Description Lunigiana Reverie: Albiano Magra

Set among olive-covered hills in the Lunigiana, this villa is built for doing very little, very well. The swimming pool sits at the centre of it all – accompanied by sun loungers, a pergola for shaded alfresco dining, and a hot tub overlooking a medieval hilltop castle. A private sauna and fitness space tucked among the olive trees rounds things out nicely. When you're ready to venture further, the Cinque Terre and charming Ligurian and Tuscan coastal towns are all within reach from this hilltop perch.

Home truths:
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair. You'll need to request them in advance.
* The pool is open from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October, so if you're visiting outside those dates you won't be able to use it.
* There are three parking spaces on site, accessed via a private driveway gate – handy given you'll need a car to explore the wider area.
* The washing machine is housed in a separate external area rather than inside the villa, so you'll need to step outside to do your laundry.