Villa la Maestà, Pergine Valdarno - Arezzo

An impressive Tuscan stone villa, hidden by a cluster of mature olive trees, Villa la Maestà is just 500m from the centre of the village of Pergine Valdarno. Laid out across two storeys, this property is suitable for a group of up to 12 friends or family, who are perhaps gathering to celebrate a major anniversary or birthday. And it's conveniently situated for day trips to Siena, Montepulciano and Florence. There's a warm, rustic feel to this fine property, which offers a spacious kitchen, with stone counter tops, antique sideboards and a dining area dominated by a huge original fireplace and an equally dramatic single-span terracotta arch. Bedrooms are painted in warm, soft yellows, greens and blues and feature comfy antique beds and wardrobes, exquisitely upholstered chairs, and beautiful wooden floors. And plenty of glass lets the Tuscan light flood in, lifting the effect of the traditional terracotta floors and wood-and-tiled ceilings.

It's almost possible to lose oneself as you explore the huge mature garden, which is home to your large private pool. The partly terraced grounds offer plenty of shaded areas, where guests can gather to dine al fresco, perhaps making use of the barbecue or outdoor pizza oven, then settling down under the wisteria-draped pergola to contemplate the surroundings.

Ground Floor

Lounge-Diner
Two sofas, two armchairs, two chairs, three benches, table and chairs, sideboard, fireplace, stairs to first floor, doors to garden.

Kitchen
Fully equipped, fireplace, main entrance.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (can be converted into twins), wardrobe, armchair, two chairs, table.

Bedroom 2
Twin beds (cannot be converted into a double), wardrobe, chair, side table, doors to garden.

Bathroom 1
Shower, sink, WC.

First Floor

Lounge
Two armchairs, table and chairs, doors leading to balcony with steps to garden.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted into twins), wardrobe, desk, chairs.

En-Suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted into twins), chest of drawers.

Bedroom 5
Double bed (cannot be converted into twins), wardrobe, chest of drawers, armchair.

Bedroom 6
Double bed (cannot be converted into twins), wardrobe, cupboard.

Bathroom 2
Bath, shower, sink, WC.

Bathroom 3
Shower, sink, WC.

Bathroom 4
Shower, sink, WC.

Laundry Room
Washing machine.

Notes
Six bedrooms. Five bathrooms, one en-suite. Hire bikes can be delivered and collected - prices on request and please book in advance. The owner offers a 'stress-free food' option, where he will do your first shop for a small charge on top of the produce cost. The pool is fenced along one side and is not completely child- or pet-safe, with access possible from a higher point in the garden.

Our thoughts
Beautifully adorned with warm furnishings, we think the combination of dark wood, exposed stone and antiques creates a homely and rustic atmosphere in this villa. And despite the fact that some fine pieces are on show here, the owners offer a warm welcome to children - and the delightful garden is perfect for little people to explore and play in. The pool is set in a flagstone sun deck in an open position to make the most of the Tuscan sunshine, while the poolside Jacuzzi offers another place to relax.

Pool
Set on a lower level than the main house, the pool can be entered by both Roman and metal ladder steps, which has a paved terrace on two sides furnished with sun beds and parasols. The paved area gives way to lawn where garden armchairs and a table sit under a parasol and a Jacuzzi shaded by a cabana. Pool size: 12m x 6m, 1.5m deep, open May to September, weather permitting.