The appeal of Italy's historic dwellings has remained undimmed over time, and today many have been transformed into charming hotels or conference venues, some of which also offer the additional attraction of golf courses. Here is just a selection:

Near Milan is the Castello di Tolcinasco Golf & Country Club. The hotel's grounds include a swimming pool and a tennis court, as well as a 36-hole golf course. The 64-room Villa Odescalchi in Alzate Brianza offers a 9-hole course, while the Franciacorta area of Lombardy is home to the 19th-century inn L'Albereta, near the Franciacorta Golf Club with its professional golf course and tennis courts.

Near Portofino in Liguria is the village of Camogli. Here is the 16th-century Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi, whose facilities include tennis courts and a private beach. It also offers access to the nearby Golf Club Rapallo.

In the Mugello region of Tuscany is the luxury Sonesta Resort & Country Club Tuscany. The Golf Club Poggio dei Medici next door is home to the Ladies' Italian Open. Near Siena is the Villa Gori, today transformed into the stylish Park Hotel Siena. Facilities include a driving range and a putting green. The Villa Grazioli, in Lazio, was once a cardinal's residence, and is now a luxury hotel. Eleven km away is the villa's designated 18-hole range, the Country Club Castelgandolfo. Less than an hour from Rome is the spa town of Fiuggi. Here you will find the exclusive Grand Hotel Palazzo della Fonte, which has two restaurants and a health spa, while only two kilometres away is the Fiuggi Golf Club, an 18-hole course set in natural parkland.

Finally, the Apulia region is home to the Masseria San Domenico. The hotel offers tennis courts, a gym and a golf practice range. For an 18-hole golf course with a stunning view of the sea however, try the Egnathia Golf Club nearby.