Castel D'Arno Guest House

Close to the cosmopolitan city of Perugia is a tiny hamlet lost in time – once home to 250 people, the population now stands at eight – with a handsome 1200s castle surrounded by rippling countryside. The feel is easy-going with five apartments taken separately or together if you’re a big group celebrating a special occasion.

Owners Vera and Julio live upstairs and offer fresh cakes, homemade jams, local bread and meats for breakfast in the bright and breezy dining space overlooking the pretty gardens. All but one of the apartments have a kitchenette for rustling up simple meals otherwise it’ll be fun to nip into Assisi or Perugia (both under 30 minutes) for supper.

Spend your days stretching out by the pool, wandering through the olive trees (join the autumn harvest if you like), taking the circular walk from the door along shaded woodland paths and strolling to the village bar.