Casale Sodini, Lucca

Ground Floor:
Casale Sodini's ground floor was originally the stable, but today features a stunning dining room with beautiful vaulted ceilings and impressive masonry, a large kitchen with an enormous window overlooking the garden, a study, powder room and living room boasting a wonderful two-stone fireplace.

Upper Floor:
Ascend a relatively steep and spindly staircase to the top floor, where you'll find five double bedrooms - three are north-facing and enjoy views of the hillside, while two are south-facing and afford gorgeous views across the brook and gardens. Bedrooms are distinctly rural, with huge exposed beams and wrought-iron bed frames, while décor, albeit rustic, is typical of the region and exceedingly romantic.

Outdoor Space:
This is probably where you'll want to spend most of your time - basking beside the swimming pool, on its smooth, terracotta edges, or taking a dip to ward off the summer heat. The gardens are saturated in fragrant vegetation such as lemon trees, olive groves and rose patches, while lavender and purple hues of wisteria decorate the garden in a fusion of delicate colour. There is also a gazebo and wisteria pergola, and the most uplifting views of the surrounding countryside.

Guests receive complimentary breakfast every morning whilst a full-time Chef can be arranged on request for an additional charge. There is a rustic but fully-equipped kitchen, an indoor dining room and an outdoor eating area featuring a charcoal grill.