I’d love to share with you the amazing experience we had in Tuscany, July 2014. I had booked an ‘Agriturismo’ (Guesthouse) for our family to stay in, and as we made our way up the winding driveway to ‘Casa Fabbrini’. I instantly knew that I had found the right place! A beautiful stone farmhouse came in to view, and several small sausage dogs noisily appeared to welcome us together with Paola (who owns the property with her husband Giorgio). Casa Fabbrini is a picture perfect old stone farmhouse with rolling green lawns, an olive grove, an orchard, a shaded terrace and large outdoor swimming pool set in beautiful gardens. The rooms and interiors are traditional but contemporary in style. The entire property was lovingly restored and renovated by the Fabbrini’s and their Architect/Interior Designer son Simone and no small detail has been forgotten.

Let me tell you about the food. Breakfast each morning is a feast with a dining table laden with the most delicious array of homemade cakes, frittata’s, cereals, eggs, juices, ham and cheeses. Before dinner each evening there are aperitivo’s to be had outside under the pergola draped with wisteria in the shade of a magnificent 500 year old tree. This is the perfect way to unwind after a day spent visiting the small towns of Tuscany.  Each night the table is beautifully laid under a shaded terrace and guests enjoy a wonderful three course meal prepared by Giorgio and his team of helpers. What we enjoyed most (besides the delicious food!) was the opportunity to meet and chat with interesting people from all over the world who were on holiday like us.

Whilst we were there we were warmly invited to join the Fabbrini family and their friends for a special lunch to celebrate Giorgio’s birthday. We enjoyed the most incredible lunch of homemade pasta with truffles!! The warmth and generosity of the family and their friends made us feel so welcome and just like we were part of an Italian family! We have just booked to stay with them again this year when we visit Italy and we can’t wait!!

Must do:
Hire a car and spend the morning exploring one of the beautiful hilltop towns — we loved Montepulciano and Orvieto.  Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool listening to the sound of distant church bells coming from across the valley.

What the kids loved most:
Swimming in the pool, eating Giorgio’s delicious pasta, Paola’s coconut cake for breakfast, playing with the sausage dogs and having gelato everyday!

For more information, visit www.casafabbrini.it