Podere Finerri (The Lazy Olive) in Asciano, Tuscany

Don’t tell them about Asciano

I have a lot of difficulty sharing this hideaway with you. I’ve been visiting The Lazy Olive, 1700’s farmhouse also called Podere Finerri, in the enchanting Tuscan town of Asciano for the past four years, in all seasons, and I’m still awed by its beauty. Set on a hilltop, with a stunning swimming pool, unrivalled views, and interior design that flirts with both luxury (the bath looks through a wall of glass to an olive grove) and rustic charm (stone walls, magnificent timber beams, open fireplace), there is simply no time of year when this property won’t leave you sighing in ecstasy.

the lazy olive asciano room

The young owners – Daniela, an Italian architect, and Malcolm, an art historian from New Zealand – who live on site with their two daughters, often bring you fresh eggs or a bottle of local wine, and can offer cooking lessons using products such as their homemade olive oil.

The estate offers five apartments for rental, each with a private entrance and outdoor area, with a table for dining al fresco and deck chairs for reading a book while contemplating the view. There’s also a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills and a bbq as common areas. It’s the ideal place for a group rental or a single apartment rental.

Things to do at The Lazy Olive

the lazy olive - podere finerri Asciano Tuscany

The Lazy Olive is just the place to unwind, sit back and relax. The breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside will be more than enough to recharge your batteries. But that’s just the beginning of what awaits you at this estate. It’s a great place for travellers who are avid walkers, enjoy cooking at home with local produce or seek tourist-free tranquillity.

During the day, explore the Tuscan region and hop from one town to the next. From medieval villages to monasteries, from hilltop towns to Renaissance cities, in less than an hour you can reach pretty much anywhere in Tuscany. Siena, Montalcino, Chianti and Pienza are just a 30-minute drive, Montepulciano and Arezzo just 40 minutes away, and in less than 20 minutes you can visit numerous monasteries, too!

If you’d rather stay in, you can take part in a cooking class, enjoy a yoga session under the olive groves, go hiking or bike riding around the estate. If you’re a foodie, you’ll surely enjoy truffle hunting in nearby S.Giovanni D’Asso, visiting wine cellars and indulging in wine tasting or taking part in the olive harvest. The options are endless.

The perfect destination for your wedding

Your Tuscan wedding doesn’t have to be just a dream. Imagine the view of the Tuscan countryside at sunset, a string quartet or jazz trio playing in the background, and exchanging your vows with your loved one. It doesn’t get any more unforgettable than that. The Lazy Olive is the perfect place for your wedding reception and ceremony. Just let them know your needs ant they’ll be more than happy to satisfy your requests for a truly magical wedding. They’ll think of everything, all you have to do is enjoy the moment.

But please, dear readers, don’t go there en mass and spoil my favourite spot in Tuscany.