A tree-lined driveway leads to the impressive, tangerine facade of this Italian villa. It’s in the countryside, just on the outskirts of the charming town of Pistoia. A ten-minute drive sees you in the town centre, where an ancient duomo and old family towers await to be explored. If you fancy a day trip, Lucca is just a forty-five-minute drive. Sunny days beg for a dip in the Roman-style swimming pool and there are plenty of shaded nooks and verandas to relax with a good book. Breakfast can be taken in the big, country-style kitchen which looks like a vision of yesteryear with its log-fired hearth still active and a dedicated pasta maker and charcuterie slicer. Dine outside (roof on or roof off, it’s up to you) or in the formal dining room inside at an antique table. In here you’ll also find a music corner for the maestro of the group – a vintage record player alongside an accordion and grand piano. This villa is where real Italian living is the name of the game. Home truths: *There is plenty of free, private parking on the premises *The closest supermarket is over 3km away, so having a car is recommended *Your host can provide a cot for infants, just ask *An additional guest can be accommodated on the sofa bed in one of the double rooms *One of the bedrooms has a double bed and two singles so would suit families