Villa dei Cavalli, Arezzo

Villa dei Cavalli is a straightforward, elegant and charming property. Set on a small wine-producing estate in the heart of the Arezzo countryside, it is wonderfully private and quiet. The two-storey farmhouse has been restored delightfully, with an accent on light, pared-down interiors. Many rooms enjoy a dual aspect, with windows looking out over the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. Whitewashed tile-and-beam ceilings, pastel-coloured woodwork and contemporary elements such as the steel kitchen range add to the relaxing environment. A generous private pool, a minute's walk away, along a track through a vineyard, seals the deal. The pool is set in a large lawn and you might be watched by some of our equine friends in the neighbouring field - this is, after all, the 'villa of horses'. Otherwise, you have the place to yourself, along with a big sky overhead and views of rolling hills stretching into the distance.

Even with a full house of eight, the villa will feel spacious. With four en-suite bedrooms, it works well for groups of friends as well as family parties. When you're not chilling out at home, you are excellently placed for ventures into the Chianti or day trips to Arezzo, Florence or Siena.

Ground Floor

Lounge
Two sofas, settle, bookcase, coffee table, chair, stairs to first floor, double doors to garden, main entrance.

Dining Room
Dining table and chairs, cupboard, double doors to garden.

Kitchen
Well-equipped, plus table and chairs, door to garden and furnished terrace.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, chair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Cloakroom
Sink, WC.

First Floor

Lounge 2
Sofa, couch, pouffe, bookcase, writing desk, two chairs, stairs to ground floor.

Bedroom 2
Double bed (can be converted to twins), wardrobe, two chairs.

En-suite Bathroom
Bath with handheld shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, sideboard, bookshelf, chair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, two chairs.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Our Thoughts
You cannot fail to feel at ease in this comfortable and beautifully kept villa. It has the air of being away from it all while also being well-connected. Take the pool: it might be in its own secret hideaway across the vineyard, but there's a golf buggy to ferry you poolside should you wish - or, more importantly, perhaps, bring along the holiday reading and a slap-up lunch. And when you feel like stirring from home, it will take you no time at all to reach Florence and Arezzo. Just make sure you keep some evenings free for al-fresco dinner under the vine-clad pergola outside the kitchen: a special spot.

Notes
Four bedrooms. Four bathrooms, all en-suite. Bedroom 2 can be arranged with twin beds if requested at booking. Mosquito nets are installed in all the upstairs bedrooms. There might be occasional tractor and machinery noise from the vineyard. The final two kilometres of the approach road are unpaved but in good condition. The owner has two friendly horses that live on site.

Pool
The pool, in a garden approximately 70 metres from the villa, is entered by internal steps at the shallow end. There are sunloungers, a large shady area and bamboo-covered pergola on the surrounding lawn. Pool size: 6m x 14m, 1.1m-2.25m deep. Open May to September, weather permitting.