Where better to enjoy the idyllically beautiful landscapes, historically fascinating towns and excellent cuisine to be found in Tuscany and Umbria than from one of our selection of beautiful villas and farmhouses.

Most are situated in Tuscany, right in the heart of the Chianti wine growing area, near evocatively named towns, such as Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Colle Val d?Elsa, all within easy access of Florence and Siena. There are also properties in the contrasting countryside of the Crete Senesi to the south of Siena, near Montepulciano and Montalcino, also renowned for their fine olive oils and wines. Several of the houses are on working agricultural estates where local produce can be sampled first hand.

Originally grand villas or ancient farmhouses, the properties have been sympathetically restored, retaining the spacious rooms, terracotta tiled floors, exposed wood beamed ceilings and large open fireplaces, but adding modern kitchens, bathrooms, satellite television and large swimming pools, enabling guests to enjoy the best of both worlds. At most, maid service is included or can be arranged, and at several the services of a cook. At some, there is also the opportunity to learn about Tuscan cuisine by having cooking lessons.

You will also find that most villages and towns have a market these are weekly or monthly. In Florence the famous Mercato Centrale (or San Lorenzo market) is open every morning Monday to Saturday, and also on Saturday afternoons (4.00 ? 7.00 pm). The smaller Mercato di Sant?Ambrogio in Florence is also open on Saturday mornings. Here are some of the local markets and opening times:
Lucca - Mercoto del Carmine, daily except Wednesday and Sunday; Antique market, third Saturday and Sunday of each month
Pistoia - Wednesday and Saturday mornings
Castellina in Chianti - Saturday morning
Castelnuovo Berardenga - Thursday morning
Gaiole in Chianti - second Tuesday afternoon of the month
Greve in Chianti - Saturday morning
Radda in Chianti - fourth Monday afternoon of the month
Tavarnelle Val Di Pesa - Thursday morning
Buonconvento - Saturday morning
Colle di Val d?Elsa - Friday morning
Montepulciano - Thursday morning
San Gimignano - Thursday morning
Siena - Wednesday mornings
Montalcino - Friday morning
Arezzo - Saturday morning
Castel Fiorentina ? Saturday morning

Tuscany is famous for its wines and extravirgin first pressed olive oil. These can usually be bought directly from the farmer. However some of the fattorias are open by appointment only and only accept cash for purchases.

There are several excellent golf courses within easy driving distance of most of our properties. To play at one of these, particularly in high season, you will probably need to book, and you will also need to be member of another golf club. We can provide contact details of golf courses on request.

For those interested in buying Italian designer clothes at reduced prices, you may want to visit the following one several fashion outlets for designers including Dolce e Gabbana, Giorgio Armani and Prada.

There is a large choice of travel options, with both scheduled and charter flights from many U.K. airports to Pisa, Florence, Bologna, Perugia and Rome.

For a large selection of properties in Tuscany and Umbria, ranging from simple farmhouses to villas, please also visit www.tuscanenterprise.co.uk.