Vallocchio Villa Rental Holiday, Val D'Orcia & Near Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

PROPERTY INFORMATION

Only a few minutes drive from Cetona, Vallocchio is located on a hill in 9 hectares of unspoiled Tuscan countryside with its flora, fauna and fantastic bird life. Originally aworking farm with vineyards and olive groves, along a magical avenue of chestnuts,pine, beech and oak trees, a 100 year old cedar, and ancient chestnuts completing the picture with the pretty stone house straight ahead with its original stone staircase leading to the first floor. To complete the arrival surprise, a classic view of incredibly beautiful Cetona provides an almost theatrical backdrop. Entering the house into a cool hallway with stone flagged floor, this then leads to the sitting room where one is greeted by the dramatic effect of a huge glass door shaped “picture window” framing Cetona beyond, a further feature being a collection of black and white framed pictures of original Vallocchio scenes: oxen pulling carts, mules carrying firewood, and maize drying outside the barn. Steps lead to the kitchen, and then to an outside terrace and dining area. Stairs lead up to the original living space where the farming family once lived: a wonderfully characterful second sitting area with original beams, and a huge fireplace big enough to roast an ox, and either side two benches where the family would sit and gossip, whilst keeping warm. From here, doors lead to two further bedrooms and two bathrooms, double doors leading to the old stone staircase down to the garden. Vallocchio is surrounded by an informal garden of lawns, flowers and shrubs, with a lovely pool area located well away from the house. From here, long soporific days can be spent, enjoying vistas of open countryside in the spring, covered in broom – views of old Tuscan farmhouses, and Citta della Pieve on the skyline. A path leads to the woodland edge on the hillside, and to a “secret” doorway, opening up with a sudden, dramatic coolness from the outside heat, to the original wine cellars. The owner’s father used them for storing huge barrels of wine: nowadays guests are given a key, and can help themselves to delicious wines on an honesty basis, settling up at the end of their stay. For walkers, further footpaths lead through woodland, and for the energetic, or for teenagers wanting adventure, a rough path leads up to large historical caves and a very interesting archaeological site. A unique venue, for those who appreciate a truly Italian experience.

ACCOMMODATION

First Floor

Bathroom



Double bedroom	(may be twin)



Living area



Shower room



Twin bedroom	(may be double)

Main Floor

Cloakroom



Double bedroom	(may be twin) with en suite shower room



Hall



Kitchen



Laundry room



Sitting/dining room