Midnight Ball

Built in the 15th century as a hunting villa for the De Medidci family, this grand villa sits in the rolling countryside, just outside Pisa. The Siena-yellow facade and wood-shuttered windows whisper of a bygone age when the aristocracy of Italy would summer here to escape the city. Indeed, it’s set in sprawling, manicured grounds, home to olive groves and myriad patios and terraces for relaxing in the Tuscan sun. Perhaps indulge in a home cook to prepare dinner for you, served alfresco on the poolside terrace. Days can be spent lounging by the swimming pool, sipping cool drinks on the lawn and playing games of volleyball or table tennis.

Stepping inside, you’re taken back to a time when ballgowns swished down the marble staircase. The ballroom itself is now a lavish lounge set around the original fireplace with a grand piano on display. The formal dining room feels like royalty would banquet here and there’s a second, informal sitting room for chilling out at the end of the day. If you’re cooking for the group there’s the choice between the fully-equipped kitchen inside, or the summer kitchen outside. Plus, there’s a cellar where you can host your own wine tasting. Bedrooms feature antique beds, swathed with curtains and are illuminated by candelabra.

What’s more, it’s just a ten-minute drive to the centre of Pisa to see the iconic leaning tower and experience the rustic Tuscan cuisine on offer in family-run trattoria.

Home truths:
*There are twelve bedrooms in the main villa, and an additional six bedrooms split across two (more modestly decorated) cottages on the grounds
*There is air conditioning in the bedrooms, but not in the reception rooms
*Your host can provide a cot, high chair and changing table for infants, just ask
*In a fairly remote location, having a car is recommended and there is plenty of private parking