Set on an estate dotted with trees, shrubs, and other native foliage, this home ecompasses the entire first floor of an ancient villa in Orentano. Despite sharing things like the pool, tennis court, and soccer field with another home, there is enough room on the property for it to still feel private. That’s probably helped along by the fact that you have your own private garden and barbecue – not to mention the sheer size of the home itself. Move easily between rooms and use the easy go-between as an excuse to nip into the kitchen for another cup of coffee and a dozen more biscotti to take back to where you’re reading on the plush sofa. Take the spiral staircase up to the loft where you’ll find the rustic bedrooms and bathrooms for when you’re ready to turn in at night. When you think loft, you might conjure up images of a tight squeeze, but the addition of the skylights in almost every room here allows the light to make the space feel more open. With the host and his family living on the estate, you’ll sometimes find yourself around the table enjoying their homemade pasta alfresco with soft music playing in the background. There’s also a brick pizza oven here, so don’t be surprised if you eat more margarita than you’d care to – we know, that is not even remotely possible. When you’re not enjoying the home, you can make a trip to Pisa, Voltera, or Florence – each with their unique charm – or borrow the bicycles and simply explore the surroundings on two wheels instead of four. After a day of activity under the Tuscan sun, take a late-night swim in the heated pool, and when you’re ready to return inside, why not linger a little while longer to gaze up at the stars.

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