Casa Chiana is a well-located farmhouse within easy reach of the lovely hillside town of Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes in her landmark book, Under the Tuscan Sun. The farmhouse is situated on edge of a small hamlet in the countryside, surrounded by the agricultural fields of the Val di Chiana, with views of the Tuscan hills in the distance.

Cortona, a marvel of art and architecture, is only 9 miles away. The village of Foiano della Chiana, which has stores and restaurants, is about 2 ½ miles from the property. The Tuscan towns of Arezzo and Montepulciano are nearby, and Florence and Siena can be reached on a day trip. Perugia, Deruta (the best place for Umbrian ceramics), Assisi, Gubbio and other Umbrian towns are also within easy reach.

The farmhouse has an informal feel. The owner has scoured antique stores and outdoor markets for interesting furniture and artwork to decorate the property. She has added modern furniture as well, and the result is an interesting, casual mix. The rooms downstairs are not large, but have all the requirements for a convenient and comfortable stay. The kitchen is well equipped with good appliances. One of the two bathrooms in the farmhouse is next to the kitchen; it is newly renovated and has a shower. The dining area is off the kitchen. There is a working fireplace in the living room, which is decorated with modern furniture. The living room has a flat-screen TV on the wall for satellite reception.

Stone steps lead to the second floor, where the three bedrooms and second bathroom are located. Two of the bedrooms have queen-sized beds. The other bedroom has twin beds and is decorated more for children. There are nice views of the countryside from the bedroom windows. The bathroom has a new bathtub with a shower fixture above it. A large room for storage is also on this floor.

The swimming pool (12x24 feet) is in sight of the farmhouse and there is a nice lawn area in front of it. There is a shower at the pool, and spaces for lounging and dining. Guests enjoy beautiful sunsets from this area. The pool is usually open from May through September. There are also two bicycles for guests' use.

Casa Chiana is part of a larger property. In addition to this house for six, there is a separate house (Casa Creti) for two with its own swimming pool. The two properties can be rented together for 8 people. When rented alone, there are sufficient shrubs and fences to separate the houses. Both of these properties are within the same estate of the English-speaking owners, who reside on the grounds. They are attentive to the needs of their guests, but will not intrude. One of the owners is an excellent cook, and can prepare an arrival meal and breakfast on Sunday for an extra charge. She is available to cook evening meals, and give cooking lessons. The owner will also do a First Shopping for guests, with charges only for the items purchased.

The farmhouse is equipped with a washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, microwave oven, hair dryer, ironing facilities, satellite TV, CD player, screens on bedroom windows, baby cot and high chair, barbeque, independent heating. A midweek cleaning is included in the rental price.

Casa Chiana has a lot to offer those who are looking for reasonable accommodations with all modern conveniences. The location of the property is very well suited for touring Tuscany and Umbria, and the owners will make sure that their guests enjoy a true Italian experience.