Castello di Tornano

Rooms

Rooms in the castle and tower range from cosy Doubles to spacious Suites. All have a decidedly romantic flavour and opulent décor including heavy brocaded fabrics, oriental rugs, wrought iron beds (some four-posters or canopies), and a mix of genuine and repro antique furniture.

Reached by a winding staircase, the top-floor Rooftop Suite has stunning views from no fewer than eight windows. If you suffer from vertigo, however, then opt for one of the lower rooms - the staircase gets windier and narrower as you climb the tower.

Bathrooms have been designed with particular flair and imagination to suit the luxurious feel of the place. Most have showers or tiled wet rooms, others have twin basins, and a handful of Superior Rooms have bathtubs instead.

The rustic Borgo rooms and suites are around 50m away, in what feels like a private Tuscan hamlet. The larger Suites are ideal for families and more independent travellers, as each has a kitchenette and private terrace with dining space. Expect quarry-tiled floors, exposed stone or brick, and old-fashioned comfy furniture.

Most secluded is the Cottage, 100m from the castle, with its own garden (and alfresco Jacuzzi tub) surrounded by woodland. Guests staying here have access to all the main facilities (pool, tennis courts, bicycles etc), except the tower’s rooftop terrace, which is reserved for B&B guests.

Features include:

• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• WiFi

Eating

As an agriturismo, most of the food and drink served is produced on the estate itself. Dinner is served on the bright veranda and might include an antipasto, a primi, a secondo and a dolce. We were served a primo of homemade fettuccine with a sausage and mushroom ragu; if that sounds good, you can learn how to make it with the chef. Secondo was a perfectly cooked beef dish served with mixed vegetables on a bed of rocket and wild leaves. Dolce was the Tuscan classic of vin santo and cantucci biscuits - though the dessert wine was not the usual sweet sticky brew but a crisp, amber nectar. We found service swift and friendly, but we've heard that in midsummer it can get erratic.

A buffet breakfast is also available, including homemade cakes, pastries and biscuits, some local meats and cheeses, and fresh cappuccino - though we would have preferred fresh rather than packaged ham. You can take your loaded tray onto the terrace overlooking the valley below.

In the Borgo Suites and Avicii Cottage, kitchenettes have a fridge, stove and cooking utensils (though you'll need to bring all your own food and supplies).

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• The castle can arrange mountain bikes for self-guided cycle rides through the surrounding wooded hills
  
• Or just head off on foot: the castle's estate is huge, or you can borrow a map (or, by arrangement, an English-speaking guide) if you want to venture further afield
  
• Relax by the narrow swimming pool, built into the castle’s moat
  
• Play tennis on the castle’s courts (free for guests) - you can borrow rackets and buy balls from reception
  
• Let your kids loose in the gardens
  
• Try wine tasting: this is the home of Chianti Classico and the castello is surrounded by world-renowned wine estates, including its own
  
• Guests rave about the Tuscan cooking lessons with the castle's chef
  
• Visit the nearby villages of Gaiole Castellina and Radda, with their medieval walls, winding streets and impressive civic buildings; they have a thriving (but not tacky) tourism industry, and a dwindling farming tradition
  
• For a really romantic escape, book a ride in a hot-air balloon - staff can arrange it
  
• If you (or your kids) like exploring castles, the medieval forts of Meleto, Vertine and Barbischio are all within 20km

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Golf
• Hiking
• Hot air ballooning
• Mountain biking
• Museums / galleries
• Table tennis
• Tennis
• Trekking
• Wildlife
• Wine tasting

Kids

Castello di Tornano welcomes children, and the grounds offer plenty of opportunities for imaginative games of medieval knights. Families wanting extra privacy can stay in the Borgo, slightly away from the main castle, where there are large suites which are apartment-sized and come with their own kitchens and gardens. There's also a separate Cottage (sleeps 4) with a Jacuzzi.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Though some of the castle and tower rooms can hold extra beds and baby cots, we feel the Borgo Suites and the Cottage are the best fit for families. The former sleep 4 in two bedrooms, while the Cottage is our favourite option, with a double and a twin, plus a private garden and Jacuzzi tub surrounded by woodland.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 1 hour
• Hospital: 20 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Castello di Tornado lies in the wooded hills of Chianti surrounded by wine estates, south of Gaiole.

By Air
There are some flights to Florence Peretola Airport (70km). However, there's more choice if you fly to Pisa Galileo (120km). Rome and Milan airports are about 3 hours from Florence. We strongly recommend you hire a car.

By Train
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, you can reach Florence and Tuscany quite easily from London. The nearest rail station is at Montevarchi (20km). See the excellent Seat 61 for more details.

Detailed directions will be provided after your booking is confirmed.

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