Pieve di Caminino Roccastrada - Tuscany

Just thirty minutes drive from the glorious beaches of Tuscany's Maremma there is a tranquil hamlet in the hills, a group of ancient buildings steeped in history - Pieve di Caminino. This farm complex now offers visitors hospitality in charming apartments and cottages. A sense of the past pervades these buildings. This spot has been inhabited for thousands of years - by Etruscans, then by Ancient Romans. Legend has it that Feriole, who was killed by Romans, died here and that water miraculously sprang from the ground where the martyr lay. A Christian community then settled here.

Pieve di Caminino has been farmed by the Marucchi-Locatelli family for generations. Over fifteen years they have skillfully and carefully restored the church and the cluster of dwellings, transforming them into friendly farmhouse style holiday accommodation. The beautiful apartments, suites and romantic cottages each have their own terrace or balcony. The rooms, which have vaulted or beamed ceilings, and stone fireplaces are simply furnished with antiques and paintings. In cold weather, each unit can be independently heated. The 11th century church, an airy space with columns and soaring arches, decorated in creams, golds and brown and elegantly furnished, now provides a venue for exhibitions, conferences, concerts and dinners.

Pieve di Caminino's location is fantastic - with spectacular views across the valley to the sea in the far distance. The 1236acre estate is a working farm with vineyards, cork oak woods and olive groves. Guests are welcome to join in the harvests and can sample Pieve di Caminino's highly regarded extra virgin olive oil.

The fascinating buildings are surrounded by gardens where guests can lounge in any of a number of attractive outdoor seating areas. They can linger by the lake or wander along a little lane to the panoramic swimming pool overlooking the olive groves of Montemassi and its castle. There are woodlands to explore and mountain bikes to rent. Horse riding, golfing and tennis facilities are all available nearby.

This peaceful haven is within easy reach of the area's fascinating archaeological sites, nature reserves, beaches and magical Medieval cities, towns and villages - such Massa Marittima with its Romanesque cathedral, Roccatederighi, a village carved of stone perched on a needle of rock, charismatic Siena, Montemassi, Montepescali, and many more besides.

Three good reasons

1. A beautifully restored medieval hamlet in Tuscan Maremma.
2. An 11th century church transformed into a unique function room.
3. Tastings of the estate's extra virgin olive oil.