Villa Radicata

Arriving at Villa Radicata, the sight of the hugely inviting private swimming pool, set on a terrace with stunning views and, generally, basking under a warm Italian sun, can demand some serious will power not to ditch the suitcases and plunge straight in! But resist, at least for a few minutes, and inside you’ll find a pretty stone farmhouse, which has been cleverly renovated with both luxury and family practicality in mind. It is ideal for multiple family groups since it sleeps 10 over three floors and includes a ground floor ensuite double – perfect for grandparents, and a second lounge on the first floor, which is a great spot to sneaking off to for some peace and quiet during the day or evening. But, despite all its man-made assets, its greatest strength its the dreamy views over the gorgeous Tuscan countryside that can be enjoyed inside and out.

Once home to a sprawling Italian family, the villa has recently been painstakingly renovated by its friendly owners Mike and Rita Kobrak. The two multi-lingual tour guides fell in love with the building five years ago, have taken great care to retain the comfortable feel of a real family home. All the modern comforts are here – a fully-equipped modern kitchen with hob, oven, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher, a washing machine and dryer, and a comfortable, stylish lounge with a TV with Sky and DVD – but original chestnut beams, stone fireplaces and terracotta floors give the place bags of charm and character too.

There are two twin bedrooms and a spacious bathroom with a luxurious shower on the first floor. On the second floor is the stunning ‘La Torre’ (The Tower) bedroom with a decadent four-poster bed, en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, and two huge arches windows overlooking the garden. At the back of the house is another bedroom, ‘Il Girasole’ (The Sunflower) with a pretty iron bed and en suite bathroom with a sunken bath, marble sink and shower – with its own access and a private terrace with deckchairs and table.

Three acres of beautiful, wide terraced, gardens are dotted with hammocks swinging in shady spots and secluded little tables and chairs, perfect for a quiet moment alone, sipping a morning coffee as the children play nearby. Relaxation is guaranteed because all your childcare basics are taken care of. There are cots, highchairs, baby monitors, potties, stair gates, bed guards, electricity point covers, plastic crockery and cutlery and lots of sippy cups. Toys, books, buckets and spades and slides are in plentiful supply and there is a tricycle, sandpit, paddling pool and even a mini-kitchen for your budding Jamie Oliver.

There are plenty of grown-up amusements too. Yoga, massages, and Italian language or cookery courses are only a phone call away. If you can drag yourself away from the charms of your villa, you’re only 15 minutes away from the lovely hilltop village of Anghiari, with its colourful local shops and supermarket, and 20 minutes from the larger town of Sansepolcro.

The verdant surrounding countryside is perfect for walking, cycling, horse-riding, there are medieval art treasures to be discovered around every corner and lots of great local restaurants, ranging from rustic to smart. Should you fancy an adults-only evening out, Mike and Rita can organise babysitting – along with a maid or a cook. The chances are, however, that the meals you will remember best will be those you eat at the villa. You can sip Chianti and break bread you’ve cooked yourself in a traditional outside oven as the family gathers, Italian-style, around a long table under a flower-covered pergola. Long evenings spent not watching TV but clouds of butterflies dancing in the lavender and rose bushes, or watching the sunset and enjoying the wonderful views of Lake Montedoglio below, promise memories to last a lifetime.