The Le Viste is a brow-furrower of a hotel (more like a very large Guest House, actually), and it is probably worth knowing what to expect if you are thinking of giving it a go.

It’s positioned to achieve a spectacular view overlooking Florence, although it is actually about 10 minutes away from the edge of some fairly ordinary Florentine suburbia and also not too far from a key autostrada interchange. Happily, no sight or noise issues from the latter. Then south, or behind the property is the beginning of the top end of chianti-style Tuscany.

The property is reached via a rough piece of long single lane off a dead end road through one horse village, and it is impossible not to think the worst (like your car falling into a ditch!). In fact, the road opens out onto a pleasant and, clearly quite isolated, large residence which has a genteel air and a fairly sub-mid 20th century look – although I’m not an architect.

The big plus here is immediately obvious upon arrival , because all the externals are really pleasing. The grounds are large and well-kept, and there is a good-sized, pristine, swimming pool in the midst of a well tended lawn. To the side of the pool are some rows of olive trees amongst which are four permanent gazebos housing two sturdy wooden sunbeds each. And the view from the sunbeds (which get large plump mattresses at the start of the day) gazes across the receding valley towards Florence. So, great views, natural shade, very few occupants, and consequently guaranteed peace and quiet. Frequent visits by the two friendly house Westies were always an enjoyable diversion. The pool area of the garden is below the level of the main house and the access is via large patios and steps.

The house itself is clearly quite large, seems to have several levels and a maze of corridor and stairs. It’s immediately noticeable that it is not exactly light inside with a lot of somewhat austere, classic furniture and features, and I was reminded of the sort of home that a well-heeled, conservative, novelist would have felt comfortable pottering around in the 50’s.

There are only 4 rooms for guests, and we had the Michaelangelo Gold Suite when we stayed. It was so big it was practically an apartment – if it had a kitchen, it would have been! Again, there was that slightly faded 50's feel about it in terms of decor and layout, and some of the furniture was rather questionable in terms of personal taste.

The long hall led to sub-level bedroom of some considerable size, Also off the hall was a large comfortable lounge with a walled patio overlooking the width of the garden, and on the other side, an L-shaped bathroom.

Individually, the bedroom had a gigantic, firm but comfortable bed , and excellent views across the garden from two large windows. Also noticeable was the wooden parquet floor, the stone clad walls on two sides, and the sloping tiled roof resting on solid wooden beams. With lights down it rather seemed like being inside a swiss mountain chalet. There was lots of wardrobe space, a minibar and certainly the smallest safe I have ever seen; I couldn’t even fit my wallet in!

The marbled bathroom had a most extraordinary whirlpool bath (degree in logic required to understand the instructions and work the various panels), and a venerable old shower encased in it's own watertight stall. Very easy to use - a dial and a temperature guage only. Lots of space on the double sink tops and a huge full width mirror. A well used hairdryer was eventually located in a cupboard under a sink. Slightly irksome was the fact that 8E a day per person is charged to renew bath towels, pool towels or bed linen.

The pleasant lounge was furnished with a nice big sofa with side tables. and other random (in some cases very random) furniture so that it was perfectly acceptable place to while away some time as required, or even to move onto the rooftop terrace outside to admire the view over downtown Florence across the verdant valley in the foreground. Tea and coffee facilities were kept in this room – no milk though. There was also a small flat screen TV which didn’t seem related to it’s remote control. Hours of fun.

Each room had a screened heritage air-conditioning unit. These apparatus took some time to get their momentum going, but were ok once they had got into the swing of it. They could be switched off externally via some sort of central control, however, which, again, could be annoying.

At mealtimes, breakfast was either taken outside the front of the house overlooking more garden, or in a sort of sun lounge just inside. Breakfast was fine, and ample, and aligned to the number of guests in situ. No meats, cheeses or eggs, but plenty of bread, pre-packed pastries, fruits and cereals – and lots of coffee.

A very civilised dinner takes place on the terrace (from Monday to Friday) overlooking the garden and the valleyside view of Florence. Dual choice courses were generally agreeably prepared and presented, although a sublime steak one night was followed, 24 hours later, by an appalling dish of apparently deep-fried chicken bones! Prices were not exactly sporty, but the comprehensive wine list was quite impressive and rather more competitive.

The owner, Alex, introduced herself very quickly upon arrival and was happy to briefly chat as our paths crossed, mainly in the morning whilst she looked after breakfast. She seemed like a teutonically hearty lady, but probably not likely to suffer fools gladly. Mainly looking afer the guests was a rather detached young Polish lady, Joanna, who was efficiently dealt with admin, liaison - and serving the evening meal

So, overall, big tick for the externals and as slight stroke of the beard (if I had one) for everything else

We visited Tenuta Le Viste in June 2011 for four days and it was a fantastic experience. Alexandra, the owner, looked after us above and beyond what she needed to. We paid for the Michaelangelo Gold experience which also included dinner at the hotel and at nearby Michelin star restaurant La Tenda Rossa. The whole hotel was beautiful and the view of Florence was amazing. It was peaceful, quiet and the perfect place for us to take a few days away together on our own. The food at the hotel was lovely and the meal at La Tenda Rossa was extraordinary (8 courses!). Having no transport, Alexandra and her family very helpfully ferried us around to local restaurants and such when taxis weren't available. Plus there are two amazingly friendly dogs called Turbo and Diesel that just add to the experience!

Awakening with a soothing chorus sound of birds just before the dawn breaks. Soon the sun rises. You open the window and that scent of fresh and sweet air softly surrounds your whole body. You take a deep breath. The smell of the air is that of Firenze but it is more than that. It is the smell of Tenuta Le Viste. It is unforgettable and you have to be there to enjoy it. The hotel has a very large garden with olive trees. The two dogs, Diesel and Turbo are well trained and quiet, and they will guide you for a tour around the garden. The room Michelangelo was wonderfully arranged with very beautiful views of the garden and the downtown Firenze. Breakfast is very nicely prepared in a room with view of the garden. Alexandra, the manager of the hotel, is always there to help you for a comfortable stay and advice for your trip. Her ability to go one step beyond when you need it is greatly appreciated. My wife and I highly recommend this place for your next travel. I shall always remember the stay.

A truly beautiful, postcard location . The Villa is well appointed and the grounds are beautiful with magnificent views of Florence from this hilltop retreat.

The staff were friendly and the food was above average. This Villa is well out of Florence so a car rental is required unless you want to rely on cabs which can be expensive. Driving in Florence is challenging and will test your nerves.

And now to the mistress of the house who we came to know as Cruella DeVille. Dealing with and relating to guests is not her forte. She is cold, matter a fact, and at no time makes you feel at home. In fact quite the opposite. Her whole motivation appears to be ensuring you are at the Villa as little as possible. So if you are looking for a property to hang out, enjoy the grounds, and just relax this is not for you.