Inspiration

Experience the real Tuscany at one of our favourite agriturismi

Guest Expert

5 min read

Seductive Tuscany in the beating heart of Italy is nothing short of perfection. Churches, museums and galleries across the region house world-class masterpieces from the medieval and Renaissance periods, and tucked amongst its gently rolling hills, marching cypress trees and silvery olive groves are hardworking, bountiful estates, deeply rooted in the soil. Having farmed here for generations, hosts now open their doors to visitors: as well as delectable food - local, seasonal and sustainable is key - you’ll find harvests to join, produce to buy, sumptuous beds and, usually, a pool. Agriturismo, or farm stay, is the very best way to embrace the region’s exceptional food, culture and hospitality. Buon appetito!

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La Canigiana Agriturismo

A Tuscan farmhouse set amongst the sparkling air of the Chianti hills, with Florence’s Duomo glistening in the distance across a carpet of olive groves – it’s only 15-minutes into the city. Producing organic olive oil, the farm has been in Alessandra’s family for over 100 years – there’s oil to taste and you can join the harvest in autumn. The apartments (with private entrances) have country comfortable bedrooms with colourful bedspreads, wrought-iron beds, posies of fresh flowers and prints on white walls. Traditionally tiled floors, beams and shuttered windows add charm. Kitchen areas incorporated into the living room are fine for holiday cooking and there are pretty tablecloths for dinner; choose the ground-floor apartment for its lovely terrace, or take the two together. Those Tuscan jewels – Pisa, Lucca, Siena – are under an hour away, and there’s an orchard-enclosed saltwater pool for your return.

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Il Rigo

Meals in the big, beamed dining room at pretty check-clothed tables are a treat. Irresistible home-grown organic produce, 60 local wines to choose from and a gorgeous Tuscan setting. There are two houses on the family farm, named after the stream running through it. Casabianca, reached via a cypress-flanked drive, is ancient and stone built. A vine-covered pergola shades the entrance; beyond the reception area is a courtyard full of climbing roses. The second house, Poggio Bacoca, is about 600 metres away. Once home to the farmworkers, it’s red-brick built and has two sitting rooms and panoramic views. You walk to Casabianca for those wonderful meals. Bedrooms are homely, pretty and inviting; all have embroidered sheets, appealing colour schemes and matching bathrooms. No televisions: it’s not that sort of place. Luisa and Matthias hope and believe that their guests will prefer a relaxed chat over a glass of wine.

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Tenuta Il Cicalino

Just below the Tuscan town of Massa Marittima, an agriturismo loved by sporty types and families, with wonderful food on site. Jog along the running tracks; bask by the pools; saunter up to the restaurant and find a table facing the valley. Dinner here is a treat. The apartment-filled farmhouses of this vast estate, surrounded by olive groves and vines, are linked by sloping paths lit up at night, and furnished in impeccable style. If you decide to self-cater, you get your own dining terraces, and shops in nearby Massa Marittima. B&B, with wonderful Tuscan breakfasts, for a short stay. What with yoga and saunas, massages and mountain bikes, a fitness centre, a play park and pools, you need never leave. On a clear day you can see the silky-sanded beaches at Follonica, and Scarlino on its hill – puff your way up to the castle for amazing sunsets and views.

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Pieve di Caminino Historic Farm

It’s so peaceful it’s hard to believe what a history this settlement has had since it was first recorded in 1075. Set in a huge natural amphitheatre, ringed by hills and medieval fortresses, with its own magical spring. Once you’ve driven through the big rusty gates and down the tree-lined drive, you’ll be greeted by your hosts in an 11th-century church – part of their private quarters. The suites (one in a romantic cottage) and the apartments are beautiful. Each has its own terrace or balcony and is simply furnished with family antiques and fine old paintings. Enchanting windows look over the grounds, the massive walls are rough stone or plaster, the ceilings beamed or vaulted. The 500-hectare estate has been in the family since 1650 and produces its own olive oil and wine. The beautiful panoramic pool has distant views to the Isle of Elba.

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Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

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