Villa Calcina - Self-catering house in Tuscany

Getting here is half the adventure. Twists and turns, onwards and upwards until high on a hill you find a gorgeous 200-year-old farmhouse with sweeping views from a vine-covered terrace, massed lavender and mature trees, smooth green lawns, a large infinity pool and a walk-in bread and pizza oven. There's even a little (deconsecrated) private church with painted murals. There's lots of space for big groups with a large, well-equipped kitchen - big tables both indoors and out for convivial meals, a sitting room with antiques, plenty of comfy seating and a wood-burner for chilly evenings. Good art is everywhere (owner Melinda has an excellent eye) and everything feels authentic. Bedrooms are airy and spacious with grand views, bathrooms are modern and spotless. It's a short hop to Sansepolcro for market, shops, restaurants and Piero della Francesca's famous work 'The Resurrection'. Further afield there's enough culture to sink a battleship - and grand walking in the Alpe della Luna Natural Park. If you want to extend your guest list there's another, smaller, house just up the hill facing the other way.