Vergiliano di Sopra

Vergiliano di Sopra is a large 18th Century farmhouse perched on a hilltop with dramatic panoramic views of the Apennine mountains. The surrounding countryside has changed little over the centuries, with the hillsides still swathed in oak forests and dotted with rich pasture grazed by sheep.

The property has been elegantly restored and can easily sleep as many as 12 guests in six bedrooms (with five bathrooms). There is a main house, a separate limonaia with a dining room, kitchen and terrace for al fresco dining, a games room, swimming pool and finally a staff house for the on-site caretakers.

The ancient village of Preggio, which sits perched above Vergiliano, is a brisk but beautiful hour's walk away through woodland and wild flower meadows and with a cold beer or chilled glass of Pinot Grigio waiting in the bar in the Old Square.

This is an extremely peaceful part of Italy, and more often than not the only sounds to be heard are those of the church bells and the sheep bells as flocks graze the meadows. Guests can, however, break the silence by tinkling the ivories on the Steinway piano in the drawing room, or cranking up the Puccini on the state-of-the-art Bose stereo system.

Competitive types not content to laze by the pool should note there is also a billiards table and table football.