A classic, square Tuscan villa wrapped in well-tended grounds with Cortona spread out on the hillside above. It has been totally renovated with the comfort, fun and ease of holidaymakers in mind. Australian Shan’s design eye has created an airy, terracotta tiled, open-plan living area with a friendly feel, a grand 19th-century fireplace – a find from Arezzo antique market – a half-grand piano, a breakfast room leading to a shaded terrace and a proper cooks’ kitchen (though you can also take away excellent dishes from a nearby family shop). Up broad stairs to an east facing sun terrace off the central hall and five lovely, pastel coloured bedrooms. The corner doubles draw light from two windows, the central one has a sweet, geranium-filled balcony; all have shutters, fine linen and good-looking furniture. There’s a great pool and an exceptional pool-house-with-everything. Charming, multilingual near neighbour and housekeeper Cornelia will show you around, advise, and can name every tree. And there are hammocks, a help-yourself veg garden, a basement cinema…
Villa San Marco is absolutely lovely - beautifully proportioned, peaceful and well equipped. Our week there provided the perfect blend of relaxation and 'getting out and about'. There's lots to see and do in the local area, albeit the villa's pool area has a magnetic draw for those inclined to chill out! We were grateful for the comprehensive assistance and advice provided by the owner and also by Cornelia was was on hand to help as required. All in all, we had a great time and look forward to returning some time soon.