Da Maria, Murlo, Italy

A charming rural retreat, in the heart of the Tuscan hills, this pretty country cottage makes an ideal holiday destination, to explore the delights of southern Tuscany or simply to unwind and relax. The house, which is in a quiet location, has its own well-tended gardens, as well as stunning views out over the countryside and hills beyond.

The house has been sensitively restored with terracotta floors and traditional wood and tile ceilings. On the ground floor, there is a large living room with a comfortable sofa and an open fireplace. There is a rustic, wooden dining table with chairs next to the tasteful, open-plan kitchen. The kitchen is well-equipped with a cooker hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and Mokka coffee maker. Two sets of arched French windows in the living room give direct access to the garden, where guests can dine “al fresco” under a large parasol.

The outdoor space has been arranged with as much care as the interiors. Not only is there a dining area, but there is also a shaded pergola with sun loungers, a BBQ and a hammock, slung between two trees, for total relaxation.

Sleeping
Bedroom 1: The master bedroom, on the ground floor, has a double bed, a chest of drawers and lovely views out over the garden.
Bedroom 2: On the first floor, tucked under the eaves, with a large skylight, this attractive bedroom has a double bed, flat screen TV, armchair and sofa, plus an en suite bathroom.
Bedroom 3: A single bedroom on the ground floor, which has a wrought iron single bed and a pretty painted wardrobe.

Bathrooms
Bathroom 1: An independent bathroom, on the ground floor, with a shower, basin, bidet and W.C.
Bathroom 2: This small bathroom, en suite to the upstairs bedroom, has a full bath, basin and W.C.

Additional
• Free Wifi • Outside dining area • BBQ • Air conditioning • Central heating & open fireplace • Washing machine • Private, fenced garden • Private parking, car essential for your visit • Pets allowed ( Charge € 35) • Since the air conditioning and heating are electric, electricity consumption to be paid on-site at €0.35 Kw/H • Refundable Security Deposit of €200 to be paid in cash upon arrival • Check in between 4 pm and 8 pm, Check out between 8 am and 10 am. Other times are to be agreed upon in advance. • Tourist tax is to be paid locally • Gas Charge € 1 paid locally

Location
The house is on the edge of the small town of Murlo, which has Etruscan origins, in the green Tuscan hills. The famous city of Siena (35-minute drive) makes an ideal day trip. Visitors can enjoy the Piazza del Campo where the highly competitive Palio horse race is held twice a year, as well as the beautiful striped cathedral. The town of Pienza, the “capital of Pecorino cheese” is just 45 minutes away and well worth a visit, for its Renaissance palaces, as well as the cheese. Wine lovers should not miss the small town of Montalcino (30 minutes) where you can taste and buy the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine directly from the producers.

For pure relaxation visit the thermal springs at Rapolano Terme just 42 minutes from the property. There are excellent restaurants throughout the region, but if guests are keen to cook for themselves, the local markets are not to be missed. Pienza and Montalcino’s weekly markets are on Fridays. Rapolano (if you are heading to the spa) hosts a market every Thursday. The nearest grocery stores are in Vescovado di Murlo, just 1.5km from the house. The closest airports are Florence, 1 hour and 30 minute drive, or Perugia, which is 1 hour and 50 minutes away.