This 400-year-old house is situated on a hillside in Tuscany, tucked into a medieval village that's surrounded by olive groves and fields of beans, the renowned local fagiola di Sorana. It's a delightful rural setting, and this home makes the most if it, with sweeping views from every window, and a private terrace and garden that looks out at the walls of ancient Sorana and across the valley at the other medieval villages.

The building was recently restored, gently preserving the elegance of its structure with its original wooden beams and stone walls, some of which have been left exposed inside the house in peekaboo patches. It's furnished with carefully chosen antiques that are highlighted perfectly by subtle lighting, simple white walls and original cotto tiled floors.

Pick up freshly-baked focaccia, pastries, and other essentials from the bread van that passes by daily, or shop at the local produce market. Then open a complimentary bottle of Prosecco while you whip up a meal in the beautifully designed kitchen. Dine outside on the terrace to the accompaniment of bird song and church bells, or in one of the four excellent local restaurants. Or make yourself at home in the circolo, the local bar that's the hub of the village, a place that finds its way into every guest's heart. 

This vacation home rental in Italy is located between Lucca and Florence, making it an ideal location for getting to know one of the country's most famous and beloved regions.

Casa Castagna has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The master bedroom has a four-poster bed, double-height ceiling, and an unforgettable view, plus a bathroom tiled with local Cararra marble. The downstairs bedroom has twin mahogany sleigh beds that can be combined on request. Both rooms feature White Company linens and feather duvets, and the bathrooms have organic toiletries and rain showers.

The kitchen is a chef's dream, with its Alessi cookware, designer Italian crockery, large Smeg oven, Joseph Joseph kitchenware, and a selection of recipe books. The living room has an antique sofa, chaise longue and Murso woodburner, which is perfect for the cooler months.

AROUND

This vacation home rental in Italy is located in the medieval village of Sorana, between Florence and Lucca. The local bar is the hub of the village and highly recommended. There are four authentic Tuscan restaurants within a 10-minute drive of the house, perfect for savoring the slow food culture of the region.

The nearest town is Pescia (15 minutes drive), with several large supermarkets and a Saturday morning market. It's only one hour to both Florence or Pisa, and just 35 minutes to Lucca, but there's plenty to do locally. If you happen to visit at the end of August, you'll be immersed in the village festival that celebrates the local Sorana bean – two days of feasting, dancing and celebrating.

Another unmissable experience is wild swimming, the secret location for which is revealed by the owners on booking. Moroccan hammam towels are provided. Alternatively, there are two country club pools nearby, and the beach is less than an hour away. 

LOCATION

Sorana, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest airport: Florence or Pisa (both 1 hour).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through autumn. Visit in August for local sagre (festivals). The house is closed November through February.