Recently restored to the highest quality, Le Prugnole is a deluxe country house in the beautiful Val DOrcia in the South-Eastern part of the Siena province in Tuscany. This is a region of famous wines, medieval hill towns, Renaissance art treasures, castles, monasteries and spa towns with healing water already enjoyed in the Roman times. Its location is ideal for visiting many interesting sites at a short distance: Pienza, the ideal city, is just 10 minutes away, 15 minutes to Montepulciano. It is less than one hour to drive to Montalcino, Siena, Perugia, Orvieto and Cortona. One and half hours driving to Firenze and two hours to Rome. This holiday house sleeps eight adults in comfort with four double bedrooms and three bathrooms. A fifth bedroom, suitable for children, has a small sofa, a desk and two twin beds on a mezzanine reached by a round staircase. Elegantly furnished living areas open out to the covered terrace for dining al fresco and to stunning views over the valley. The stone paved front court is surrounded by low walls planted with climbing roses and flowering vines. On one side of the courtyard, there is the large covered dining area, on the other side is a 12 foot wide special whirl pool with heated water to be enjoyed also in fall. Outside the dining area, facing the sunset, is a larger swimming pool (10 x 5 m).

This farming area has beautiful walking and biking paths, cypress lined country roads and easy access to the local town for fresh food from the markets and the local delicacies of the dozens of restaurant all within 30 minutes drive. The high quality interiors include many antiques and period pieces, very skillfully decorated and combined with comfortable seating to make the holiday villa feel like a home. On the ground floor is the spacious living room which opens out to the covered outdoor dining area. The living room has a stone fireplace and a baby grand piano. The country kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances, and has a large Tuscan fireplace for roasting meats and vegetables, and for toasting "bruschetta." The dining room connects to the kitchen with a large brick arch. On the ground level is a study, the laundry room with a washing machine and freezer, and a half bath. The stone staircase brings you up to the first floor and into a sitting room. This large room has a comfortable sofa group around the fireplace, and excellent views across the valley. From the sitting room one enters the beautifully furnished master bedroom with its en-suite bathroom with a bath tub and shower. The four other double bedrooms open from the hallway; they are equally comfortable and well furnished with antique armoires and quality beds. The two bathrooms open to the hallway, and have showers and modern fixtures.

At a glance:
detached location - baby bed/cot - oven - electric iron - dishwasher - BBQ - pets: allowed on request - heating - internet - fireplace - private pool: 1.5. - 15.10. - SAT/cable-TV - stereo - telephone - washing machine

Tuscany is probably the most famous region in Italy. The characteristic hills and cypress alleys have already been layed out and cultivated by the Etruscans and Romans. The special zest of Tuscan landscape, however, is it's versatility. The Apennine Mountains, overgrown with chestnut trees, make up an interesting contrast to the gentle rolling hills between Florence and Sienna that are typical for Tuscany. The numerous small, partly Etruscan villages that are enthroned on the hilltops, are quite impressive. The travel season lasts the whole year, and each season has it's own special colours and atmosphere. Visitors interested in culture will find many art treasures in cities like Florence, Pisa or Sienna, which have made Tuscany one of the most famous cultural centres in the world. And finally, thinking of the delicious Tuscan cuisine and the world-known wines, the only question is when to go on the next journey to Tuscany.

Getting there: Flight to Florence or Pisa, rental car