Set on a hilltop among evergreen trees and neat hedges, villa Bellavista lives up to its name. The six-bedroom, two-story villa looks out on traditional gardens and a freeform inground pool. Climb its four-story tower for panoramic views over the Tuscan countryside around Pisa. The main house boasts five bedrooms, but you can also sneak away to the one-bedroom annex for a more private Italian retreat. Start the day with a stroll down the garden’s geometric paths and dine al fresco at the table and chairs in the courtyard. Head down a set of stairs for a dip in the private pool, or up to the tower to take in the unforgettable landscape. Prepare lunch or dinner on the outdoor grill. At night, light a fire in the fireplace and play a few rounds in the billiard room. Inside, antique furnishings like gilded-edge mirrors, bergere chairs and carved sideboards set an elegant tone, while arched doorways and tall windows let in plenty of Tuscan sun. The living room comes with a fireplace and satellite TV for a cozy evening in. High ceilings and modern amenities in the fully equipped kitchen make cooking a pleasure; serve up fare from the local markets at the dining room’s table for ten. The villa has two double bedrooms, one with an en-suite bathroom with shower, and two twin bedrooms that can be converted to doubles, one with an en-suite bathroom with bathtub. A fifth bedroom has a pull-out bed that’s suitable for teenagers.  Outside your hilltop retreat, both horseback riding and tennis courts are nearby. Bellavista’s location in the town of Crespina makes it a convenient base for exploring the area: Pisa and its airport are just 20 miles away, and Florence, Lucca and Siena are easily accessible. To the west, the Marina di Pisa beach and the shores of the Mediterranean are only 30 miles away. Copyright © 2014 Luxury Retreats. All rights reserved.