We are situated in a part of Tuscany that is completely off the beaten track with views that will take your breath away. A private terrace that has full sun in the morning, dappled shade at mid day and full sun in the afternoon is all yours. It's perfect for soaking up the rays while enjoying the perfume of old English roses jasmine. The house is about 500 hundred years old and is on the top of a hill about half an hour from Pisa's international airport with direct flights to New York in summer. The coast is 40 minutes away and we are an hours drive from Florence, yet ten minutes from excellent supermarket, post office, chemist and coffee bars. All of this means that you will find our situation very convenient. The apartment is furnished with English and Italian antiques, bronze crystal chandeliers and has original art work everywhere you look but additionally comes with all the mod-cons. I hope that this combination guarantees that you will have a truly relaxing time but also shows you how much I've tried to make this a truly unique holiday experience for you and yours. Only the sounds of nature, cicada, birds song & dogs barking will break up the profound peace & quiet.

I adore Italy for its stunning natural and architectural / artistic beauty, it's gorgeous language and the charm and open nature of so many Italians. Further, it's a joy for me to be able to share some of my knowledge of the area, with its special combination of natural beauty, excellent places to eat and a rich artistic heritage. I live on site and speak both Italian and English (I was born in Britain's West country) and are happy to offer input on whatever takes your fancy. For the last 40 years I have worked in the international operatic scene, so many of the original costume designs and posters that you will find on the walls of the apartment are of productions I have created for some of the greatest operatic stars in the world. On occasion you will no doubt hear some opera or piano playing wafting up from my part of the house.

San Ruffino is within 5 min's drive of the spa town of Casciana Terme and the ancient castle town of Lari with its wonderful selection of small shops offering high quality local produce, plus two smashing little restaurants. Volterra and St Gimignano are easily accessed and we are within an hour of three of the most popular operatic venues in Italy: The Maggio Musicale in Florence (60 mins), The Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago,(40 mins) and Andrea Bocelli's summer festival at Lajatico (20 mins). So what’s not to love?