San Veriano

Part of historic San Veriano has been sitting peacefully in its rural setting overlooking the Tiber valley and the Tuscan hills for many hundreds of years. Originally just an early 17th-century look-out tower, the stone villa was then added at a later date. A recent restoration of both has created an enchanting place to call home during your holiday in this beautiful part of Tuscany.

Many features of a traditional Tuscan country house have been retained throughout the spacious interiors. Wood-beamed ceilings, terracotta-tiled floors and some original wood doors create a sense of walking through history as you enjoy each of San Veriano's characterful spaces.

The five bedrooms are most typical of Tuscan style, with wrought iron beds and simple, antique furnishings allowing the heritage of the villa to take centre stage. One of the bedrooms is located in the tower, so it's especially ideal as a romantic retreat. There's also a terrace offering unspoilt views over the lush countryside.

Both the villa and tower annexe have welcoming living spaces for relaxing, socialising and simply soaking up a sense of the past. The villa's lounge is an incredibly cosy place to unwind, with comfortable seating to sink back into and an impressive fireplace.

The abundance of wood and stone used throughout San Veriano reflects the natural beauty of its immediate surroundings. This starts with the charming Mediterranean garden that's bursting with olive, peach and plum trees, as well as many bright and beautifully-scented plants and flowers.

Walking through your very own idyllic slice of the Tuscan countryside opens up panoramic views of the wider landscapes. The hill and valley views are simply spectacular from the private swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Evening meals under the pretty dining pergola feel like very special occasions.

Enjoy long walks through the oak woods that surround the villa, with the chance to see all kinds of flora and fauna. Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside in the area and is sure to give you some amazing views along the way.

10 minutes away by car is the charming village of Monterchi, with its restaurants, shops and places of interest. Other fascinating places within easy reach are the historic cities of Arezzo and Citta di Castello.

Just over an hour's drive away is Montepulciano where you can enjoy some local wine tasting. Also take a day trip to Lake Trasimeno Regional Park and enjoy its huge lake and bird watching opportunities.

Features

Villa Interiors (250 sqm)
Ground Floor (split-level)

• Living room with sofas, armchairs, antique fireplace, satellite TV, DVD player and stereo
• Dining room with table for 10 guests
• Kitchen with fridge, oven, microwave, stove and burners, American coffee machine, Moka coffee machine, toaster, blender, juicer and dishwasher

First Floor

• Two bedrooms with king size beds and ensuite bathrooms with showers
• Two twin bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms with showers

Tower Interiors (separate entrance)

Ground Floor

• Small living room with sofa, table and chairs
• Bathroom with shower

First Floor

• Bedroom with king size bed and balcony access

Outside Grounds

• Swimming pool (16m x 4m, max depth: 1.5m), open approximately mid-April to mid-October
• Hot tub
• Sun loungers and parasols
• Garden with olive, peach and plum trees
• Covered patio with dining table for 10 guests
• Comfortable seating area
• Barbecue
• Five-a-side football pitch
• Parking

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning (in bedrooms)
• Heating
• Mosquito nets
• Table tennis
• Washing machine
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryers

Location

A short drive from San Veriano will bring you to the lovely village of Monterchi. It's full of amenities, such as shops for stocking up on groceries and other items, restaurants and bars. Its narrow streets are lined with cafes and traditional workshops.

You'll also find plenty of history here too. A majestic fortress offers breathtaking views over the lush countryside. The Museo della Madonna del Parto is home to such an incredibly important artwork that it put this humble village on the map. The Madonna del Parto fresco was painted in the Church of Santa Maria di Momentana by one of Italy's greatest Renaissance painters, Piero della Francesca. It was moved to the museum during the 1990s.

Art lovers will be keen to visit Citta di Castello. Housed within Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera is the Municipal Art Gallery (Pinacoteca) with its huge range of paintings by Renaissance artists such as Raphael and Lorenzetti. Also visit the 14th-century Church of San Domenico for its 15th-century frescoes.

Arezzo is full of history and culture also. Highlights include the beautiful cathedral and the Basilica di San Francesco. Offering just as much historical sightseeing is the city of Perugia. It's most famous for its chocolate, however, so be sure to sample some as you explore its attractions! Some of the must-visits include Priori Palace, the Gothic cathedral and Fontana Maggiore, a marble fountain carved with zodiac signs and biblical scenes.

Taking things up a notch is the Funivia Colle Eletto in the town of Gubbio. This stand-up cable car takes you on an exciting journey up to the top of Monte Ingino. Waiting for you at the top is Sant'Ubaldo Basilica and fantastic views over the Apennines Mountains.

Whilst you're not near the coast at San Veriano, you can still enjoy a beach experience. The town of Castiglione del Lago at Lake Trasimeno has a lovely, sandy beach and calm waters for taking hired pedalos and canoes out on. There's also a bar and a playground.