A former barn, Castagneto is a two-story charmer that has been recently renovated. Its hilltop location offers lovely views of the patchwork Tuscany countryside. Olive groves lend a picturesque backdrop to the property.

Castagneto is in the midst of a lawn and is ringed by trees. A sunny paved patio welcomes guests to the house, which is entered through a stone archway. The living room doubles as a dining room and is saturated in sunlight, thanks to an enormous arched window that was once the original barn door. The country-style furnishings are made from chestnut wood, from which the house takes its name. There is a fireplace for chilly evenings, and a satellite TV with DVD and a CD player provide entertainment. A baby crib is available.

The kitchen has ceilings accented with wood beams. Everything needed for meal preparation is available. There is even a dishwasher and espresso machine.

The two bedrooms are separated. The main floor bedroom is furnished with twin beds that can be combined to make a king. Angled ceilings of brick and beams make it cozy. A powder room is located next to the bedroom.

A gleaming travertine staircase leads to the second floor where there is a double bedroom with antique wardrobes, vaulted beamed ceilings and a brick-outlined arched window opening onto the view. A separate bathroom has a shower and a washing machine.

The owners live next door but do not intrude and use a separate entrance. When present, the owners' son will allow guests to check their emails on his computer. Guests enjoy private parking, their own patio, and the swimming pool (15x30 feet) is exclusively for guests' use. The pool is surrounded by lawn and bordered by olive trees. It offers a stellar view of the countryside. There is ample lawn furniture and a barbecue grill.

This is an alluring area where ancient castles and villages perch on the surrounding hills. San Gimignano with its distinctive skyline of medieval towers is only a short drive, and Siena and Florence are in easy reach. The town center of Poggibonsi is a couple of miles away, and there is a very good supermarket close by.