Santa Croce

There are two accommodation options for couples at Santa Croce, A detached two bedroom cottage or a charming two bedroom upper floor apartment. Originally an old and forgotten farmhouse, partly dating back to the 14th century, Santa Croce has recently been restored with great enthusiasm, love and care. It lies close to the Tuscan and Umbrian border, between the Niccone valley and the market town of Umbertide. The property has a peaceful and tranquil rural position and lies midway up a hillside with superb views over the valley and unspoiled countryside, surrounded by olive groves and young cherry and walnut plantations. It is reached by a private road that ends at the property.

The Santa Croce estate consists of a house, the cottage and three apartments in the original farmhouse. There is a shared swimming pool and gardens but both the cottage and apartment have private patios.

To help you relax and unwind; Reiki and massage is available from an internationally qualified Holistic Massage Therapist. There is also the chance to experience acupuncture. These are provided in the privacy of your cottage or apartment.

Accommodation and features

Both the cottage and the apartment have an open plan living room with a comfortable sitting area with settee and two chairs, a satellite TV and a CD/tape/radio player. The traditional dining table seats up to 6. There are terra-cotta floors throughout and a comfortable mix of modern and antique furniture.

The modern kitchens are fully equipped with fridge/freezer, dishwasher, four-ring-hob, electric oven, toaster, kettle, Italian Moka coffee maker and granite work tops.

There are two bedrooms and a bathroom with shower. The main bedroom has twin beds that can be pushed together to make a double. The second bedroom will be used for Reiki and Massage treatments.

For the winter months there is a fireplace in the sitting room and full central heating throughout plus double glazed windows and shutters.

The accommodation is cleaned thoroughly for your arrival and fresh linen and towels are provided weekly. Two washing machines for guests' use are available at a small additional cost in an outside utility room. Ironing facilities can be provided on request.

The cottage and apartment will accommodate up to 4 in the two bedrooms but are ideal for a couple. There is also the possibility of renting a house for up to 6/7 people - please email us for more information.

Outside

Just outside the cottage there is a secluded patio with a dining table, 4 chairs, sun umbrella and loungers. The apartment has a small patio at the top of the steps with a table and 4 chairs and a separate terrace with table, chairs, sun umbrella and loungers in the garden.

There is an outside unheated pool (12m x 5m) with loungers and umbrellas, situated a little way from the buildings, shared with other guests that might be staying at the time. The swimming pool, open normally from June to September, is fenced in with lockable gates for safety when young children are staying at the property. The extensive grounds include lawns, cultivated garden, a small olive grove and fruit trees and uncultivated areas with wild flowers.

Prices and booking

January 1st - March 30th 2007	560 euros per week
March 31st - June 29th 2007	700 euros per week
June 30th - September 7th 2007	840 euros per week
September 8th - October 26th	700 euros per week
October 27th - December 21st 2007	560 euros per week

Prices are in euros per week for the apartment or cottage, whether for one person or up to 4 people. The price includes electricity, gas for hot water, linen and towels but please bring your own pool towels. Heating during colder months is at additional cost for the wood fire and gas central heating.

Reiki, massage and acupuncture sessions are charged at €40 per 1 hour session.

Changeover day is usually Saturday but we may be able to be flexible - please enquire. Check in after 5pm and check out by 10am please.

Animals are not normally allowed at the property but if this is important please enquire.

Please contact us to check availability and to make a booking. Your booking is confirmed on receipt of a deposit of 30%. The balance is due 2 months before your arrival plus a returnable security deposit of 200 euros to cover extra coats (heating etc.) if applicable and also against any damages. In the case of cancellation there will be charges depending on the timing and these will be fully explained in your booking form. The deposit and balance payments are made directly to the owner of the property. There are no agency or extra charges - the prices are the same as booking direct with the owner.

Click here to contact us for more information or to make a booking