Podere Il Sapito is a large, organic farm in the heart of Tuscany where they raise the famous "Cinta Senese" - saddleback pigs to the rest of us. The farm produces a delicious range of pork products, as well as its own top quality wines. To help the farm along, the owners converted the old farmhouses to make eight characterful holiday homes. This page describes the two back-to-back cottages, Puccini and Verdi. Each cottage has its own private garden and terrace - with barbecue of course. The landscaping is deliciously lush with olive trees, mediterranean oaks, oleanders and wisteria. Banks of rosemary and lavender attract butterflies and bees to this chemical-free oasis of pure air. The two farm buildings are set into a hillside, so there are winding pathways and wide stone stairways. The dense planting on every level gives shade and a sense of privacy to both the cottages and the six apartments set around the pool. It's a lovely place!

There are eight comfortable apartments in total, all with a musical theme. The main house offers six apartments: Vivaldi, Rossini and Donizetti, who need no introduction, together with the less famous Florentine composer Cherubini (who moved to Paris in 1788 at the age of 28), Boccherini (born in Lucca in 1743) and Corelli (1653-1713). A short distance away are two 2-storey cottages for 6, Verdi and Puccini. Every single one has a private vine-shaded outdoor terrace, with wonderful views over the Tuscan hills. Needless to say, the indoor decor is good too: wooden beams abound on the upper floors, with the occasional brick vault downstairs. Terracotta floors feature throughout.

Vivaldi

It couldn't be better, with our granddaughter's ( 10 years) words: It's in the middle of nowhere, but what we need is here - perfect ! - and I must say doing business with Summer's Leases was a pleasure.

Henning Mathiasen, Denmark.

Terrace was lovely and we did enjoy eating under the pergola, overlooking the stunning view. Pool gorgeous, and staff very chatty and helpful. We enjoyed the fresh rolls every morning too. Play area and washing machine great with small children.

Avril Campbell, Aylesbury.

Boccherini

We had a great time, it was lovely and peaceful and the location was beautiful.

Vanessa, Adrian and Lily Hodgkinson-Baciu.

Beautifully landscaped. A real bonus having Nicoletta around for minor queries. Have already recommended it to friends.

Alison Place, Nottingham.

Corelli

We really enjoyed Il Sapito. The views are great, the pool enjoyable and the decor more cosy than we had anticipated! The location was great for exploring more hidden parts of Tuscany yet convenient for the gems of Florence, Siena, Volterra and San Gimignano. The panoramic restaurant at Iano, 5 mins drive, was a great discovery. And the little shop/bar at San Vivaldo an easy walk with our push chair.

The booking process with Summer's Leases was very good indeed - unpushy, knowledgeable (good details on suitability for a small baby) and had the time to speak. Thank you!

Fenella Bolton, North London.

We all enjoyed it. Corelli, without many steps, was great for Lauren as she was walking by then. We had endless fun rolling a ball down the slope! The views were great and we liked our vine! Claudia was extremely helpful for all our needs.

Christine Masson, Cheshire.

Excellent apartment in a great location on a hill top with views all around. The view of the sunset from the patio was spectacular. The pool was very good and was cleaned every day. Landscaping gave a feeling of seclusion. Really liked having some of the farm’s wine and food available to buy.

I would definitely recommend it for a relaxing holiday.

Mike O'Sullivan, Edinburgh.

The accommodation suited our needs perfectly, beautiful location, stunning views and ideal location for sightseeing.

Tony & Sue Bartle, Worcestershire.