Castello di Gargonza, Near Monte San Savino, Tuscany, Italy - Explore & Book
"Who can beat staying in a castle for setting the imagination alight? This tiny 13th-century walled village (borgo) has a Sleeping Beauty ambiance, perched high on a hill above thick Tuscan forest where wild boar and antelopes roam. Surrounded by 500 acres of protected land, it was given as a dowry to the owner's acestors. Now a hotel and collection of apartments, its medieval and Renaissance buildings are clustered around the main house, which the family still uses in summer. It’s a place of such charm that guests tend to find themselves mingling with day-trippers as they wander the narrow lanes. But by night, when the smattering of non-residents has gone, you’ll have the star- and lamp-lit village to yourself. It’s great for families, with an array of rooms and spacious suites sleeping 2-5. However, it’d also suit couples, with enough space to guarantee peace and quiet, and a splendid restaurant just outside the walls. Highs A unique tiny hamlet of houses all with beautiful original features - full of character, history and atmosphere Accommodation to suit everyone: intimate rooms, triple/quadruple rooms, 1&2-bedroom suites An excellent on-site restaurant (open daily) serving delicious lunches and dinners, plus a choice of self-catering options It feels like a remote, get-away-from-it-all retreat, yet you're within an easy drive of Arezzo, Florence and the Chianti vineyards Set outside the walls and surrounded by fragrant flowers, the unheated pool has great views across the Tuscan countryside Lows Interiors are comfortable but old-fashioned; if you’re looking for 5-star style, this isn't the place for you The village streets are uneven, have lots of steps and are sometimes slippery - difficult for small children and guests with limited mobility No TVs or modern tech in the rooms, but there's WiFi throughout You’ll need a car for day trips and meals at other restaurants A strict cancellation policy and minimum stay" - Abigail Blasi
