Ca’ Valenzano - Self-catering apartments in Tuscany

You'll feel tucked away here in the wooded hills on a lovely smallholding with chickens, ducks, rabbits and kind owners Alice and Gavin. Two little hideaways are in the pretty grounds: Piccionaia is where the pigeons once lived but now has a dear little kitchen with red checked curtains under wood-topped cupboards, a cosy living room with sofabed and wood-burning stove, and a romantic bedroom upstairs with swish bathroom below. Granaio  - where the hay was stored - is now a stylish retreat with a sofabed for extra guests and its own private terrace overlooking the magnificent valley views. Both places have beamed ceilings, tiled floors, lovely linen and fresh flowers. Wander the fecund garden where vegetables and herbs are grown for the table should you choose to eat here (breakfast is mostly homegrown), splash in the cooling off pool, head off for amazing wild swimming nearby. Alice offers pasta-making classes, and children can help feed the animals. Nearby Sestino (3km) has all you need for supplies, but the pace here is delightfully slow and the peace is deep.