Gherardesca

With fabulous views of the Tirreno Sea, in one of the most beautiful parts of the Tuscan countryside, Gherardesca is a newly restored medieval castle. Within 20 acres of park there is a main house, a 10th century tower, a church, a pool with a leisure tent and a tennis court. 15 minutes away there is a private hut on the beach. Gherardesca provides an unsurpassed Tuscan country home experience for families and other small groups of up to 20.

Exterior

Outside, along the picturesque west side of the house with the long views of countryside and sea, are the terraces. This is where most of the dining and entertaining in the summer takes place. Just adjacent is the castle's own medieval church, a 65-foot marble-lined swimming pool with tented lounging area, a tennis court and yoga pavilion.

Interior

BEDROOMS - 13

BATHROOMS - 10

• 6 air-conditioned bedroom suites including the master bedroom with his and her bathrooms and a private tented terrace; 4 others in the main house and the last is in the romantic, four-storey 10th century tower
• 4 double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms that are perfect for children
• Sheets are of the finest hand-embroidered linen
• Bathrooms are spacious and use lovely local marbles

Directions

NEAREST AIRPORT - Fiumicino Airport

Gherardesca is a 2.5 hour drive from Rome airport and 45 minutes from Pisa airport. It is located in the vicinity of the coast betwen Livorno and Grosseto in the Maremma area of Tuscany.

Walled medieval villages, off-the beaten track for most tourists, include Bolgheri, Castagneto, and Massa Marittima. Etruscan and Roman sites are also close by, as are great museums and churches. An accomplished art historian can be hired to arrange private visits to important private houses and gardens, and to arrange views of private art collections not normally open to the public.

Shopping, which can be guided if desired, includes ceramics, jewellery and the best of hand-made terra cotta urns and planters, as well as fabulous Italian country clothes and leather. Restaurants, all sampled by the owner's family, include one that holds two Michelin stars and others that are among Italy's best trattorias. Tours of local wineries including the prized Sassicaia winery can be arranged in advance or after arrival, as can tours of the finest olive farms. It is also possible to hire a day boat for the short trip to the beautiful islands of Elba or Capraia.