Overview

This delightful old ivy-covered farmhouse sits amid fields of corn and sunflowers, surrounded by a very pretty flowering garden and bordered by vineyards and open fields. Restored with care and decorated with taste, the building's original beamed ceilings and terracotta floors set the tone for comfortable furnishings and airy rooms, many of which enjoy wonderful views of the farmlands with the hilltop village of Cortona in the distance. Across the lawn, a loggia overlooks the large swimming pool and provides a lovely spot for sunny lunches and relaxed evening meals. An ideal property for one or two families, Palareto is set along a quiet country road within easy driving distance of Lake Trasimeno and the area's many hill towns.

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Description

Rental options

 Palareto is available for larger parties. For details see Palareto (x 6 people) and Palareto (x 8 people).

Location

 Nearest shops [open on Sunday mornings] within walking distance of the village of Piana, 1km/0.5 miles, just west of the fortified promontory of Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno, 5km/2 miles. The area’s best-known sight is the hilltop village of Cortona, 21km/13 miles, but the lake itself offers sailing and wind-surfing, visits to the island of Isola Maggiore and wonderful walks in the hills to the north. Perugia and Siena are about 45 minutes away.

Accommodation

 .

Ground floor

 [accessed from pool area only]
Sitting room with French windows. Dining table and kitchenette. Bathroom with shower.

First floor

 Large dining room and kitchen with views of the vineyard and beyond. Sitting room with an open fireplace. Double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with shower. Double bedroom [convertible to twin upon request] with a gallery. Large bedroom with four single beds [convertible to doubles upon request]. Bathroom with shower.

Grounds

 A very nicely maintained sweep of lawn with interesting shrubs and lovely old trees runs from the house across to the pool, 6 x 12m/20 x 39 feet, and its loggia.

Assistance

 Assistance is provided locally by the property's very helpful offsite caretaker, who speaks English. Services included in the rental fee, and optional services available, are noted under Price and Availability.

Facilities

 Microwave. Chilled drinks cabinet. Barbeque. Washing machine. Satellite TV [No Sky channels] with DVD. Portable CD player. Electronic piano. Working fireplace. Fixed telephone line. Two mountain bikes, one racing bike.

Facilities notes

 No dishwasher.

Access

 Airports: Perugia, about 45 minutes; Florence, 1 hour 30 minutes; Pisa and Rome, very roughly 2 hours. Railway station at Terontola-Cortona [local lines], 12km/8 miles, or Chiusi [for direct links to Florence, Arezzo, Rome and Orvieto], 30 minutes. Bus service to Castiglione del Lago from the village. Motorway exits at Chiusi or Bettolle, about 18km/11 miles along paved roads to the property’s short white drive. Garage for one car and outdoor parking for several more.

Activities

 Tennis and water sports at Castiglione del Lago, 10 minutes. Several thermal spas at Chianciano Terme and Montepulciano, both about 40 minutes. A favourite activity on Lake Trasimeno is the is the ferry trip to Isola Maggiore, the only inhabited island. There is an old fishing village on the island, with houses dating from the 14th and 16th centuries, and a ruined 19th century folly. St. Francis of Assisi is said to have slept here in 1211, and two little churches boast a variety of artefacts from and paintings of the event. Ferries to the island leave from Castiglione, Tuoro-sul-Trasimeno and Passignano.

Small appliance

 Iron and Ironing board, Hairdryers in all bedrooms.

Pool details

 The pool, 6 x 12m/20 x 39 feet, has a depth of 1.40-3.20m/4.20-9.60 feet and two ladders for entry/exit.

Amenities for children

 Plastic baby bath. Safety gate for stairs.