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If what you dream of in a Tuscan holiday is a view of Italian cypresses and olive groves, ancient monuments, historic hill towns and the scent of rosemary, birdsong and tranquillity, then La Faina our cottage can offer it all.
On your first day we will invite you for drinks in our ancient farmhouse to discuss what you would like to do on your holiday. We can tailor your trip for you to suit your interests or you can rely upon the handwritten guide book which we have been adding to for years
From the center of the old town of Cortona a short 20 minute walk along narrow lanes bordered with olive trees and wild flowers will bring you to this charming stone guest house.
The entire property which comprises the main house and La Faina sits high on a hillside alongside the 16th century stone tower known as Il Palazzone. We are English and have lived in Italy for many years and are on hand to give you advice and yet leave you as much privacy as you wish.
There is plenty to see. Arezzo our nearest large town is a gem. You will have the choice of all the major Tuscan towns, Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza and the Chianti vineyards under the hour by car. There is a railway line 10 minutes away which will take you to the centre of Florence in one and a quarter hours.Then there the great Umbrian towns of Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto that are easy to reach and you can see Lake Trasimeno from our olive groves.
Or maybe what you want to do is to relax on your private terrace sipping the local wine and eating all the local specialities. Your view will include the Val di Chiana which rightly prides itself for its great cheeses and salami. Perhaps a stroll through our olive groves and on to the promenade 'La Parterre' which will take you into the center of Cortona.
A town it is not hard to fall in love with, sitting outside one of the bars in the historic Piazza's and watching the 'passegiata' the nightly parade when the locals take the air. Then a little dinner in one of the 'trattorie. Tuscans take the preparation of food very seriously. When we first came and had only limited language skills we would see knots of people in heated discussion and would assume they were discussing politics.
Now we know that it is more likely to be how to prepare a local dish. We want you to have a taste of 'la gioia di vivere in Toscana'which we are living.
La Faina, the Italian name for a Beech Marten, is set apart from the main house with its own separate entrance and garden. A lovely mature vine covered terrace leads from the kitchen and is a perfect spot for enjoying a sunny breakfast. There is a large table for outside eating and in the early summer evenings guests can be spoilt for choice of visitors - fireflies, nightingales or cicadas.
There is a lively market every Saturday in Cortona and a wide choice of restaurants,pizzerie, shops and historic buildings.
The Accommodation. The cottage is on one floor with terracotta tiles and beamed ceilings. It has been comfortably furnished. Double bedroom with double bed. There are windows overlooking the garden.
Sitting room dining area. A spacious room with sofa, desk and chairs. A dining table to seat six guests. Windows look over the garden and a door leads to a rose and vine covered terrace.
Kitchen area with sink, four gas burner and small oven, refrigerator with ice box. Bedroom with shower and water closet. A washing machine is available at our house.
Rentals are normally available from Saturday to Saturday during April to October. |
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