazzo in the oldest part of town opposite an ancient monastery, with peaceful courtyard and a terrace with views

Historic, indulgent, atmospheric – and the Contessa is so warm. Vineyards, restaurants, operas, walks...La dolce vita on Slovenia's border

Enjoy southern life in a charming palazzo in Trapani. Come for coastal drives and baroque basilica, hand-twirled pasta and fresh calamari

Elegant villa in romantic rural Tuscany with breath-taking views and pool. Take a cookery course, head to Lucca for the day

A stunning veranda wraps itself around the house: doze off in a wicker armchair or sip a drink at dusk as the sun melts into the valley

An unbelievably stunning setting for this renovated 15th-century villa with garden on a hillside overlooking the famed Florence skyline

For walkers, bikers, WWI historians, mushroom hunters, lovers of fine breakfasts and warm, quirkily characterful surroundings

Sweet, stylish, fresh hotel with scented patio. Tucked away yet central, an unusually quiet base for exploring Rome

Two peaceful olive grove farmhouses, hours of hiking along CAI trails, each offering a shared pool with incredible views, Pisa and Lucca only 20 minutes away

5 houses near Siena to make design-lovers happy; come for the rural solitude of ancient stone farm buildings with urban interiors

An L-shaped former farmhouse is now a gorgeous place to stay, just half an hour from the sea or the mountains and near interesting villages