Tuscan Tradition

Tuscan Tradition: Tuscany

Leave the tourist trail behind and embrace authentic Tuscan village life during a stay at this charming four-bedroom cottage. The charming stone facade is comfortably the oldest in town, with a history dating back hundreds of years, we're sure this place would have some stories to tell.

Your hosts have lovingly renovated the building to create two self-contained two-bedroom apartments that can be effortlessly combined for multi-generational family stays and getaways with groups of friends – all while maintaining a degree of privacy. With exposed stone walls, terracotta floors, and beamed ceilings, this sympathetic renovation preserves the period features and original character so well that, at times, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a time machine. However, with all the mod cons you'd expect, there'll be no reading by candlelight and washing clothes by hand, unless you want to, of course.

The village has a small convenience store within walking distance of the home, plus plenty of hiking and biking paths, including the Path of Reclamation. This 62km-long trail runs along the banks of the Canale Maestro della Chiana through the Cortona countryside between Arezzo and Chiusi.

However, you'll need to jump in the car for easy access to larger grocery shops and restaurants, which are just a short drive away in Cortona. The city shot to fame as the unwitting star of the 2003 Hollywood film 'Under the Tuscan Sun', but has managed to retain its soul. With its Medici fortress, history of handmade ceramics and fascinating museums, it's well worth a visit.

For adventures further afield, equally beautifully cities, such as Arezzo and Siena are within an hour's drive, while Italy's east and west coasts are within day-trip distance, at approximately two-and-a-half hours drive each way.

Home truths:
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*The home consists of two self-contained apartments – with two bedrooms on the ground floor, it may be suitable for those with limited mobility
*We'd recommend having access to a car to explore the area – there's ample on-site parking
*The first-floor apartment is accessed via an external staircase
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Child-friendly amenities such as toys and a highchair are available on request