Tuscan treats tick all the right boxes

Most people’s wish list for the perfect Tuscan holiday villa would include gorgeous views, a good-sized swimming pool, lovely gardens, spacious and characterful rooms and proximity to some of the region’s historic towns.

All the boxes are ticked by several properties still with availability this summer from holiday operator Invitation to Tuscany (invitationtotuscany.com). And rental prices won’t break the bank, starting at under £300 per person for a week in July and August.

A former medieval church in the heart of the sought-after Chianti wine-growing region sleeps eight and costs £2,101 per week mid-season (now until June 26 and August 29-October 3) and £2,381 high season (June 27-August 28). Cleverly converted into a delightfully cheerful and comfortable home, La Pievina’s origins can be spotted in the ancient stone and brickwork of the walls, while the kitchen contains the still-working bread oven used centuries ago by the parish priest.

Furnished in simple, country style, the house has a dining room leading onto a furnished terrace with a barbecue, large gardens and a good-size swimming pool. It is 30 minutes’ drive from the Renaissance wonders of both Florence and Siena.

Also in Chianti, and with views of vineyards and olive groves, is the stylish wing of a rambling 16th-century farmhouse. Decorated in sunny, inviting colours, Arancio has retained its traditional terracotta floors and chestnut-beamed ceilings and is furnished with a mix of antique and contemporary pieces.

Perfect for a large family group, it has two spacious sitting rooms, top-quality kitchen and bathroom fittings, a private terrace for al fresco dining and shared use of a large swimming pool. Siena, Florence and San Gimignano are within 30 minutes’ drive. Rental is £2,449 per week year-round.

Groups of up to ten can rent an old hilltop farmhouse with beautiful landscaped gardens, panoramic views, private swimming pool and professional hard tennis court. Podere dell’Amore, ten minutes’ drive from the picturesque little hill town of Casole d’Elsa, near Siena, has spacious rooms full of character, and there are wonderful country walks from the door.

Rental has been reduced to £3,245 per week (saving £360) until June 26 and again from August 29-October 3; and £3,470 (saving £612) from June 27-August 28.

For more information, visit invitationtotuscany.com.