We recently got back from spending 7 nights with the lovely Antonella, Claudia, their parents & Pete the dog on the family farm in Brolio, Tuscany. Located between the ancient town of Castiglion Fiorentino & Foiano della Chiana it’s perfectly placed for discovering e.g. Arezzo (stunning), Cortona, Siena (unmissable), Montepulciano (our favourite), Pienza & the thermal spa complex at Rapolano Terme. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the enticing pool set in colourful gardens with gorgeous views across the Val di Chiana valley to Cortona and the distant mountains. We were in one of 3 double B&B rooms on the first floor of the original farmhouse. In addition there are several lovely apartments in beautifully converted outbuildings each of which have their own dedicated garden areas & terraces. The owners are lovely. We had some laughs communicating but managed between my husband’s faltering Italian & the younger family members’ English. We enjoyed visiting many of their suggestions, helped by the maps they provided for many of the main towns nearby & everywhere was within an hour’s drive (unless we got lost!!). Our room was spacious, clean, with a sparkling, modern en suite shower room & comfortable bed. No air conditioning but the room fan coped with Sept temperatures & the windows could be left open as they have mesh screens to keep out insects. Breakfasts were huge with more crisp, warmed, bread rolls, ham, salami, cheese, yoghurt, cakes & fruit than we could ever hope to eat! They really set us up either for a day exploring or relaxing poolside. It’s a great area for walking & cycling too. We were the only English guests that week & would really encourage more ‘Brits’ to visit. Tuscany is amazing!