Noce: Cottage on Tuscan Agriturismo close to a village

Noce is a converted little house by a Tuscan farm, with a village within walking distance, a swimming pool at the bottom of the garden, and well placed to explore central Tuscany, Siena, Chianti, Monterriggioni and more; these are just a few of the reasons so many of our clients choose to stay in Noce. Set on a small working farm, this small, converted hay barn has its own private patio, overlooking the farm's land.

Being close to a village is a wonderful experience: you are in your own little parcel of countryside but a brief walk will take you into Casole d'Elsa, which boasts several cafes and restaurants, a couple of grocery stores, and even a couple of tiny art galleries for resident artists. Walk up for breakfast, then buy some fresh produce and wander home for a fresh lunch and spend the afternoon by the pool; it's a real Tuscan delight.

The walk into the village is just over 1km and takes between 15 and 20 minutes. It's uphill on the way in, but there is a lift to help you up the last steepest climb.

This sweet detached cottage, whose front door facing the field allows for extra privacy, has a furnished garden patio set in the shade of an olive tree. The arched doorway leads into a large kitchen/dining-room with sofa and corner fireplace, while a short corridor leading off the living area accesses both a double bedroom and a shower room. The views over the Chianti hills are stunning and the walk to the pool set amongst olive trees and grapevines is always enticing. A perfect accommodation for a couple seeking authentic Tuscany.

At the front of the farm, a path leads down to the large swimming pool, all within a gentle, evocative framework of vineyards and olive trees. With a wide, travertine-tiled surround, and plenty of sun loungers, the swimming pool is a soft ochre colour, blending comfortably with the olive groves and vineyards. Set in a delightful position down the hillside from the farm, it has extensive and beautiful views across to the Chianti hills.

Should you wish to venture further afield, San Gimignano with its famous towers is half an hour's drive away, Siena is under an hour, all through landscape that seems lifted straight out of a renaissance fresco.