Country Lodge

Italy has no shortage of picturesque ancient cities with a rich history and cultural heritage – Rome, Venice and Florence immediately come to mind, among others – but Siena is certainly up there with the best of them. Once a proud, powerful and prosperous independent city state, Siena’s superb gothic architecture harks back to its heyday in the 12th and 13th centuries. Remarkably almost completely free from any hint of garish modern development, a stroll around the city centre is like a visit to one huge open air museum, as recognised by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beneath the towers, domes and terracotta rooftops which dominate the skyline, its honey-coloured cobbled streets ooze history and medieval intrigue, besides being extremely easy on the eye.

Though it is a city on a much more manageable scale than some of Italy’s other sprawling metropolises, Siena is ripe for exploring. You could spend days on end losing yourself in its winding lanes, delving into ancient monuments and fascinating museums. Just over 3km from the centre, the Country Lodge B&B provides a superb base for this exploration. With free on-site parking and a bus stop just down the road, it is convenient and easy to get into Siena. Meanwhile, being well clear of the city walls, the setting is much more peaceful than in the heart of the city. Though not quite in the heart of the picturesque Tuscan countryside, it all feels fairly tranquil and bucolic thanks to the B&B’s private gardens, with some elegant pines, plenty of greenery and the odd splash of fragrance and colour.

The terrace in the gardens provides an idyllic setting for breakfast every morning during the sun-drenched summer months. The spread of fresh pastries, fruits and local produce seems to taste even better in the fresh air with the sun beating down. Washed down with a strong Italian cappuccino, it is a fairly perfect way to start the day, undeniably romantic and serene. In this sense it is typical of the Country Lodge B&B, where romance always seems to be in the air. Every room feels bright and airy, while the décor is traditional and homely. Sunlight streams through the large windows, its rays illuminating the rustic wooden furnishings, charming decorative touches and flowers in every corner.

In the bedrooms, this comforting, traditional style is combined with all the facilities you need to help you completely unwind. With amenities including free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and exceptionally cosy bedding, the rooms provide a luxurious and soothing space to recharge your batteries between days spent delving into Siena’s cultural riches or exploring the Tuscan countryside. Meanwhile, the elegant private bathrooms are equally well equipped, including some high quality complimentary toiletries.

All in all, everything about the Country Lodge B&B makes for an utterly relaxing, romantic and revitalising retreat. Forget about the hustle and bustle of Italy’s larger cities – Siena is the perfect combination of being picturesque and fascinating yet calm and manageable, and this cosy and friendly B&B is a superb starting point for getting to know the city.