Villa La Piazzetta

MONTERCHI

At a glance

The rock of Monterchi on the Tuscan-Umbrian border, halfway between Arezzo and Citta di Castello, once was graced by an imposing castle. Today it no longer stands, but built upon its ruins on the hilltop is a small square with a few little buildings gathered around it. The most important of these is Il Palazzo, an elegant ancient family villa with garden and pool. Staying here will give you a taste of real Italian lifestyle in the most important house in the village…! The villa offers a richly warm and homely atmosphere. Monterchi’s claim to fame is that of custodian of  the magnificent painting by Piero della Francesca of La Madonna del Parto, visible in one of the churches.

The front door is right on the village square and opens into a grand entry hall furnished as a sitting room. Through an archway we find a second spacious living room. On the right is a twin bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower and on the opposite side a large suite with living room (extra sofa bed), wardrobe room, kingsize bed in a romantic alcove and bathroom.

A majestic staircase leads to the upper floor and into a lovely large living – dining room with a huge Renaissance fireplace in pietra serena, the beautiful grey stone used frequently in Italy around fireplaces and windows, or on stairs. The windows overlook the square. Opening off this room are two bedrooms, one twin with ensuite bathroom with shower and one queen with ensuite bathroom with shower. The furniture is antique and many original paintings and prints can be admired throughout the villa.

A corridor leads to a twin/queen bedroom with separate bathroom with tub and to the large and well equipped kitchen with views over the countryside below. The delightful elderly owner will gladly do occasional afternoon cooking lessons if guests desire. In the kitchen is the original fireplace, washing machine, dishwasher, large fridge-freezer, 6-burner gas stove and electric oven. Opposite the kitchen is a TV/music room and the corridor exits to a terrace garden furnished for enjoying the view and dining al fresco. The pool is on an upper terrace and there is a barbecue in the garden.

This villa can also be rented for 16 people with Rocchetta, a charming 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom house on the same estate, adjacent to the villa and privately set with its own pool and garden.

see www.italian-itineraries.com.au Tuscany for details of Rocchetta.

We regret that children under 12 are not allowed.