Ca' Faggesi

Follow well-maintained roads through picturesque country before reaching this stone farmhouse at the end of a track. It’s peaceful here, with an easy-going feel; family photos and interesting art on the walls, French windows opening out onto the lush garden, lots of comfy places to sit inside and out.

Liviana, a sweet local, meets and greets and leaves you with an abundant welcome hamper of wine, pasta, oil and jams. She and her daughter can prepare delicious local dishes on request, and you can dine al fresco on a covered loggia or walk to the nearest restaurant in five minutes.

You’re a 10-minute drive from the Etruscan walled city of Cortona. Trek up a hill near the house for views of Lake Trasimeno, where Hannibal fought the Roman army in 217 BC. Hire bikes and explore the countryside, drive to Perugia, Arezzo, Assisi or Siena in around an hour, return to lounge by the lovely pool.