BORGO VILLA RISI, Siena

The farmhouse is set on a hillside with sweeping views toward Siena's Duomo and the Torre del Mangia, surrounded by olive groves and gardens. A bus stop immediately outside the property provides a direct connection to the historic centre - buses run every half hour and the journey takes 10-15 minutes. Walking to Piazza del Campo takes about 30 minutes, and driving to the centre is a 5-minute trip with paid parking options. The Cappuccini neighbourhood within a short walk offers a pizzeria and local bar. Free private parking is available on site, making this a practical base for exploring the wider Tuscan region by car.

Renovated in 2006 from a traditional farmhouse, each apartment features a separate living and sleeping floor, private furnished terrace with table, chairs and sun umbrella, and a fully equipped kitchenette with gas hob, dishwasher, oven, and fridge. Bed linen, bath towels, and free WiFi are included. Units range from one-bedroom layouts with a sofa bed to three-bedroom homes sleeping up to six, all with private bathrooms. Apartment Zefiro has a large porch accessing the garden. Air conditioning is standard; noise is minimal due to the quiet hillside setting. Bedroom locations vary - some apartments have ground-floor bedrooms while others place them upstairs - so check when booking if stairs are a concern.

Each apartment has a complete kitchen with cookware, utensils, electric kettle, tea/coffee maker, dishwasher and oven, making self-catering straightforward. Alfresco dining is easy with the private terrace and shared BBQ facilities. Pizzeria Cappuccini and several other restaurants, including Al 103 Art Pizza Bar, Osteria Enoteca Sotto Le Fonti, and Roadhouse Restaurant, are within a 2 km walk or short drive. Guests staying with a car can easily stock up at supermarkets or dine in Siena's centre, 5 minutes away by car.

The large outdoor salt-water pool includes a shallow end and a whirlpool area, set within immaculate gardens with sun loungers and a gazebo. It is shared among the apartments and open from June through September. The property's hilltop location is ideal for evening sunset views. Active leisure options nearby include horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, and wine-tasting excursions - all easily accessed from the location.

WiFi is free and available throughout the apartments. Parking is free and on site with no reservation needed. Pets are allowed on request at no extra charge. The property does not have a 24-hour reception, but the management team (Jan and John) are known for being responsive, welcoming, and helpful - they regularly assist with luggage, bike storage, and local advice. A secure garage is available for mountain bikes. Cots can be provided on request. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Diners Club, Maestro, CartaSi, and MasterCard. There is no lift, but many apartments have ground-floor access.