Classic Tuscan Villa - Private Pool Overlooking Rollingtuscan Terraces, Internet

A 15th century Tuscan villa overlooking a serene pool

Paradise by the pool- Relax in comfort and privacy under the sun

Safety gates ensure pool is fully enclosed for toddlers and young children

Lovingly maintained garden to enjoy by the pool

Private pool area surrounded by lavender overlooking the Tuscan hills

Beautifully laid out pool garden overflowing with fragrant summer flowers

A secret passage on the way to the pool surrounded by seasonal blooms

Steps leading down from the pergola to the pool area

Enjoy cool evening drinks under the shade of the grape vines with mountain views

Tuscan kitchen with marble counter tops- a cook's delight

Terrace double bedroom leading out to a South-East facing balcony

Balcony entrance from the terrace bedroom

Private balcony adjoning terrace bedroom with mountain view

Spacious and cool double bedroom with rustic beam ceiling

Downstairs bedroom leading out to the back garden and pool area

Homely sitting room with an extensive library leading to the outdoor pergola

Relax with some alfresco dining under the jasmine pergola

Beautiful fragrant jasmine pergola overlooking the Italian valleys

Front of the house overlooking wisteria and lavender

A secluded wisteria pergola to relax and unwind in

Golden terraces to explore with grape vines, walnut, fig and olive trees

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Last updated: 05/27/2013

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Minimum stay:7 nights
Internet:Yes

Pets allowed:Yes
Wheel chair accessible:No

Exquisite Tuscan holiday villa, originally built in the 15th Century but lovingly restored in the last 7 years, overlooking lush green rolling hills within a short distance of magical Cortona, the jewel in the Tuscan crown. Set in 30 acres of unspoilt National Park countryside in the Hills above Cortona, the setting for Francis Mayes book and film -Under the Tuscan Sun. Exclusively private pool with magnificent gardens and shady pergolas. The house has all day sunshine until the late evening and an excellent access road.
Three large well equipped bedrooms and modern bathrooms and three shady pergolas dotted around the property. Full modern kitchen with all appliances.Library with 500/600 books.
Sip a chilled glass of Prosecco under the vine pergola while enjoying the views.
Have our neighbour, a truly excellent cook, prepare a dinner party for your group with fresh produce from their farm, to eat under one of the pergolas. A memorable experience.

House and Contents: The house which originally dates from the 15th Century has been completely renovated and newly furnished by us over the last 7 years and we think we have given the house a homely Tuscan feel. The house offers an exteremely high level of comfort and style, very comfortable beds, top class bed linen,exquisite carpets, well stocked kitchen, very powerful showers and comfortable settees.Library with 500/600 books. 3 private Pergolas dotted around the gardens which will ensure that you can relax on your own when necessary. All of these pergolas have first class garden furniture.
The house is nestled amonst lush green hills and rolling countryside and offers unrivalled private and uninterrupted views of the countryside. The house is located in a nature reserve and there are many examples of magnificent eagles flying around in the thermals. It is impossible to build new houses in this region as regional authorities want this area to remain as it was for hundreds of years.
Broadband wireless internet access available throughout the house - we fought against installing this but due to pressure from younger members of the family............we gave in!

We have striven to restore the house sympathetically, in the Tuscan manner whilst at the same time giving it 21st Century facilities. Most of the house contents are handmade to the highest quality by local Tuscan artisans. You will find the essentials such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt pepper etc. etc. in the kitchen. Please feel free to use these items and if you run out just replace what you have used so that the next family to use the house can avail of the facilities.

Exclusive use of the private pool.: The 12m X 6M pool sits on the edge of a terrace overlooking the Tuscan hills just below the house. The area whilst being very close to the house is private.There is a vine pergola close by where you and your party can enjoy evening drinks watching the sun set or pick the grapes just above your head. The pool is for the exclusive and private use of guests during their stay at the house. It has a solar cover which ensures that the water temperature is very comfortable and relaxing. The area around the pool is fenced and gated to ensure the safety of little children.There is a magnicent professionally landscaped garden overlooking the pool with a colourful variety of shrubs and flowers. The pool and the area around it can be lit up at night so that you can enjoy a midnight swim if you feel like it. There is a power plug on the wall so as you swim listen to your favourite music. Cold shower by the pool for cooling down.

This area is also a wonderful vantage point to watch the sun rise in the morning and see the skies lit up with the colours only seen in Tuscany - be inspired like the renaissance painters!

Places of Interest:
Le Celle - just about 1km outside Cortona as you drive towards our house there is a little road to the left signposted to Le Celle. Le Celle is an old (still working) Franciscan monastery which appears to be carved out of the side of the mountain. It is a place of serenity, simplicity and beauty and if you can spare an hour or so to explore it you will experience peace and serenity itself.St. Francis passed through here on his way to Assisi and founded the monastery. There is a little cell where he slept and prayed and on seeing this you will appreciate what a simple uncomplicated life he led. There is a book in the library which gives the history of the monastery. There are services there on Sunday mornings and even if you are not Catholic you feel welcome in this holy place.

Cortona:
Cortona is a wonderful magical little place, narrow winding streets,full of restaurants,Trattoria and shops and a hugely impressive Etruscan museum which is definitely worth a visit.
There are usually open air concerts during the summer in the Piazza Signorelli (named after a famous renaissance painter who was born in Cortona) - everything from a jazz/blues band to the Carabinieri band doing their thing to operatic festivals.
The Commune di Cortona put on music/art/wine tasting/vineyard visiting festivals each year - most of these are free - details available from the Tourist office situated just inside the MAEC museum entrance in Piazza Signorelli. Cortona Antiques fair every September. Giostra del Saracino also in nearby Arezzo every September.
In fact almost every village and town in the area have their own Festa during the months of June/July/August and September.Full details of all these Festas are available from the Tourist.

Lake Trasimeno:
Located south of Cortona in the Province of Umbria this is the 4th biggest lake in Italy and was the scene of a famous battle between the Carthiginian army of Hannibal and the Roman Legions in and around 200 BC. Hannibal defeated a much larger Roman army on the shores of this lake during his famous campaign with the elephants. Plenty of books about this in the library!
On the shores of the lake there is a little town, Castiglion del Lago. Wonderful little restaurants specialising in Umbrian food and wine and with a particular emphasis on fish dishes.

All the famous Tuscan towns such as Florence, Cortona, Siena,Pisa, San Gimignano, Montepulciano are within easy reach of the house.

Shopping: There is an excellent Coop supermarket in Camucia, the new town just below Cortona - open all day.. You will be able to do all your grocery shopping here. In addition to a vast selection of groceries and vegetables there is a fabulous meat counter, deli counter and fresh fish counter. They stock a very good selection of wine, beers and bottles of Prosecco for the wine cooler start at about €3.00.
There is also an off licence known locally as the Yellow House or Casa Gialla - yes it is painted yellow! This is just outside Camucia as you drive towards Terontola, on the left side of the road past the last roundabout. They sell a very good selection of top class wines and if you don't feel ilke spending a lot of money you can buy good locally produced box wine there.
Cortona Shopping:
Molesini's in Piazza Republica - The main Piazza in Cortona - If you don't feel ilke a big shop Molesini have a good selection of cheeses, meats, salamis and general groceries etc. They will make up a panini for you on the spot with whatever you want in it. Across the road the Molesini family also own an off licence with a very good selection of wines.

Pasta Fresca - Cortona - just 100 metres on the right inside Porta Colonnia - this lady makes home made pasta to die for - home made lasagne and all kinds of Italian sauces. This year she is also opening a Rosticceria in the same shop so if you want a succulent roast chicken this is the place to go. Phone numbers are in the guide in the house.

Local Shopping: There is a little shop in Portole just 3km away from the house beside Albergo Ristorante Portole where you can get the essentials if you run out.This is run in Summer months by the Hotel owners mother who comes up from Florence every year to get the air. Have a Capuchino and a panino at the tables outside with a magnificent view looking towards Lake Trasimeno.

Markets:
Camucia market is held every Thursday from 8.00am to 1.00pm. Usual Italian fare everything from a needle to a rotovator!
Get a porchetta panini made up for yourself at one of the many stalls. Porchetta is a Tuscan delight - a whole pig is spit roasted , stuffed with lots of herbs. Mouth watering!

Restaurants: Cortona is full of delightful restaurants - there is a full guide to most of them in the house. Children are welcome at all restaurants.Best to book most in advance during July and August so as not to be disappointed.

Albergo Ristorante Portole just 3 km from the house also have an outside terrace for dining in Summer months.

Dinner Party at the house!
Our neighbour who is truly excellent cook will cook for your party at the house a 3/4/5 course meal which is as good if not better than most restaurants. She comes to the house, brings her own fresh ingredients from their farm and cooks the most mouth watering dishes -all served to you at the table. If you want to watch her weave her magic in the kitchen feel free to do so and she washes up afterwards! She will require a few days notice to do this and will take into account any dietary preferences of members of your group.

We have lots of other bits and pieces of information on the house, the area which we have put together over the past 10 years which we will gladly share with you.

Property Type

Villa

250 m²

Accommodation Type

Vacation Rental

Meals

Self-Catering

Onsite Services

Private Chef

Suitability

Children Welcome

Not Suitable For Elderly Or Infirm

Pets Considered
Wheelchair Inaccessible

Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8

Bedroom 1: 1 Extra Lg. Double Bed, 1 Cot
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Bedroom 2: 1 Large Double Bed
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Bedroom 3: 1 Double Bed, 2 Single Bed
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Bedroom 4: 1 Sofa bed/Futon
This is located in the mezzanine to cater for overflows....more less
Master bedroom has a large double bed in cherry wood, two bedside cabinets with lamps and one big wardrobe. Bedroom has original beamed ceiling and floor of traditional cotto. Exquisite rug by bed. Windows looking out towards the pool and the Tuscan/Umbrian hills.Bathroom , shower and bidet beside this bedroom.Electic fan. Bedroom two downstairs has two single beds and a double, bedside cabinets, wardrobe and private entrance leading out to the garden and the wisteria covered pergola.There is an en suite bathroom with shower. Bedroom three is above the library, two single beds with bedside cabinets, exquisite rug,wardrobe and private terrace overlooking Val Tiberina where you can have your morning cappuchino and admire the stunning views. 4th bedroom is an overflow one and is in the gallery over the dining room...more less

Bathrooms: 3 Bathrooms

Bathroom 1: Toilet, Bath with Shower, Bidet
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Bathroom 2: Toilet, Shower Enclosure
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Bathroom 3: Toilet, Shower Enclosure
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Bathroom one just off the master bedroom, with bath,shower, hand basin, toilet and bidet. Bathroom two is ensuite to the downstairs bedroom with wash hand basin, toilet and shower. Bathroom three is just off the library and serves general purpose and bedroom three and contains wash hand basin, toilet and shower. All bathrooms are modern and fully tiled.Water pressure on all showers is excellent....more less

Other Amenities

Kitchen:Fully fitted kitchen with marble topped work surfaces - island work station with butchers block. Big selection of pots, pans, crockery for your gourmet meals. Full range of cutlery,crockery - everything you will need during your stay. Prepare your food inside and take it out to eat - choice of 3 pergolas to choose from -or use the bbq to cook outside. A local woman, with an extensive range of culinary skills is available to come to the house and cook for you and your party. This is an extra cost,not expensive, but well worth the experience. Previous guests to the house have commented that she prepared an amazing 4 course traditional Tuscan meal - everthing cooked from fresh produce grown on her farm -right before your eyes and if you want to get involved in the cooking she will be happy to show you how it is done. Have your own private dinner party served to you on the pergola overlooking the terraces and the pool....more less

Entertainment

Video Player
Audio Tape Player
Television:
Flat scree TV with connection to a DVD player....more less
Satellite / Cable:
Satellite channels predominantly Italian with 6/8 English speaking channels....more less
Books:
Approximately 500 /600 books with a good selection of childrens ones....more less

Games:
Monopoly and scrabble sets available for the kids....more less
Music Library:
Extensive CD collection with lots of popular Italian arias etc....more less
Video Library:
Extensive DVD library with some box sets such as Downton Abbey....more less
Stereo
Toys

Books For Kids
Books - Fiction / Non-Fiction
Radio
CD Player
Games For Kids
DVD Player

Theme

Family

Away From It All

Attractions

Autumn Foliage
Winery Tours
Museums
Cinemas

Water Parks
Library
Restaurants
Ruins

Churches
Forests
Live Theatre
Playground

Car

Necessary

Leisure Activities

Sight Seeing
Walking

Horse Riding
Scenic Drives

Outlet Shopping
Bird Watching
Eco Tourism

local services and businesses

Hospital
ATM/Bank

Medical Services
Groceries

Babysitter
Laundrette - Serviced

Location Type

Rural

Mountain

sports and adventure activities

Swimming
Cycling
Mountain Climbing

Equestrian Events
Mountaineering
Fishing

Mountain Biking
Hiking
Tennis
Hunting Small Game

Arrival Day

Saturday

catering options

Self-Catering

Dining

Dining Area

Dining

Child's Highchair

General

Local Activities Guide
Local Maps
Broadband Access
Thermos Flask
Basic Soaps
Alarm Clock
Toilet Paper
Telescope
Hair Dryer

Firewood
Washing Machine
Fireplace
Telephone
Wood Stove
Living Room
Heating
Linens Provided
Parking

Internet
Towels Provided
Laundry Soap
Mobile Phone
Activities Guide
Sofa Bed
Iron & Board
Wireless Internet
Local Restaurant Guide

Kitchen

4 Ring Stove
Grill
Cooking Utensils
Toaster
Dishwasher

Refrigerator
Freezer
Oven
Microwave
Kitchen

Hob
Dishes & Utensils
Coffee Maker
Pantry Items

Outside

Veranda
Deck Chairs
Large Cooler
Terrace

Bicycles
Barbecue
Garden
Balcony

Terrace
Patio
Barbecue
Beach Towels

Pool / Spa

Private Pool

Outdoor Pool

property descriptor

Detached

Reviews

Write a review

Best Quality villa you could ever rent!
Best Quality villa you could ever rent!
- Guest Peter
- Date of stay 09/11/10
- Review Submitted 09/22/10
This year we have had two villa holidays. The first was in a James Villa ( best of ) in Majorca. The second in this Tuscan Villa. We booked James before to Guarantee the quality - how wrong we were! This Villa surpasses any Best of James Villa. It has a lovely setting in the mountains, great pool and great accommodation. Also you actually feel that you are staying in a friends house as the villa is extremely homely and welcoming. The Kitchen is full of the essentials - herbs, preserves, coffee etc, the book shelf and video drawer full of interesting reads and films. The water is wonderfully hot and the shower pressure is fantastic. And very important - wonderfully comfortable beds and very good quality linen! We had a great week - helped by the owners friendly brother Luca he was available to organise restaurants and taxis and with the neighbour Jolande who cooked two incredible Tuscan meals for us - at a very reasonable price! All who stay here will be delighted!

Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with young children.

Owner response: Thank you Peter - we are delighted you and your party enjoyed the house, the area and the food! And delighted you rate us ahead of the Best of James Villa! This makes it all the more worthwhile for us as we really strive to make sure that all our guests really relax in a warm comfortable environment.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7
Pure Joy in Tuscany
Pure Joy in Tuscany
- Guest Bruce G.
- Date of stay 09/15/12
- Review Submitted 11/30/12
We rented beautiful Villa Giora just outside of Cortona with two other couples. Our requirements were a clean and comfortable view property with 3 private bathrooms, easy parking, and perhaps a pool. We wanted a location from which we could explore not only Cortona, but Sienna, Florence, and the wine country around Montepulciano. We got so much more than we aimed for! This villa took our breath away. Inside it has fully furnished comfort and a cozy personality. The kitchen/dining room is a great place to gather for eating, planning and sharing. Outside are spectacular, well-conceived and beautifully landscaped private areas to walk, swim, or sit and catch sun, shade or views. Although the villa is about a 15 minute drive on a winding road to Cortona, you are rewarded with the bustle and interest of Cortona's architecture, restaurants, shops and public places. Once home you are rewarded again with space, quiet, and a bounty of nature. . Our dealings with the owner were pleasant and responsive. We would very much love to return to Cortona and to this villa and highly recommend it for people looking for an authentic Tuscan experience.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Pure Joy in Tuscany
Pure Joy in Tuscany
- Guest Bruce G.
- Date of stay 09/15/12
- Review Submitted 11/30/12
We rented beautiful Villa Giora just outside of Cortona with two other couples. Our requirements were a clean and comfortable view property with 3 private bathrooms, easy parking, and perhaps a pool. We wanted a location from which we could explore not only Cortona, but Sienna, Florence, and the wine country around Montepulciano. We got so much more than we aimed for! This villa took our breath away. Inside it has fully furnished comfort and a cozy personality. The kitchen/dining room is a great place to gather for eating, planning and sharing. Outside are spectacular, well-conceived and beautifully landscaped private areas to walk, swim, or sit and catch sun, shade or views. Although the villa is about a 15 minute drive on a winding road to Cortona, you are rewarded with the bustle and interest of Cortona's architecture, restaurants, shops and public places. Once home you are rewarded again with space, quiet, and a bounty of nature. . Our dealings with the owner were pleasant and responsive. We would very much love to return to Cortona and to this villa and highly recommend it for people looking for an authentic Tuscan experience.

Owner response: Bruce and Jackie, Many thanks for your wonderful review of your stay in our house. The long hours we put into tending the gardens has paid off and we are glad that you appreciate it! It makes it all worthwhile. Cortona and the area around the house is magical -like time stood still in this crazy fast world we live in so it's always good to recharge the batteries in a place like this. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Beautiful Cortona
Beautiful Cortona
- Guest Nick E.
- Date of stay 07/28/12
- Review Submitted 08/20/12
What a perfect place to unwind. We have just returned from 2 weeks at Ray and Emma's house in Tuscany. The house was beautiful and the setting perfect. We had two weeks of unbroken sunshine so the pool was really welcome and the house very well equipped. Emma's brother Lucca was very helpful and arranged for Yolanda a local lady to come and cook a wonderful meal in the villa. Cortona was lovely and we visited all the main attractions in Tuscany and were also impressed with Gubbio and Perugia in Umbria. We travel a lot and have stayed in many villas but this was fantastic and we would certainly recommend it.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Magical & Dream Come True
Magical & Dream Come True
- Guest Markus K.
- Date of stay 06/12/11
- Review Submitted 07/23/11
What an amazing time we had. Rosa and I travel a lot and we both were taken by the house, the amazing garden and the breath taking views. If we could only live there all year - we would! One can only congratulate the very kind owners of this little paradise and thanks for letting us stay and enjoy Tuscany at its best. Rosa and Markus

Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with young children.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Peace and tranquility in heaven
Peace and tranquility in heaven
- Guest Gary
- Date of stay 08/28/10
- Review Submitted 09/13/10
I’ve just had my greatest holiday ever. I travel quite allot with work and stay in allot of very fine 4 and 5 star hotels. None of which would ever come close to this beautiful house in the mountains. We arrived at night due a late flight we took after work so when we pulled into the driveway of the home it was dark outside with a lovely comfortable warm air around us. The house itself is beautifully refurbished….. there’s large wooden beams draping from every room and antique stoves and fireplaces that give the feel of an old Italian farmhouse. There’s also a beautifully designed open kitchen with a high roof over a large family table. The house is massive and could easily accommodate a number of couples; however it’s also perfect for a single couple like us who just want to spoil ourselves with the usual mod-cons relaxing in pure comfort for the week. However, it’s in the morning that the beauty of this house and surroundings really hits you……the house is situated on the side of a mountainous valley with clear views of the surrounding countryside for miles. All you can visibility see of life are 4 or 5 old farm houses in the distance…..it’s truly spectacular. For those of us that like luxury….there’s a deep swimming pool outside your front door right on the side of the mountain…..it’s not like one of these 4 and half foot pools in a Westin, Hyatt or Ritz-Carlton….. its at least 8 feet deep which is perfect for swimming in the mid-day sun. There was so many reasons that this house and its close proximity to Cortona made this the perfect vacation…. I think for me personally it’s because it shut me off…. the peace and tranquility of reading by the pool in the sun or playing scrabble under the shade at mid-day with a glass of wine, some local cheese and some parma ham just meant that I never wanted to switch on my computer or check my cell to see what was going on in with the office. I can see myself going back there not just once but a multitude of times….I simply couldn’t compare paying for a hotel when you can have the paradise and tranquility of this home at such a reasonable price. It was truly the best vacation I’ve ever had.

Recommended for: Sightseeing, pet owners, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Owner response: Gary,we are so glad that you both enjoyed the house and the area. We were contemplating installing broadband in the house this year for the benefit of guests but maybe it's time for a rethink on that given that most people just want to leave the office behind for a few weeks and relax without sneaking a look at the laptop out of the corner of your eye! The area in which the house is located is so unspoilt and it's no wonder that a lot of artists and writers take up residence there. We always feel that going there is like taking a time capsule back to what we remember of our youth ie the uncomplicated way of life and that's how it should be for at least a few weeks a year- while still being able to eat in the very best of restaurants and drink the best of wine etc when you want to spoil yourself! We look forward to welcoming you again.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6
Away from it all in Tuscany
Away from it all in Tuscany
- Guest Robert
- Date of stay 07/31/10
- Review Submitted 09/08/10
We spent 2 glorious weeks in this quiet and comfortable family house in the Tuscan hills near Cortona. The pool was a major attraction, but the house itself was spacious, well-equipped and welcoming. A bonus was the vast supply of reading material - don't bother to take your own! Supermarket 20 minutes away so lots of barbecues in the evenings. We didn't leave the house much, simply hung around and relaxed. Would definitely go back to this rural retreat. It was so quiet at night that the only sound was the cicadas. Very helpful and unobtrusive neighbour looks after the place. Almost all the Tuscan big sites are about an hour away by car. Car rental is a must.

Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.

Owner response: Robert, delighted that you and your family enjoyed the peace and quiet of the area and look forward to having you back in the future. You'll be pleased to know that we are bringing more books over to the house in a few weeks so there will be a bigger and better selection for the next time you visit! Many Thanks.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
Stunning Views! Wonderful stay.
Stunning Views! Wonderful stay.
- Guest Lynda
- Date of stay 06/26/10
- Review Submitted 09/06/10
We stayed at this home for 2 weeks in July 2010. We were 4 adults and 2 small children. We enjoyed the beautiful setting of this home. The views and scenery were truly marvelous. We spent a lot of time around the pool just enjoying the beauty of the area. The landscaping and the flowers were really nice too. As a mother of a toddler, I was very pleased the pool was surrounded by a secure fence/gate, this was rare amongst the houses we looked at for rental. The house was perfectly equipped and was spacious and comfortable. Lots of books and DVDs to browse through. The bedrooms are all on different floors, so I was a little worried about my 2.5 year old at first, but it all turned out okay, he slept great and was comfortable in his own room downstairs. The owners set up a cot for our baby which was also very nice. It was about a 15 minute drive to Cortona, which was perfect for us as we wanted a place to relax in and enjoy nature. Even though we felt secluded, it was very easy to visit the hill towns in the area. There are many great cities just within an hour or so away. We took day trips to visit Cortona, Asissi, Montepulciano, Gubbio, and Pienza. We would head out in the morning, walk around the city, have lunch and be back with plenty of time to relax and swim! Our favorite times were early evening by the pool with a drink! We also had Jolenta come and cook for us and we enjoyed those meals very much! They were very tasty and the views and convenience could not be beat. With 2 little kids, having a relaxing and delicious meal at home beats packing up and heading to a restaurant any day! The owners were very nice and easy to work with. The house was easy to find. We took the train to Florence and had an easy drive from there. I would recommend this house to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature on their vacation. Would be great for a family (we went with my In-laws) or a group of friends. Have a great trip!

Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Owner response: Lynda, we are so glad that you and your family enjoyed your vacation at our house and look forward to welcoming you again in the future. We have always wanted to make this house a welcoming place and as more than one guest has said it is a 'healing house',a place to be able to de- stress in an environment surrounded by nature at it's very original best. Hopefully we have succeeded in some small way in doing this but we are not finished yet! Thank you.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Two weeks of nourishment for mind, body and soul
Two weeks of nourishment for mind, body and soul
- Guest John_P
- Date of stay 07/12/09
- Review Submitted 09/01/09
This house is everything we'd ever imagined when we'd thought idly about a "holiday", especially an Italian holiday. It's situated snugly on the side of a high hill/small mountain and feels straight away like it has hundreds of years of Tuscan sunshine soaked into its thick stone walls. We felt a million miles from the rest of the world without feeling isolated at the same time. The road serving the mountain region that leads to the house is a quiet one and well maintained. We found that it's within ten minutes distance to the local shop and restaurant and a further ten down to the valley with ancient estrucan town of Cortona and beyond. I highly recommend you do some quick googling on this town as it is special amidst the Italian landscape and history. We've truly enjoyed discovering its nooks and crannys, restuarants and cafes. That is, of course, if you choose to wander far from the house at all because it already boasts everything we needed to compete the Tuscan feel and expereince. There is magnificent garden matury around the house, wildlife, land streching down the valley floor, a pool to enjoy at you leisure and numerous choice spots with chairs and table for sipping vino under a pergola. The house itself is big enough to accomodate the largest family and at the same time the thoughful layout felt intimate with our a smaller number. The bedrooms are all on different levels, offering privacy in different parts of the house. If "All roads lead to Rome" then all paths cross in the kitchen/dining-area which, in true Italian style, is the beating heart of this house. We highly recommend a getaway experience in the Italian countryside with this special place.

Recommended for: Tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, people with disabilities, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Owner response: Cortona and the area near the house is probably one of the most unspoilt areas of Tuscany and you feel as though you are going back in time,even though you have all the trappings of modern life close by, if you want them. Amongst ourselves, we call this the 'healing house' because of the serenity you feel from the moment you arrive and we are glad that it has had the same impact on you. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future when you need to recharge the batteries!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Fantastic mountain family villa
Fantastic mountain family villa
- Guest Daph
- Date of stay 08/09/08
- Review Submitted 01/10/09
My family, comprising my wife, two boys aged 8 and 10, one of our parents and myself stayed at this house in August and we loved our stay. The ample size of the house and gardens together with their layout make it a very accomodating place for three generations and just right for children of our age. Unlike many holiday villas this one has a genuinely homely feel (because the owners do actually use it themselves) but this is combined with facilities, furniture etc of a high quality and in very good condition. The location of this villa is just stunning and the pictures on the website do not do justice to the beautiful mountain location. We surprised ourselves by spending some entire days just hanging out around the property because it is so peaceful and the location so beautiful (but with there being enough to do for two active youngsters). The owners were extremely helpful and responsive before we went with information about the villa and the surrounding area. We thoroughly recommend the local cook mentioned in the advert who cooked a tuscan meal for us. It was a unique experience - 10 of us eating tasty local cuisine out on the main terrace under moonlight and cooled by the gentle mountain breezes. She also got in all the food and cleared up afterwards - a real bonus! There are some charming local restaurants in the surrounding villages which are well worth checking out if you want a warm welcome and some more authentic tuscan food.

Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.

Owner response: Since we started renting the house we have strived to provide as much information as possible about the house and the locality and to make sure that guests feel at home in the house, and, we feel that we have done a good job with this. Whilst we don't have a name for the house yet - the locals said to take our time, and it would come to us - (piano, piano - slowly, slowly) as they say in Tuscany.We call this, amongst ourselves, 'the healing house' as it is so peaceful and in such an unspoilt area, it seems to pull the stress out of you without you even knowing it!

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Rates

Rental basis: Per property

Rental rates quoted in: £

Dates	Nightly	Wknd Night	Weekend	Weekly	Monthly *	Event

Mid Season Jun 1 - Jun 28, 2013 7 night min stay				£1500

High Season Jun 29 - Aug 30, 2013 7 night min stay				£1750

Mid Season Aug 31 - Sep 27, 2013 7 night min stay				£1500

Late Season Sep 28 - Oct 26, 2013 7 night min stay				£1400

May 2014 May 3 - May 30, 2014 7 night min stay				£1550

June 2014 May 31 - Jun 27, 2014 7 night min stay				£1750

July/August 2014 Jun 28 - Aug 29, 2014 7 night min stay				£2150

September 2014 Aug 30 - Oct 3, 2014 7 night min stay				£1750

October 2014 Oct 4 - Oct 31, 2014 7 night min stay				£1550

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (£) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

Additional information about rental rates:

Please note that there is 20% deposit required on booking. Payment of the balance due is required at least 8 weeks prior to arrival date. Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation within 90 days of arrival 20% deposit retained in full.In the event of cancellation within 60 days of arrival 50% of rental retained. In the event of cancellation within 30 days of arrival full rental amount retained. Gas Central Heating and or firewood to be paid on consumption. Security/damage deposit £400 - central heating and firewood costs if used deducted from this. Final cleaning costs £100 which is deducted from the damage deposit. Payment by Sterling cheque or bank transfer only.

Change over day is Saturday and we would ask that the house be vacated by 10.00am. Incoming guests please note that the house will only be ready for you after 4.00pm. This is to allow enough time for the cleaners to do their work and to make sure that everything is in order for you. Extra services available on request: cooking service, maid service.

Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.