Casale Sterpeti

The Maremma, in coastal Tuscany, has to be one of the most purely pleasant places on Earth; here, a hotel can reach inspiring heights with a light touch, letting the destination carry most of the weight. Casale Sterpeti is just such a hotel: an abandoned farmhouse, completely rebuilt from the original rough-hewn stone and timber, and refashioned into an eight-room boutique hotel whose interiors are marked by an unusually subtle contemporary visual style.

After all, it doesn’t take much farmhouse kitsch to remind you where you are when the bedroom windows look directly out over views of the gently rolling Tuscan hills. The antique elements are well-chosen, and the modern elements echo the rich texture of the reclaimed architectural materials. And while there’s nothing opulent about them, the comforts here are substantial indeed.

In keeping with the residential atmosphere, Casale Sterpeti’s services are a touch on the minimal side, but that doesn’t mean you’re entirely on your own — a fresh, house-made breakfast is served every morning, and restaurants abound in the local area. So do wineries, and your hosts are happy to help you design your itinerary around their impressive collection of local recommendations.