Description Monferrato & Vine: Fubine Monferrato

Set on a hilltop among the Monferrato vineyards of Piedmont, this restored 19th-century cascina delivers the kind of slow, sun-soaked pace you come to Italy for. The saltwater pool sits on a terrace where the countryside stretches out in every direction – long evenings here, with a glass of something local, are hard to leave. Inside, timber beams and exposed brickwork give the villa real warmth, while a wellness room with Jacuzzi and infrared sauna offers a quiet retreat.

Home truths:
* The pool is open from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October, so if you're visiting outside those months you won't be able to use it.
* The twin beds in the fifth bedroom can be joined together to make a double – let your host know in advance if you'd prefer that configuration.
* This home is set deep in the Monferrato countryside, so you'll need a car to reach local villages, shops, and restaurants. It's worth stocking up on provisions before you arrive.
* For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here.