Podere Conti

Follow a winding 5km drive through chestnut, hazelnut and oak trees to this beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse at the foot of two mountain chains in Lunigiana, a lesser-known part of Tuscany but just as beautiful.

Friendly Cornelia lives on-site with her husband and two dogs, and will leave you a welcome basket with snacks, local chocolate, tea and bath salts. Settle into a self-catering apartment or B&B room decorated in an uncluttered Middle Eastern style, each with a private outdoor space.

Buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant – eggs, cheese, cold cuts, yoghurt and pastries; stay for delicious estate-produced lunch or dinner, or drive to hidden gem Pontremoli, 6km away, for more restaurants serving regional gastronomy. Kids will love the large shallow end in the biolake and the games room, adults can settle on a sun lounger or find a hammock, sign up for yoga or go truffle hunting in season.