Podere Valentina is a small, charming holiday villa near the historic Italian city of Lucca. It actually is a personal favourite of mine - the views from the garden and pool area are just stunning (a great vista of the valley below) and the house itself is one of those that anyone who visits, just seems to warm to.

There is a shaded dining area (cue the covered pergola), charming interior areas and a nice terrace appended to the back of the main bedroom. The garden and pool area is the main delight however, with ancient olive boughs offering shade in abundance and enough covered spots, that even the hottest august day would be within your control (as to whether to cook in it or relax in shade!)

Nearby towns include of course the Tuscan coast, historic Pisa (leaning tower fans the world over get prepared for your passion), plus easy access to Pistoia, the spa town of Montecatini, historic and world famous Florence (renaissance art as you stroll the city...) and the rest of Tuscany itself - meaning medieval towns and villages, beautiful countryside and more.

Quality Villas have featured the property for several years and more is available at http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/tuscany/lucca/podere-valentina

There are also a number of other regions featured on the site, ranging from the Italian Lakes, down to Puglia in Italys heel.