Podere Dionora

A handsome Tuscan farmhouse in the heart of hilltown country, offering very exclusive B&B

This is Tuscany just as you dreamed it would be. A cypress-lined lane winds past vines and olives to a handsome farmhouse by a huge oak tree. From the open-air infinity pool and adjacent breakfast room, the views are endless. Inside are 6 cosy bedrooms with beamed ceilings, old wooden furniture, wrought-iron beds and - maybe your dream didn’t go this far - Jacuzzis. And all around are the finest jewels of southern Tuscany: Pienza, whose steeple breaks the wooded skyline; Monte-pulciano, home of the famous vino nobile; the Orcia valley, steaming with thermal springs; and countless other hilltowns steeped in history and wine.

Staying here is a privilege. The surrounding land is private, still worked for its grains, grapes and olives. There is barely another building in sight. Maria Teresa Cesarini, who recently took over the farm, has maintained its pristine beauty, helped immeasurably by the long-standing, English-speaking manager Giulio. All in all, it's one of our favourite country hotels in Tuscany.

Highs

• Peace and seclusion - set in private land
• In the heart of the southern Tuscan hilltowns
• Giulio’s helpful ‘concierge’ service
• Delicious breakfast buffet served until 11.30 - fresh fruit, cakes, cheeses…
• Sipping prosecco at sunset by the fabulous new inifinity pool
• Comfy, well-equipped bedrooms
• Can be booked for parties, weddings etc

Lows

• Standard rooms are not huge
• You need to drive to dinner - though it's only 3km to Montepulciano where there are several good restaurants
• With only 6 rooms, you need to book early