BEST FOR TUSCANY

(to-tuscany.com)

With 600-plus villas on its books, from one to 12 bedrooms, this is the operator for the lesser-known areas of Grosseto and Maremma, the coastal areas of Lucca and Viareggio, rural Val d’Orcia, as well as honeypot areas around Siena and Florence. To Tuscany also arranges cooking and wine-tasting sessions.

Top pick: Macia Viva, sleeping four, is a stone-built villa near Castellina looking out on hills and vineyards. From £2,151.

INVITATION TO TUSCANY

(invitationtotuscany.com)

Its collection of around 150 mid-range properties is curated by owner Daniel Wrightson, whose mother started the company in the 1970s. Particularly strong in the areas around Arezzo.

Top pick: Fienile, sleeping 10, is a tranquil villa in the Chianti hills with a poolside terrace and long views over the surrounding countryside, a 10-minute drive from Siena. From €3,150.

BRIDGEWATER’S IDYLLIC ITALY

(bridgewatertravel.co.uk)

Founded in 1973, Bridgewater has traditionally focused on the Tuscan coast and Lucca. Its portfolio includes a small selection in Amalfi, Sicily and the northern lakes Como and Maggiore.

Top pick: Villa di Colle, sleeping nine, is a family-friendly option nine miles from Lucca and close to the Versilia coast.

An in-house chef can turn your stay at a Tuscany Now & More villa into a gourmet getaway

A sister property next door, Villa Grappolina, can host a further six people. From £2,370.

TUSCANY NOW & MORE (tuscanynowandmore.com)

With 30 years under its belt and more than 130 villas on its books, this company focuses on atmospheric, rural properties in Tuscany and Umbria, many with in-house staff and chefs. Top pick: Sul Coccomorlo, sleeping eight, is a stone-built hideaway on a hillside, a short drive to San Gimignano, with a large pool house and loggia.

SUN-HAT

(sun-hat-villas.com)

Around 70 properties offer plenty of choice for groups of friends or extended families looking for houses sleeping up to 20, mainly in northern Tuscany, along the coast or in the Chianti region. Top pick: Villa Rignana, sleeps 11, is a part 13th-century house with original features and antique furnishing near Panzano in Chianti. Facilities include a private pool, an astro-turf tennis court and a billiards room. The terraced gardens are surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. From £5,581.