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COMO Castello del Nero is blessed with many superb features which make this such a desirable place for both long stays and short breaks. Today’s 5-star hotel is housed in a 12th century castle built for Tuscan nobility (the del Nero and then the Torrigiano families) and displaying later Renaissance features such as frescoed walls, ceilings and fireplaces. The castle sits amidst an exceptional 740-acre, historic estate within the Chianti wine region, and yet is only about 30 minutes’ drive to the south of Florence. From its slightly raised position, visitors to COMO Castello del Nero can enjoy splendid panoramic views of the rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves of the estate. Opposite the entrance stands a magnificent cedar tree, planted about 400 years ago but this is only about half the age of the original kitchens of the castle, today housing La Taverna, a cosy bar serving fine Tuscan cuisine in the winter and cocktails all year round. The original fireplace is a centrepiece of the room and is still in use today. Another vestige of the historic past of the castle is the book collection which can be found on the first floor and which contains account books of the estate dating from the 1700s. The public areas of the castle have been lovingly restored and refurbished so that the history of the building and contemporary comforts and style combine. There are now 50 bedrooms and suites of varying sizes. All feature a pared-back look with cool-toned interiors which are juxtaposed with Renaissance frescoes and soft terracotta floors. The feel is classically modern and yet respectful of the castle’s history. There is a two-bedroomed suite in the Belvedere outbuilding, which is ideal for a family, but also for families is the Podere San Filippo, an 18th century farmhouse on the estate, a few minutes’ drive or a 25-minute walk from the Castello del Nero, where you’ll find 12 contemporary apartments. At COMO Castello del Nero, the bedrooms enjoy a variety of views, from the courtyard and garden to the Chianti hills. As is to be expected from COMO hotels, there is a COMO Shambhala Retreat offering bespoke massages including the COMO Shambhala signature ritual, revitalising soaks in thermal suites and swims in the 25-metre heated outdoor pool. In addition to the spa, there is a gym, yoga studio and pilates studio as well as a relaxation room overlooking the countryside. COMO Castello del Nero offers two dining venues: the Michelin-starred La Torre and the ‘al fresco’ Pavilion. There is also la Taverna. La Torre serves dishes of the finest Tuscan ingredients, sourced from local farmers or from the estate’s own garden. Service is on the terrace in the fine weather of the summer months. The Pavilion offers all-day dining overlooking the Tuscan hills, vineyards and olive groves. Menus include Mediterranean cuisine, international favourites and COMO’s signature dishes. Combined with excellent dining and in keeping with its country Tuscan location, COMO Castello del Nero offers a wide and charming range of activities and experiences associated with the locally-produced wine and foodstuffs. There are cookery courses, pizza-making, wine-tasting, olive oil tasting, honey and cheese tasting, ice-cream making and truffle hunting. The truffle-hunting is offered all year round with three types of truffle: black winter truffle, black hooked truffle and black summer truffle. With other activities available such as tennis, cycling and hiking, COMO Castello del Nero is an exquisite country retreat for spa, gourmet dining, an immersion into local food and wine as well as a base for cultural, architectural and heritage experiences.