The attractive 16thC country house of the della Robbia family (of ceramics fame), became a hotel in 1976, but still feels very much like a private home. The small scale of the rooms helps, but there are several other factors. The antique furniture is obviously a personal collection; reception amounts to little more than a visitors book in the hall; there are plenty of books around including English ones and there are always fresh flower arrangements in the elegant little sitting rooms; and you help yourself to drinks, recording your consumption as you do so.
In the past a minimum stay of three nights has further contributed to the low-key house-party atmosphere; but the rule has now been dropped. Guests who are not out on sightseeing excursions have plenty of space to themselves in the peaceful woody garden or by the lovely pool, which gives a glorious panorama of the surrounding hills of Tuscany. The restaurant and some of the rooms are in converted outbuildings. Recent reports have praised the setting, the service and the food and concluded that the price is justified.