Picture this scene: olive trees sway in the breeze as you stretch out on a sun lounger beneath a towering cream parasol. You’ve just enjoyed a delicious lunch of fresh tomatoes, bread, mozzarella and cured meats (with plenty of wine, of course), and now your biggest dilemma is when exactly to jump into the glittering pool for that leisurely swim. It sounds like a dream, but it’s a day in the life at this Tuscan villa, nestled on a hill within easy reach of Florence, Pisa and Siena. Set over two floors with elegant, traditional detailing (think terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams, stone arches, and a beautiful sandstone fireplace), this home is a spectacular stay for a family holiday. There’s a pool table, expansive lawn, playground, and inviting L-shaped pool, not to mention plenty of alfresco dining areas. Fire up the grill and admire the lush Mediterranean garden as the colors of the day shift to warmer hues. Don’t get too relaxed though, there’s a rematch at the pool table after dinner.

Home truths:
*The pool is open from the last Saturday of April until the first Saturday of October