A four-bedroom holiday cottage near Cortona
You approach the house, a four-bedroom holiday cottage near Cortona, along its own drive from behind (full directions will be sent to those who book) and it is completely secluded in its own land, planted with olives and vines.
To the rear of the 250-year-old house, which is built in Tuscan ‘pietra serena’, we have designed a more formal garden with terracotta statues representing the seasons, surrounded by a pergola with white wisteria (stunning at the end of April and early May). Above the stream there are three terraces of parkland, and by the stream itself we have a wild garden which is sheltered and kept cool by poplars, willows, bay trees and oaks – a paradise for wildflowers, best in April, May, June, September and October.
A table, made out of millstone, is found in the front garden under a Mediterranean pine. There are other exterior sitting and eating places; one close to a grill for barbecues behind the house and another higher up the garden with a second mill-stone table, under a pergola covered with Virginia creeper.
Along the drive, bordered by sentinel cypresses and hibiscus bushes, are Tuscan lilies in May, pomegranate bushes, lilac and fig trees. In the extensive parking area, shade is provided by wisteria-covered pergolas. There is much wild life to study, ranging from lizards to hedgehogs and porcupines.
The birdsong, especially the nightingale, is beautiful, and golden orioles also visit the garden. There are fireflies in May / June, glow worms in June / July, and butterflies as well as crickets and cicadas all summer.
Double bedroom (room measures 13 x 8 ft, 4 x 2.4 m, bed measures 145 x 200 cm), bathroom with shower, and sitting-room (17 x 13 ft, 5.2 x 3.3 m), all suitable for 2 people. The simple farmhouse kitchen, leading onto a large veranda/dining area with the magnificent view over the Val di Chiana described above, has a fridge-freezer, dishwasher, double sink, gas cooker, dressers, table and chairs. There are pans, crockery, glasses, cutlery, etc., for 10 place settings. The veranda has an ample table and chairs. Outside steps lead to the garden and lower floor. Furniture includes a child’s cot and high-chair (up to 2 years). There is also a small collection of books for you to use.
Large bedroom with double bed (room measures 17 x 13 ft, 5.2 x 3.3 m, bed measures 150 x 200 cm, requires kingsize sheets), chests of drawers, wardrobe, table, lamps, upholstered cane armchairs and a settee with cushions. This is the only room with low beams, cooler in summer and warmer in spring and autumn. Connected to this room by an internal door is a smaller room (16 x 6.5 ft, 4.8 x 1.9 m) with similar furniture, 2 beds (200 x 80 cm, in a curtained alcove), a chest of drawers, cupboard and washbasin with hot and cold water. Both rooms have separate entrances onto the front garden with trees and flowers (oleanders, hibiscus, roses, jasmine,
Another room, the Orchard Room, (12.5 x 9 ft, 3.3 x 2.6 m) is available as an optional extra. It has 2 beds, basin with hot and cold water, wall cupboards, table, chairs and reading lights, etc., and is entered separately from its own small garden. An iron and ironing board are kept in the separate laundry room with a washing machine. There are hairdryers in both bathrooms.
