Villa Vignamaggio ★★★

An elegant agriturismo (farm stay) on a wine estate in the Chianti region of Tuscany with an artistic pedigree that dates from the Mona Lisa to Kenneth Branagh

The Russet-orange villa surrounded by cypress and elegant gardens called Villa Vignamaggio will look oddly familiar to Kenneth Branagh fans. This is where he filmed Much Ado About Nothing—but the 14th-century villa's fame goes back much further; this was, after all, the childhood home of a young girl who would grow up to pose for a painting by Leonardo da Vinci and become known as the Mona Lisa.

Now the joint's owned by a Milanese former banker, who has revived the wine making —and turned most of the out buildings in a rather chic agriturismo (farm stay operation), with four-star rooms—and a few stony cottages for rent—all of them scattered around the property in various ancient outbuildings.

Other amenities include two swimming pools and a Jacuzzi, tennis courts, a playground, a gym, a spa (where you can sign up for "wine therapy"), and horse-back riding (with golf nearby).

The restaurant—open to guests only, Mon-Fri—also offers Tuscan cooking lessons with chef Christina.

Book ahead at least a week ahead to tour the wine cellar and those famous, ornate gardens (Tuesdays and Thursdays only).

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