Autumn in Tuscany, villas for the harvest

Autumn is the season when Tuscans work hardest and eat best. The grape harvest draws to a close, the woods fill with porcini and chestnuts, and from late October the olives are picked and pressed, producing the peppery green new oil poured over toasted bread at every table. In November the hills around San Miniato are known for their white truffles, sought out with trained dogs.

The villas below make fine bases for the season. Among them are a 19th century hilltop farmhouse on 35 hectares in the Bolgheri wine country, a castle near the coast with 10th century walls, a chapel, a watchtower and full staff, and a villa at Castiglioncello set in a walled garden of nearly 40 palm trees.

At a glance

• 232 private villas
• From 1 to 22 bedrooms
• Up to 41 guests in one villa
• 224 with a private pool
• 25 with sea views
• 75 with a cook or staff
• Availability and price on request, reply within one working day