Casa Creti is a cozy house for two people with a very large swimming pool within easy reach of the lovely hillside town of Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes in her landmark book, Under the Tuscan Sun. The property is situated on edge of a small hamlet in the countryside, surrounded by the agricultural fields of the Val di Chiana. Cortona is only 9 miles away.

Casa Creti is part of a larger property. In addition to this house for two, there is a separate house (Casa Chiana) for six, also 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.

The house is furnished with an interesting combination of the antique and modern, and has a cozy feel. The owner has scoured antique stores and outdoor markets for furniture and artwork to decorate the property. There is an open plan living room, dining area and kitchen corner. One wall of the room has a large picture window that looks out onto the garden and a lawn in front of the house. This window and others bring a lot of light into the room. A small couch is in front of a flat-screen TV, and there is modern art on the walls. The owner has left many CDs for guests' use. The kitchen has a stainless steel refrigerator/freezer and dishwasher. The living room and the bedroom have air conditioning, which is metered and charged according to consumption.

A short hallway leads to a queen-size bedroom done in white, with modern furniture and traditional paintings. The bathroom at the end of the hallway was recently remodeled, and has a tiled shower stall.

Casa Creti is equipped with air conditioning, a washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, window screens, CD player, DVD player, satellite TV, screens on bedroom window, baby cot and high chair, barbeque, independent heating. A midweek cleaning is included in the price.

Outside of the house is a stone patio under a rose-covered pergola, equipped with a wrought iron table and four chairs. A stone path leads to a very large pool (15x30 feet) with a diving board. It has views of the surrounding agricultural fields, tall trees and plants.

The village of Foiano della Chiana, which has stores and restaurants, is about 2 ½ miles from the property. In addition to Cortona, 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), Gubbio, Assisi and other Umbrian towns are also within easy reach.

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.

Small houses for two people with their own swimming pool are a rarity in Tuscany. Casa Creti has a lot to offer those seeking reasonable accommodations in an excellent location for touring.