Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio

Staying at the Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio provides an authentic Tuscan experience that begins with a tour of the property, a farm founded in the 1700s. Today, a husband and wife team oversees production of organic olive oil, wine, wheat, cured meats, cheeses, and produce. Families with children, and food- and wine-lovers from around the world are drawn here for the relaxation and gastronomic delights. Vineyards, olive groves, and an 18th-century windmill add to the quintessential Tuscan country setting. A sleek pool, lined with white loungers and umbrellas, offers a bit of modernity. The main house, Casabella, has exposed wooden beams, a fireplace, and terra cotta floor tiles; the homey furnishings could benefit from an update but are still lovely. Casanova is a quieter house surrounded by olive groves and grape vines; Monterifrassine holds apartments and has a large garden. The covered restaurant terrace overlooks the pool and hills beyond, and is decorated with brick flooring, wrought iron tables, and stone pillars.

Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio is located on Montefiesole hillin Pontassieve, about 30 to 40 minutes from the center of Florence by car. The Florence Airport is about 50 minutes' drive. The cities of Siena (to the south) and Pisa (to the west) are each about 90 minutes' drive. The town of Fiesole is about 30 to 35 minutes away by car, and driving to Arezzo takes just over an hour.

Country-style wood furniture, homey floral textiles, and lovely vineyard views are offered in 14 rooms and suites. All have coffee and tea facilities, stocked minibars, fans, flat-screen TVs, safes, and private bathrooms with showers and hairdryers; rooms in Casanova have air-conditioning, as do Suites in the main house. Some upgraded rooms have separate showers and bathtubs. Suites offer terra cotta floors, tubs, and exposed wooden beams. The seven apartments have fireplaces, air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and dining and living rooms; some have washing machines. Four air-conditioned villas offer breakfast, kitchens, living and dining rooms, fireplaces, laundry rooms, and private parking. The Miller House villa has a pool.

Guests don't have to worry about traveling off-site for meals, as there are a poolside snack bar overlooking the countryside, and the Windmill restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine in a classically decorated room and charming terrace. The kids’ club suits families, with a TV room, dress-up rack, books, and seasonal activities like collecting vegetables or fruit. There’s also a business corner with a PC computer and a printer. The equestrian center is open to guests for horseback riding, and the Villa Strozzi winery offers tastings and wine cellar tours. Guests can also take cooking classes -- though some guests have found these lackluster. Ceramics classes, windmill tours. and truffle hunting are also offered.