L'Andana

TAKE A GLORIOUS 500 ACRE ESTATE stuffed with olive-clad hills and vineyards, and the former residence of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Then rev up the neo-classical interiors with cool and chic design by architectural guru Ettore Mochetti. Now stamp the cuisine with the imprint of French masterchef Alain Ducasse – and you have L'Andana.

One treat comes overlaid with another at L’Andana. There’s a traditional fattoria set around an inner courtyard, a magnificent glasshouse-style foyer and bar, and some high-tech gadgetry in the rooms. Reception areas and suites have white-painted ceilings and walls, polished stone floors and draped curtains setting off eye-catching sofas upholstered in lush silks; it’s a look of artful simplicity.

Set eight miles inland from the Maremma coast, this grand estate is reached via a long avenue flanked with sentinel cypress and pine trees. Alongside the original grand villa there's a vast restored granary – now the restaurant – and a luxury spa.

King of gastronomy

Diners in the polished rusticity of restaurant and bar – expect painted beams and fun touches like cowhide sofas – catch sight of the kitchens where chefs trained by Ducasse rework classic Tuscan dishes. Regional specialities make full use of ingredients from the estate; a seductive style overseen by France’s king of gastronomy.

A pool, pamper-grade spa and a golf practice course complete the L'Andana picture. Well, not quite: just beyond these fabulous surrounds you can glimpse the sea and the Isle of Elba.

© Room for Romance