Location: Cortona, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Distance from Cortona is 20min on foot.)
Accommodations: Cottage, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Monument View
- Other Amenities
- Refrigerator with ice compartment
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Pounds Sterling)
Rental price Year 2010 .. £500-£600 per week
April £500 per week June to mid Sept.£600 per week mid Sept to end Oct £500
Rentals are from Saturday to Saturday
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- - Cortona, Italy Accommodation
- - Cortona, Italy Accommodation
- - Cortona, Italy Accommodation
- Il Palazzone tower
Guest Comments (21)
First (10) of (21). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #54004
There have been 4096 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - October 12, 2009
Positive Rating
Diane , Dallas Texas
Positive Rating
We have throughly enjoyed our two weeks here at your cottage. The walks through the olive grove and then up the hill and along the perfect tree lined road into Cortona. That was one of our favorites. Thank you again for the food you left for us on our arrival and for leading us here on that Saturday night. We were weary travellers and needed guidance. Also thank you for all your suggestions which were much appreciated and helpful. Regards Pat and LLoyd
Positive Rating
This week has been exactly what we wanred and more. We were looking for a place walking distance to Cortona, quiet, relaxing and sunshine. We got all that and a beautiful garden and home plus a gracious and knowledgeable host. Thank you Douglas for opening La Faina to my daughter and me . We loved our stay and all you did to make us welcome
Positive Rating
We enjoyed our week in Cortona so much. Its been our magical country home for this past week . I'll always remember the birds singing and the smell of roses and lavender. We so enjoyed coming home at the end of each day, weary tourists ansd sitting in the beautiful country garden . The cottahe itself is so cosy and inviting . I do hope we'll get back here again.
Positive Rating
Thanks Douglas for your kindness and generosity and the hospitality package which was most thoughtful. It all made our visit to Cortona that much more enjoyable, Cortona, and you and La Faina will always hold a special place in our thoughts.
Positive Rating
Douglas, Thank you for sharing your lovely home. Our stay here was a dream come true. La Faina is wonderfully comfortable, situated perfectly for visiting the surrounding towns. I don't think that we would have been as pleased staying in another town. The cottage helped to make us feel like we were at home. The veranda was delightful to sit and enjoy dinner by candle light. Our walk up through the olive groves into town provided spectacular views of the valley and the lake. We enjoyed visiting with you and will certainly recommend La Faina to our friends Steve and Missy
Positive Rating
Dear Douglas , You've been part of my Italian plan since I first found La Faina on the internet. Thank you for making the arrangements so simple. Your welcome was most hospitable. Although we have a month in Italy a week here was not enough. Cortona quickly became our town. Even though restaurants abound, I enjoyed the ambience and convenience of our cottage. Tuscany is everything that I hoped it would be. I could never get tired of the vistas, the grapes, the olive trees and the narrow streets of the hill towns. You certainly found a marvellous piece of paradise along with history and culture combined. Best of luck to you and your family and continue to enjoy your beautiful home Carol and David
Positive Rating
We have had a wonderful holiday in a fantastic location. Douglas provided excellent hospitality and his advice on our first evening allowed us to make the most of our time here. We used Douglas's books extensively finding them very useful. Douglas, thank you. The cottage and Cortona gave us all that we could hope for for a wonderful holiday.
Positive Rating
Another wonderful stay at Cortona-La Faina. Thank you so much for your hospitality and friendliness. We had lousy weather. It rained almost everyday until yesterday but we still throughly enjoyed our visit to Cortona and our time in the cottage. Equally enjoyed day trips to San Sepulcro, Gubbio and Volterra. See you next year Best wishes Barry and Yvonne
Positive Rating
Douglas, La Faina, the garden and your hospitality made our Tuscan visit a perfect experience. We feel that we really got to know the area by staying here. What delightful memories we are taking home. Hopefully our paths will cross again and you are always welcome to come and visit us. Sincerely Bob and Rossell