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Monterchi is a picturesque Tuscan hilltop town to the east of Arezzo, close to the border with Umbria, and Il palazzetto is an ancient palace built right into the fortified walls of the main town square. The gardens and pool of this fascinating property sit atop a section of the old town ramparts - there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from here - and the thick castle walls provide both privacy and and a cool environment - there is no need for air conditioning here.

The main building sleeps 8, and a further 10 people may be accommodated at this property - 4 in an annexe called Duettino and 4 (+2) in an independent house (with its own garden) called I Merli - the gardens of I Merli and Il palazzetto are joined via a connecting gateway. Depending upon availability it may be possible to rent any single or multiple combination of the three properties.

This is a perfect Tuscan holiday destination, in the heart of the town but totally private due to the thick walls of the old castle. palazzetto is the ideal place for people who would like to experience the elegance of life in another époque, those who would like to know how it might have felt to be part of a noble and ancient Tuscan family, and who wish to be immersed in an environment of culture and refinement.

The grounds, accessed from the first floor, contain a furnished garden with a pool (with Jacuzzi corner), a gazebo, a barbecue and a dozen of the owner's pet turtles(!). Guests with children should note that it's a steep drop to the street. The property has been restored, but a distinguished past has produced sloping floors and cracks here and there - these all blend with comfortable furnishings and beautiful antiques to produce an evocative ambience. Each bedroom has its own bath, and all but one of the bedrooms has screens. Please note that palazzetto is non smoking and is not suitable for children between the ages of one and eight.

IL palazzetto (SLEEPS 8):

Ground floor: Entrance foyer, living room, master bedroom with a queen size bed, sitting area and en suite bathroom with shower. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds and en suite bathroom with shower.
First floor: Main living/dining room with fireplace, wood stove and CD player. Small living room with piano and Satellite TV. Kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge and dishwasher. One bedroom with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with shower. One bedroom with two single beds and en suite bathroom with shower. One bathroom with tub and hand shower. Utility room with washing machine accessed from outside.

THE GARDEN: The garden is in classic Italian style on a terrace framed by the 10th century mediaeval walls. Accessed directly from the kitchen hallway there is a convenient spot under a centuries old oak tree perfect for taking summer meals. There are numerous rose bushes and fruit trees. Two centuries old majestic oak trees have their roots in the history of the antique walls surrounding the villa, enclosing the whole structure in superb isolation from the rest of the village. In a corner of the garden, a harmonious pool with Jacuzzi corner completes the ideal holiday dream - it floats right at the foot of the town hall clock.

Cooling off in the hot summer months, guests can enjoy wonderful sunsets from the water and listen to the church bells when they ring. Next to it is a comfortable and ample gazebo made for pleasant conversation around the table in wrought iron, where it is also possible to organize a barbecue. In the centre of the garden is a delightful fountain with goldfish, adding its musical babble to that of the many birds that live undisturbed in this paradise.

Duettino (annexe, sleeps 4 people):

Il Duettino was the servant's quarters of an elegant 17th century villa built on the remains of the ancient castle of Monterchi. Today it has been lovingly and carefully restored by its owner to create a luxurious and comfortable two-bedroom apartment, perfectly located for fabulous holidays in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by culture and fine food.

Guests enter Il Duettino from the main piazza of Monterchi into a small entrance hall that was once the back staircase of the main villa, palazzetto. There are two large bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms, and a kitchen sitting room with an open working fireplace. The apartment has been furnished with great care and thoughtfulness; it has every little thing that one might need, fridge, toaster, kettle, washing machine and ironing board, shoe cleaning implements, even a fire extinguisher!

The feeling is cosy, fresh and clean, but also luxurious with fine antiques in every room. Please note that there is no dishwasher. The floors are original terracotta and overhead are centuries-old chestnut beams, whilst some of the doors date back to the 17th century. Although the apartment is right on the main Piazza, the village is a very quiet place and there is no sense inside the apartment of having near neighbours. From the windows are green views of the surrounding woods and peeks through to the never-ending panorama of the countryside beyond.

I Merli (independent house, and garden, sleeps 4+2):

At the very bottom of the garden (in a secluded position) there is a gate which connect this house with the Italian garden of Il palazzetto. I Merli is a charming old stone house with beams dating back to 1600, and it has been in the Marzochi family since the 18th century, lovingly restored by its present owner Donatella . Donatella is a vibrant, dynamic and flamboyant person, who carries with her a deep love and intimate knowledge of her forbears and their cultural heritage.

The house has been created within the destroyed walls of the original castle. At the entrance of the house there is an old well fed by rainwater and surrounding it a very pretty and totally private garden, extensively planted with rosemary, lavender, herbs and topiary laurel trees. It offers delightful views from the ancient walls. There is an outdoor eating area, and also a lover's window set high in the castle parapet. At the very bottom of the garden is a cool grotto for taking tea on hot days.

Due to the altitude of the walls this garden is not suitable for young children. The house is carved out of the ancient walls of the castle and so the layout is pleasingly eccentric, as it has been since mediaeval times. This allows a nice separation between the sleeping and living areas. From the small entrance hall one turns right to the living room, which is furnished with comfy sofas and a fireplace. Through that is the dining area that is open to the kitchen. Although compact, the kitchen is fully equipped with all one needs to prepare a full meal and comes with a dishwasher. It has been recently refitted with beautiful local tiles and wooden cabinetry.

Left from the entrance hall one passes the master bedroom that has an en suite bathroom and a fireplace. Further along the hall there is double bedroom and a twin bedroom that share a second bathroom. I Merli sleeps a maximum of six people. Every care has been taken in the furnishing of the house, using local antiques. Small comforts and luxuries have all been carefully considered. It is fully equipped with very good quality and tastefully coordinated sheets, towels, kitchenware etc. The bathrooms are all recently refurbished, mainly in white, and contain heated towel rails and a hair dryer.

There is colour television with satellite facilities, washing and ironing facilities and central heating throughout. Due to the high altitude and thick walls of the palazzo air conditioning is never necessary.

Not to be missed is the Cappella del Cimitero chapel, a 5 minute walk from the property, showcasing the recently restored 'Madonna with Child fresco' by Piero della Francesca, a native of nearby Sansepolcro. The small but beautiful fresco dates back to 1446 and is a rare and bold portrayal of a pregnant Madonna.

Public Transportation: There is a bus stop with local service to Arezzo in the modern section of town, a 5 minute drive from the property. The closest train station is in Arezzo.
Tennis: Courts are available just outside the historic centre, a 5 minute drive from the property.
Golf and other outdoor activities: The Umbria Sport and Fitness Resort in Antognola is a 40 minute drive away with an 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, horseback riding and hiking trails. Open year round and closed on Tuesdays.
Horseback riding: Available outside of the historic centre of Monterchi, under 10 minutes from the property.
Open air markets: Morning markets are held in Monterchi on Sundays, in Sansepolcro on Tuesdays and Saturdays, in Città di Castello on Thursdays and Saturdays and in Arezzo on Saturdays. A flea market is held in Città di Castello on the third Sunday and preceding Saturday of each month, and Arezzo holds its famous antiques market on the first Sunday and preceding Saturday of each month.

Shopping and dining: There is one restaurant in the main square of Monterchi, across from the property. There are a variety of restaurants and shops, including a supermarket, in the modern part of town, a 5 minute drive away. Evening meals can be requested when booking.

Driving distances: Sansepolcro or Città di Castello: 15 min. Arezzo with train station: 25 minutes Umbertide: 30 min. Cortona or Perugia: 50 min Assisi, Gubbio, Chiusi or Tuoro sul Trasimeno: 60 min Montepulciano, Pienza or Todi: 70 min. Siena, Florence, Orvieto or Castellina in Chianti: 80 min. San Gimignano: 90 min. Lucca or Pisa: 1 hour 45 minutes Bologna: 2 hours Rome: 2.5 hours.

Via Curtatone e Montanara 14, 50053 Empoli, Florence, Italy