Rio Loreto boasts a wonderfully secluded hillside setting in the middle of the Tuscan countryside, close to the ancient Etruscan town of Cortona. This historic villa sits within green and rambling gardens that offer quiet spots for swimming, dining and watching spectacular sunsets over the hills. The interior of this spacious farmhouse has been carefully restored to retain much of its charm and features, with modern touches providing comfort and convenience. It is split over two levels and sleeps up to 10 guests in five characterful bedrooms. Three have ensuite facilities, with all bedrooms featuring an artisan-made iron bed for an individual feel. Soak up the history and traditional Tuscan style in any one of the wood-beamed rooms, with exposed stone walls and tiled floors complemented by antique pieces. There's a choice of living spaces to enjoy, with each having wood-burning stoves and comfortable seating areas for cosy evenings. Whether you dine inside or out, the idyllic outside space is never far away. The villa's dining room has doors that open straight onto a terrace that leads you into the lush, lawned gardens. Another terrace offers al fresco dining with the scent of typically Tuscan plants and flowers perfuming the air as you take in the views. Leisure and relaxation are also on offer whether you're inside the villa or making the most of its extensive grounds. Indoors, there's a fitness room with a range of gym equipment, with an outdoor table tennis table and petanque court. The main attraction within the gardens is surely the large swimming pool that sits within an ancient olive grove. It commands some of the very best views and is a true oasis of calm, with it being set peacefully above the villa. Get even closer to the nearby hills on long walks and bike rides through the area, passing farms, woodland and olive groves as you go. Around 30 minutes away by car is Lake Trasimeno Regional Park, which is perfect for nature lovers as it's home to an array of wildlife. There are also beaches on which to unwind in between dips in the beautiful lake. There are many historic towns and cities within an hour's drive of Rio Loreto. One of the nearest is Cortona with its ancient sites and wealth of Renaissance architecture. Many of its shops sell traditional handmade items and local wine from the vineyards of nearby Montepulciano. Also, visit the cities of Perugia and Citta di Castello on longer days out. Features: Villa Interiors Ground Floor (split-level) - Living room with sofas, armchairs, antique fireplace, wood-burning stove, doors to outside - Dining/living room with dining table for six guests, armchairs, TV, wood-burning stove, doors to outside - Kitchen with oven, microwave, two dishwashers, fridge, freezer, toaster, blender, coffee machine, American coffee machine - Guest toilet First Floor - Bedroom with king-size bed, en-suite bathroom with shower and bath tub - Two bedrooms with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms with showers - Two twin bedrooms (beds can be joined) - Bathroom with shower - Hall area with sofa Outside Grounds - Swimming pool (12m x 6m, depth: 1m - 1.4m), open approximately May to beginning of October - Dining terrace with table for six guests - Gardens with lawn, trees, plants, flowers - Petanque court - Pool house with kettle, fridge, bathroom - Table tennis - Sun loungers and parasols - Gas barbecue - Parking Facilities - Wi-Fi - Smart TV - Gym with running machine, cross trainer, weights - Ceiling fans - Underfloor heating - Washing machine and dryer - Iron and ironing board - Mosquito nets in the bedrooms - Electric charging station for Tesla - Hair dryer - Books - Games - Kids bikes (available at extra cost) Location: Surrounded by nothing but picturesque Tuscan countryside, Rio Loreto is a tranquil escape for total relaxation. Scenic walks and cycling routes are on the doorstep, with a handful of restaurants and cafes within a ten-minute drive. Most amenities are a 20-minute drive away in Cortona, a historic town that's great for a day out, as well as for meals and grocery shopping. Amenities include a pharmacy and bank, as well as a good choice of restaurants and bars. Many of the town's shops sell charming handmade items and 'Vino Nobile' red wine; the famous produce from the nearby vineyards of Montepulciano. Cortona's historic attractions span many centuries, with many even dating back to ancient times. The Etruscan Academy Museum and Archaeological Park boasts 11 ancient sites, with the remains of city fortifications, Roman roads and Etruscan tombs to be discovered. In the town itself, you'll stroll past and through beautiful Renaissance-era buildings. Highlights include the cathedral and Palazzo del Popolo. Another city full of history and culture that's within easy reach is Arezzo, with its stunning hilltop cathedral that houses a 15th-century fresco of Mary Magdalene. There's also a fortress with fantastic views over the city, with many medieval and Renaissance churches to admire too. Citta di Castello is a dream destination for lovers of art. The Church of San Domenico is home to 15th-century frescoes by famous Italian Renaissance painters. And works by artists such as Raphael and Signorelli can be found inside the Municipal Art Gallery (Pinacoteca) at Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera. Offering a special treat is the city of Perugia, as it's famous for its chocolate. There's a factory just outside the city where you can take a tour and sample some of the chocolate made there. One of the main must-sees in the city is Fontana Maggiore; a Renaissance marble fountain that's carved with zodiac signs and biblical scenes. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 3.00 p.m. - 6.30 pm. Late arrivals, if agreed, will be charged €40 (paid locally). Departure time? 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Included up to 250 KWh. Extras charged extra, payable locally. Linen & towels included? Yes. Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Changeover day? Saturday. All other changeover days on request. End of stay cleaning included? Extra €250, payable locally. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Smoking Allowed? Outside only. Insurance? Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. Minimum stay? 7 nights. All other durations on request. Heating costs included? Extra cost, payable locally. Tax? Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Internet access? Wi-Fi internet access included. Pool towels included? Yes. Pool opening dates? The pool is open approximately beginning of May to beginning of October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Other Ts and Cs? Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager.