When you think of a dream holiday home in Tuscany do you think of rounded hills garlanded by cypress trees, immaculately kept vineyards and olive groves set amidst misty hillsides, acres of tall sunflowers facing the sun, with isolated old farms and elegant villas overlooked by high medieval hill towns? This is ’typical’ Tuscany and we are in the region’s central area of Chianti, roughly located south of Florence and Siena. Here, the roads are refreshingly slower, giving you a chance to meander and chance upon such wonderful places as Greve, with its delightful 17th century arcaded square - or Spaltenna an Badia a Coltibuono where ancient abbeys have been converted into sumptuous restaurants. For wine lovers, follow the ’strada del vino’ signs to exquisite wineries such as Barone Ricasoli or Felsina to sample the finest chiantis.