Portoncello, a charming house with amazing views of Tuscany - Sarteano, Tuscany
3/4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6+2 - a lovely home surrounded by a hectare of olive/fruit trees.

The Property: Ensconced in a hillside just on the outskirts of the village of Sarteano, Portoncello boasts the most amazing 180 degree panoramic view across the hills, valleys, lakes to the distant Apennines. The property has just over one hectare of ancient stone walled terraced land planted with olive, fruit and nut trees as well as over 80 mature cypresses. Thus the setting provides ample opportunity to find a quiet terrace upon which to settle into one of the hammocks provided and dreamily soak up the vista with its distant activity of, for example, a local farmer tending his olives or vineyard and the ever changing play of light across the hills. This is a haven for those who want to be within an easy stroll of village life with all its amenities including a weekly market while also appearing to be totally secluded and rural. Internally the house has been completely redecorated and both bathrooms have been totally renewed as has the kitchen.

Extra Information: The accommodation sleeps 6+2 (on sofa-bed in living room 2) and consists of:

Top Floor: Front entrance leading to Reception/Living Room 1 with armchairs and open fireplace; leads to Living Room 2 with sofa-bed (sleeps 2), fireplace and large double French doors that lead down steps to grass terrace with magnificent view.

The dining room is located off to the side of the first living room and the long rustic-style table can seat 8 people. The kitchen leads off from the dining area there is ample storage and cupboard space, the kitchen includes dishwasher, double sink, gas burner, oven and a large fridge. The work surface and island are finished in local travertine.

A corridor leads from the first living room to Bedroom 1 with two single beds and large wardrobe, sleeping 2. Across from this bedroom is the door out to the terracotta Terrace with the panoramic view. The terrace has patio furniture including a chaise-longue, chairs and tables. Bedroom 2 with unusual built in double bed, sleeps 2. Bathroom 1 fully finished in travertine with large shower, WC, wash handbasin and bidet. Stairs descend to Bedroom 3, with two beds that can be made up as singles or doubles, sleeps 2, separate hanging cupboard. Bedroom 3 leads out to the garden. Bathroom 2 leads off from this bedroom and includes a Jacuzzi bath, a large shower, wash hand basin, WC and bidet and Utility area with washing machine.

Location: Southern Tuscany is uniquely beautiful and very varied. From wooded mountains - Monte Amiata for example, where it is high enough to ski in winter - to the dramatic shapes of the Val d'Orcia, where the contours of its ploughed hills are broken only by a solitary cypress or casa colonica. In contrast, the green basin of the Val di Chiana is lush with fields of sunflowers and maize. And of course there are the more typical vine covered slopes and olive groves around Montepulciano and Cetona which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The art and architecture contained in the medieval towns are of course the other great attraction. Even the smallest village has something of note for the visitor to discover and it may be difficult to leave for the greater glories of Siena, Florence, Perugia or Assisi - all of which are within easy reach.

One would expect the delicious wine but with it comes a wonderful cuisine, home cooked, using the freshest ingredients and a hospitality that is unique. There are still relatively few foreigners so the welcome is genuine and the local residents will go to great lengths to make a newcomer feel at home.

There are plenty of activities for families with children. Most towns have public pools, Sarteano having, perhaps, the best facilities. Set in a park, there are two pools filled with thermal spa water, a restaurant, snack bar, table tennis, etc.. Nearby, across the border in Umbria, Lake Trasimeno offers a variety of aquatic sports. There are riding schools, tennis courts and, of course, the spas themselves.

Travelling: There are numerous flights to either Pisa, Florence or Rome. There is a direct train link from the Airport in Pisa, via Florence, to Chiusi and, in Rome, public services (from both Airports) to the Stazione Termini.

Rental Rates per property per week:

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If you would like to contact the owner, Diana Levins Moore, please click on the link below.