Secluded and spectacular, Tenuta Pomona offers views over olive-tree slopes to Cortona’s orange-tiled rooftops and along the wide, green-yellow Val di Chiana valley from its hillside perch. Especially scenic are its seating terraces, their barbecue and wood-fired pizza oven encouraging al fresco dining, and pool area. Exposed to the sun all day and open between May and September, that pool comes with beds and parasols. Large lawns lead on to another table: a vine-covered viewpoint where glasses could be clinked at sunset.

Inside, the two-floor stone villa and neighbouring cottage have been carefully restored to present a kind of rustic chic via restrained furnishings, earthy tones, original ceiling beams and ample space. Witness its country-style kitchen, impressively equipped around a central island, or the master bedroom’s chaise longue and freestanding bathtub. There’s also a dining room and a fireplace-heated lounge, each opening outside. The main villa’s other two tasteful sleeping quarters share a bathroom; in the cottage is a romantic, ensuite double room. Air-conditioning is present throughout.

This part of eastern Tuscany is crammed with sights. Cortona itself is a preposterously-pretty walled town dating to Etruscan times, and rife with traditional restaurants, cafes and ice-cream shops. Elsewhere, hilltop Arezzo and Citta di Castello contribute art treasures, Lake Trasimeno promises watery adventures, and plenty of quality vineyards and golf courses tempt. So too does Siena, famous for its twice-yearly Palio horse race, and enchanting Florence.