Casa Elsa sits in the midst of what was once a huge and ancient farm called "Il Pino". The extensive farm buildings have now been beautifully restored to create an exclusive mini-village set in12 acres of private, gated grounds (including a swimming pool for residents). . The communal pool is never crowded because all the larger houses have their own, private swimming pools - so the estate's pool is a splendid bonus for those staying at cute little Casa Elsa!

The cottage has its own private garden - with a barbecue and a table for al fresco dining. The front door opens into a large room on the ground floor. It’s simply, but comfortably furnished, as you can see from our photos. Cool in summer, insulated by its old stone walls and cosy in winter. The central heating is very efficient, but that open log fire is a very nice plus if you happen to be visiting when the nights are chilly. Upstairs, you’ll find the bathroom is very appealing in its simply Tuscan style with a handsome antique wardrobe and that romantic, Italian wrought iron bed. The bathroom (with a shower) is right next door. Casa Elsa is a " one up one down", farm worker's cottage - small but perfectly formed!

Casa Elsa is surrounded by the kind of well-groomed farmland that makes this one of Tuscany’s loveliest landscapes. The "Il Pino" estate was built over 300 years ago and was a thriving farm set in the lush hills between Foiano and Cortona. Over the last 50 or so years it fell into disuse and disrepair, but Signor Bartolini is in charge nowadays! He restored the dilapidated old farm buildings, including one for himself, and he’s on hand to help you with local information should you need him. He’s lavished care and great expertise on restoring this huge property to make a tiny “village” of 7 exquisite, private properties. The house we are offering is the smallest on the estate: a little gem! It’s simple, comfortable and just couldn’t be better located. Stay home and enjoy delicious tranquility amidst the gorgeous rustic scenery or make Casa Elsa your perfect base for a busy holiday exploring Tuscany and Umbria. You are just 10 minutes drive from the Bettolle exit on the A1 Autostrada del Sole - but you’d never guess it as you soak up the peace at Casa Elsa and watch the swallows swoop and dip over the pool.

Foiano is your nearest village, just 5 km away. A pretty place with shops, restaurants, bars and banks (the cakes from the bar “Del Duca” should go on your must-have list right now). Or head for the shopping mall on the outskirts of Foiano and snap up a bargain or two. Twenty minutes in the car will get you to Cortona - the famous Etruscan hilltop town founded over 2,000 years ago. Prepare to be awed by both its antiquity and its stylish shops. The art treasures of Siena and Arezzo are all within an hour’s drive of Casa Elsa, while fabulous Florence will take very little more. If you want the best of Tuscan red wines, then spend a happy day exploring the well-stocked cantinas of atmospheric Montepulciano and the serious reds of fairy-tale-perfect Montalcino. If organic wine is your tipple, then head to nearby Castiglion Fiorentino. Carlo Tanganelli's farm produces an delicious white white and a superbly robust red - not to mention his excellent organic olive oil. Summer's Leases would highly recommend a visit! Another day, why not pause at Pienza and revel in the Renaissance architecture, then drive on to eat in charming San Quirico d’Orcia. Don’t forget to add Umbria’s lovely Lake Trasimeno to your sightseeing list too (Italy’s 4th largest lake). Potter about the lake’s islands on the little ferry boats and try the local speciality of tegamaccio (Italy’s version of the Frenchman’s bouillabaisse).

If you still want more ... visit nearby Chiusi and be astonished by its massive stone walls (well over two and a half thousand years old), admire the fascinating Etruscan exhibits in the local museum and eat a memorable lunch at “La Solita Zuppa”. The castle of the medieval mercenary John Hawkwood is nearby too. There’s an impressive plaque, in honour of his services to Florence, in Florence’s beautiful Duomo). Perugia, Umbria's bustling capital city, is another one for your sightseeing list as is the wedding cake cathedral of Orvieto. And then there are the sulphur baths at tiny, beautiful Bagno Vignoni, the nearby Abbazia di Farneta and the truly outstanding trattoria “Vecchia Osteria” at delightful little Cetona. We could go on listing the many, many sights to see within an hour or so’s drive of Casa Elsa - but you’ve gotten the idea by now!