rental in Seggiano, Italy - TUSCANY OLIVE FARM, fantastic views, unspoilt countryside off the tourist trail. - Property 16700

What to expect from the area: In a really wonderful undiscovered corner of southern Tuscany, the medieval hilltop village of Seggiano lies at a height of 550m on the slopes of Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano and sacred mountain of the Etruscans. The summit is good for walks through the cool beech forests and mushroom hunting in the appropriate season. In April and early May wildflowers abound; the countryside and views are breathtaking. There's a strong local culture of traditional food and wine production and we make sure that our guests know where to find the best places to eat and interesting places to visit. Stefania's restaurant offers an excellent meal, an aperitivo or a capuccino just a short walk from the farm. Despite being 'off the beaten track' the famous centres of Italian Renaissance culture are within easy reach by car; Siena is sixty km and Florence, Arezzo and Assisi are about one and a half hours away. To the south of the mountain, towards the coast (75km) one can find Roman and Etruscan sights

In terms of the immediate vicinity the surrounding villages have shops for all non-specialist supplies, good fresh (often locally grown) food, a cinema, gym and a choice of restaurants. Grosseto is the nearest large commercial centre with national and international rail connections. The only period in which the area gets crowded is August when mostly Italian tourists escape the heat in the cities for the refreshing mountain walks and air of Amiata. In general the countryside in southern Tuscany is wilder and far less manicured than in the north of the region. There are really brilliant walking itineraries (not for mid summer) and the natural surroundings, birdsong, wildflowers and wild herbs are truly sublime in springtime. There are many decent restaurants in the area and some really excellent ones. We can supply you with details and suggested itineraries for day trips. For more info see the 'holidays in Tuscany' link on our website, please contact us for web site address.

Swimming: The thermal hot pools, which can be found around the mountain due its volcanic history, are fantastic in cooler weather. The nearest, Bagno Vignone (20 minutes) is a calcium spa swimming pool, whilst Bagno San Felippo, Saturnia and Petriolo have more sulphurous water. A good way to de-stress is to have a soak under the cascade at one of the 'terme', letting the water massage back and shoulders. There is a choice of 'funky' natural pools to visit, or entrance fee-paying swimming pools. For summer bathing there is a nice privately run pool in the next village, Castel del Piano, (about 10 minutes by car), dips in local streams or a trips to the seaside or Lake Bolsena.

Other Activities: Wildlife. Hot thermal pools. Walking. Exploring small villages off-the-beaten-track. Great local food and wine. Unspoilt area off the tourist trail!