Castello di Tornano, Chianti, Italy - Explore & Book

"Think of Tuscany and you probably picture a romantic landscape of rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, with fairytale castles sitting atop wooded hills. That’s Chianti in a nutshell. Now imagine yourself staying in one of these castles, enjoying delicious home cooking, locally-produced wine and lavishly furnished bedrooms. That’s the Castello di Tornano in a nutshell. This castle-hamlet is the country home of the Selvolini family, who for years have offered simple suites in the outhouses, and who more recently converted the main castle and tower to provide sumptuous guest rooms, including some fit-for-a-princess suites in the main tower. The surrounding countryside should inspire you to try some of the activities on offer: walks, tennis and cycling. If you’re feeling less energetic there is a swimming pool (unheated) built into the castle moat, plus a terrace where you can watch the sun set - ideally with one hand around your beloved and the other around a glass of Chianti. Highs A great sense of arrival, bumping through wooded hills to a rock-top castle - especially when it's lit up at night Very comfortable, historic accommodation, for both couples and families Lots to do in and around the estate - tennis, trekking, cycling, wine-tasting - while Siena is only 30 minutes away Really delightful staff, and a refreshingly down-to-earth atmosphere (not always the case in restored Tuscan castelli) Lovely meals using fresh ingredients produced on the estate, and the cooking lessons get rave reviews Lows You’ll need a car - the nearest village is 6km away Some bedrooms are dark and rather old-fashioned, while the sitting rooms feel rather formal (we can't imagine lounging there with a glossy magazine) The drive is a steep gravel track (can be tricky in winter) and the castle can be hard to find The dinner menu can be limited out of season, and (as often in Italy) the breakfast buffet is short on savouries" - Michael Cullen