In honor of our March issue, a special report on Tuscan hideaways, we asked friends of Dream of Italy to tell us about their favorite spots in Tuscany. Alice and Martin of Italian Vacation Villas recommend:
La Pietra is a spectacular estate in the hills above Cortona. A stone farmhouse from the 1600’s, it is nestled among acres of well-tended gardens and tall trees, with wonderful views and a fabulous swimming pool. The farmhouse sleeps six in three bedroom suites with three bathrooms. Beautifully restored and modernized, guests will enjoy lovely artwork, interesting artifacts, comfortable furniture and antiques, all of which blend in with the original farmhouse structure to give a warm and cozy feeling. The secluded and private setting and unbounded natural beauty are very evident, as La Pietra was adapted to bring the outdoors inside, so the rooms are filled with light and views. We rented La Pietra ourselves, and did not want to leave. (Weekly rental rates start at $2840 during low season.)