Tenuta di Artimino

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most picture-perfect regions with its rolling hills, rows of vineyards and old stone buildings. Located with a 4,200-acre estate, the Belmond Castello di Casole is everything you would expect from a grand country residence.

The castle dates from the 10th century, when it was used to house political exiles from nearby Siena. Traditional construction methods and natural materials found on the estate were used during the restoration to ensure the castle maintains its authenticity and charm.

Despite its size, the castle has just 39 rooms and suites, giving it an intimate feel. Rooms have plenty of character with original wood-beamed ceilings and stone walls, luxurious fabrics and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture. Most have views of the Tuscan countryside, looking out over the estate’s vineyards and olive groves.

There are two restaurants with a focus on honest Tuscan food, so expect home-made pasta, organic vegetables and locally sourced fish and game. With over 100 acres of vineyards, this is the perfect place for wine lovers, and Tosca restaurant has a large wall displaying hundreds of vintages from leading wineries in Tuscany and around the world.

The former wine cellar now houses the spa and guests can relax and unwind with a treatment from a menu inspired by local ingredients such as rosemary, grapes and olive oil. Take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool and enjoy the views or take advantage of the activities on offer including cooking classes and truffle hunting.

Sat amidst the rolling green hills, deep in the heart of Tuscany, you will find the inviting haven of Borgo Pignano Volterra, a hotel built into a perfectly renovated 18th-century country villa. From this 750-acre hilltop estate, which offers exquisite views of Tuscany’s olives groves, fields and woodlands, you can indulge in the upmost comfort found in the 14 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. While the hotel has been renovated, it hasn’t forgotten its historic roots, and some rooms still feature their original frescoes under rustic wood beams.

The hotel grows a lot of its own produce and has also started growing antique and heritage crops. The broad cross-section of flowers and plants you’ll find here attract bees, helping with the vital process of pollination of vegetables and fruit trees.

The infinity pool is certainly one of the hotel’s most enticing features, cradled by old stone walls and looking out towards the impressive landscape. The wellness centre can be found just a few steps from the main building and offers a range of treatments which have been created using organic ingredients grown on the estate.

Over in the hotel restaurant you can dine on fine Italian cuisine made from home-grown and locally sourced ingredients. The pasta here is made from wheat flour produced from grains grown on the property, so you can be assured you are really getting a true taste of Tuscany.

This hotel is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and a range of exciting activities. Yoga classes take place inside the property, while those wishing to explore the outdoors can do so on horseback, or by bike. Painting classes, cooking classes and wine tastings are all part of the fun here at Borgo Pignano Volterra, making every stay unforgettable.