Pecorino Please

Tucked into a 19th-century farmhouse estate outside Poggibonsi, this apartment earns its place in Chianti Senese with a chemical-free biolake for swimming, Tuscan hills rolling out beyond the water's edge, and a covered terrace that earns its keep well into the evening. Inside, the bedroom sits beneath barrel-vaulted ceilings and the living area has real rustic warmth. Traditional Tuscan dinners can be arranged on request – indoors or alfresco – and the estate's central position means San Gimignano is 16 km away, Siena 30 km, and Florence 50 km.

Home truths:
* You'll need a car to make the most of your stay here. The farmhouse sits around 4km outside Poggibonsi, and the nearest towns – San Gimignano, Certaldo, Siena – all require driving. We recommend hiring one before you arrive.
* Well-behaved pets are welcome to accompany you during your stay.
* The apartment sits beneath another unit, so you may hear footsteps or furniture being moved from above during the morning. Light sleepers might want to pack earplugs.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot, high chair, and children's dinnerware. It's worth requesting these in advance to make sure everything is ready on arrival.