Toscanan unelma Cortona-maaseudun sydämessä

My wife and I recently returned from a ten day stay in Cortona - all of them spent in this charming little stone cottage surrounded by olive groves half way up the hill to the town.

The cottage itself could best be described as 'rustic' so if you're looking for a high spec finish and all mod cons this might not be the place for you. We actually loved it and, apart from a few little things, wouldn't do anything to spoil its charm.

The plates and glasses could do with replacing as they've obviously seen better days but that's a small thing and could be done for not much money.

The location was ideal as we used it as a base to take day trips around the hilltop towns of Tuscany and Umbria. The lovely little pool was a godsend as the weather was scorching for the first five days or so.

Douglas Parish, the owner, is a charming and helpful host being available when you want him and invisible when you don't. Any issues we had were dealt with promptly and efficiently. We'll be back.

Just returned from a lovely stay here. The cottage is in a really stunning location, secluded but with beautiful views from the pool and terrace.

The cottage is rustic but charming and Douglas the owner was very helpful with any queries and was available for help without being intrusive.

The cottage is in walking distance from Cortona either through the vineyards or along the road. Is a climb either way but not challenging.

Only negative comment would be the presence of mosquitos so go prepared for them.

If we travelled back to the area we would definitely be happy to stay again.

Stunning location, charming and helpful owner, we had a very relaxing holiday. Magnificent views, especially from the pool. Cortona itself is exquisite.

Another fabulous stay at La Faina. You're lucky if you've stumbled across this cottage - there are so few options in Tuscany for couples wanting to rent something private, self-contained with your own pool. Perfect location on the hillside with amazing views, but also walking distance into Cortona so you can go out to lunch/dinner and wander back. Also great for visiting either Umbria or Tuscany. But I never tire of some of the sites of Cortona itself - San Niccolo near the top is a hidden gem, the Fra Angelico in the museum Diocesano exquisite, or you could just drink Prosecco sitting outside Bar Sport (highly recommended). Fantastic walking in the hills above Cortona too, with some good hiking trails now well-marked. And the cottage is wonderful - simple, charming, comfortable. I can't recommend it enough, except that I don't want other people to stay there!

La Faina is the perfect Tuscan getaway for two. It was everything and more than we could dream of. The cottage is beautiful and homely with a private stunning swimming pool - this is unique as we have never before found a place for two people that has its own pool, and what a pool with the best views in Cortona. Douglas who owns this stunning property is nearby for any help and advice, while never encroaching on your privacy. It is perfectly situated for trips to towns in both Tuscany and Umbria and only a short walk into Cortona, which has everything you will need (cafes, restaurants and food stalls) and is one of the most beautiful towns in the area. This is the best holiday we have ever had in Italy and that is down to La Faina, so we have booked again for next year, as I know I will never match a place like this.