2 bedrooms, (sleeps 4), 1 bathroom, 1 cloakroom (WC and basin), pool, bicycles
It would be difficult to oversell this superb small house - a former stable next to the small estate church.
You will think you are guests of the Italian landed gentry and that is indeed the case. The family occupy two houses on the estate (two elderly people and a small family) but for guests it's like having a private house and garden. The writer Alberto Moravia spent time here and wrote his novels "Conjugal Love" and "The Indifferent Ones" (L'Amore Coniugale/Gli Indifferenti) in the owner's house and in the gardens.
One former guest of the family was the former president of France, Francois Mitterand.
From the front door you enter the single downstairs large room. First is a sitting area with two big sofas, fireplace and satellite TV; then a dining table and, separated by a work counter, the kitchen. The kitchen has oven, cooking hobs, fridge, and cupboards well stocked with cooking utensils and crockery.
Enroute to the stairs is a small "servizi" (WC and washbasin).
Above are two bedrooms and a bathroom with shower (and washing machine). One bedroom has a queen size double bed and the other can either be made as two singles or a queen size double. The bedrooms have air conditioning. Another small, child's bed is available if booked.
The house has gas central heating and a wood stove.
The park of 5 acres (2 hectares) has very mature hedged lawns with trees and flower beds.
The pool has the look of a small lake with a fountain. It is about 12 metres at its longest dimension with shallow and deep end. Extensive pool terrace with loungers etc giving on to lawns and other parkland. The whole park is walled with electrically operated gates (guests get their own electronic commander).
There is very easy access to the estate from the road that runs between Cortona and Mercatale di Cortona. Its just five minutes by car to Cortona, the finest hill town in eat Tuscany with lots of restaurants and cafes mixed in with the art and culture. There are other restaurants and shops even closer.
