Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views

Fontemaggio is a 17th century stone farmhouse villa set on a hillside, surrounded by 2 acres of mature landscaped gardens that merge into the sunflowers, vines, olives, pine and cypress trees beyond. There are terraces on all sides, each with its own dining table and breathtaking views of a landscape that seems to have changed little throughout the centuries, including a lake and a Renaissance castle on a hill. Sympathetically restored, the house retains a wealth of terracotta floors and chestnut beams. The 30 ft diameter circular pool, surrounded by fragrant rosemary hedging and lemon trees, benefits from the sun for the entire day. Set amongst mature pines, cypress and olives, it enjoys tranquil views of the Tuscan and Umbrian hills in complete seclusion. The medieval hilltop village of Monterchi, featured in 'The Most Beautiful Villages in Tuscany', is close by. You will find Casa Fontemaggio a blissfully relaxing home from home in which to enjoy the pleasures of Italian life.

The house
Fontemaggio is spacious, airy and has the feeling of a well cared for and elegant family house. The furnishings are in calm neutrals throughout. Wireless internet connection is available both inside and in the grounds. The comfortable sitting room with tv, dvd and stereo system, has a library of glossy books on Italian art and culture, extensive holiday reading and a range of cds and dvds. The adjacent dining room, with original inglenook fireplace and chestnut refectory table, leads out to a large dining terrace with views to the surrounding hills and to the dramatic Renaissance castle of Lippiano. The kitchen and breakfast room, that opens on two sides to terraces, has marble worktops and a central island. It is a blend of modern convenience and tradition. Cook's love the professional range cooker and sharp Sabatier knives. There is an adjoining utility/ laundry room with washing machine.
All bedrooms and bathrooms have propeller fans and insect screens. Two master bedrooms have walk-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms, one with travertine wet room shower, the other with freestanding stone bath tub and travertine wet room shower. The third master bedroom is in an extensive suite on its own floor with sitting room, en suite shower room and an additional independent entrance opening onto a vine covered terrace with table and chairs. The fourth bedroom is twin. One of the master bedrooms can also be made up as a twin. All overlook the gardens and have views to the surrounding landscape. Guests find it a perfect home from home in which to enjoy the pleasures of Italian life.

Covid 19 sanitisation standards are applied throughout the property.

Please note that central heating is usually required from October to April and is not included in the rental price. It is charged at the current market rate for the amount used, as measured by the meter readings at the start and end of your stay.

The gardens and grounds
The pool is cleaned and chemically balanced twice weekly. A robot is available for extra cleaning.
The gardens and grounds have been professionally landscaped and contain planting typical of Tuscany. Trees include some very old pines and almonds, cypresses, olives, acacias, oaks, figs and lemons in terracotta pots. There are box, lavender and rosemary hedges. The terraces have pergolas covered in vines and wisteria. Chilean bell-flowers, jasmine and roses climb on the house walls. A tiled loggia provides a shady retreat and alternative place to dine. The tranquil sound of running water is provided by a fountain

Location
Although peaceful and idyllic, Fontemaggio is not remote. It is well placed to enjoy the excellent cuisine and wines of the region and take trips to the historical and cultural sites of both Tuscany and Umbria. The timeless hill top village of Lippiano, crowned by the castle that can be viewed from Fontemaggio, may be walked to for a drink at the friendly bar. 3 km away, the hilltop village of Monterchi, a tiny triangle of medieval perfection, with its intriguing arches and alleyways, is Roman in origin.
You will find the local community in Monterchi welcoming and friendly. There are bars and good restaurants serving local specialities.
On Sunday mornings there is a market and in the summer there are outdoor concerts.
Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Cortona, Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio and more are all within easy reach.