Villa Pietrenta, Cortona, Tuscany

If you’re after a relaxing villa stay in the Tuscan countryside, this calming escape is sure to tick all of the boxes. A beautiful rural farmhouse, Villa Pietrenta was a treasured family home that has been recently renovated to maintain its charming traditional features. The architecture is the epitome of Tuscan architecture, built with stunning local stone, white shutters, and terracotta roofs. perched in a rural hillside location, guests are spoiled with sensational views over Italy’s phenomenal rural landscape. Gaze out over hectares of lush green valleys, ancient olive groves, and decadent vineyards for as far as the eye can see. Spend the evening taking in the picturesque views on the terrace, with ample outdoor seating to admire the views with a glass of Tuscan wine. The expansive swimming pool is perfect for refreshing afternoon dips to escape the heat, followed by a relaxing siesta on one of the surrounding sun loungers. Dinner here is best cooked outdoors, with a brick barbecue for whipping up a feast in the cool breeze.

Experience the charm of Villa Pietrenta inside as well, with each room decorated in a typical Tuscan style. Wood beam ceilings, tiled floors, and exposed stone walls make spaces feel cosy and homely, while the upcycled antique décor radiates warmth. This energy especially flows through the living rooms, where comfy sofas and armchairs by the fireplace invite you to unwind after long days soaking up history and culture in nearby towns and cities. Walk through stone archways to the characterful rustic kitchen, where you can enjoy meals at the breakfast table. The villa is split into two apartments, one with two-bedrooms and another with three-bedrooms, each with its own kitchen and living space for some extra privacy. East-facing, the villa is brightly filled with natural sunlight that seeps through the windows.

Set in an idyllic spot on the outskirts of Cortana and Camucia, this vibrant hilltop town is just a ten-minute drive away. For a taste of the local cuisine, explore its charming squares lined with pizzerias and restaurants serving up sumptuous Italian delights. Further afield are tourist favourites Siena and Pienza, where you could spend the whole day soaking up the city’s historic, shopping, and gastronomy scenes.