Sovigliano

A stone’s throw from Tavarnelle, down a country lane, this ancient farmhouse stands among vineyards, olives, cypresses and pines. Though the setting is secluded you’re in the middle of some of the most popular touring country in Italy; and on a clear day, you can see the towers of San Gimignano.

The self-catering apartments are spacious and attractive with white walls, ancient rafters, good beds and country antiques. If you choose to go B&B, the bedrooms are equally charming, and the big homely kitchen has a private fridge which makes it easy to meet others for a pre-dinner drink or rustle up a meal. Breakfast is a generous spread of whole salamis and rounds of cheese served on long tables along with homemade jams, cereals, bread, fruits and yogurt.
Tavarnelle has specialist food shops and restaurants and is an easy stroll; Certaldo (22km) has a train station and an excellent service to Florence, Siena and Pisa for day trips.