Santa Maria Nuova is a two-story centuries-old stone house that retains antique materials and old world charm. It is located on the edge of the delightful town of Cortona within walking distance of the town, and enjoys a lovely setting below a beautiful stone church. The partially-walled private garden with lush lawn feels like a calm cloister but has stellar views of the magnificent countryside.

Inside, the inviting living room and dining room open to each other through a wide archway. Coved brick ceilings, heavy wooden beams, a stone hearth and glazed terra cotta tiles are typical Tuscan elements. The rooms are made cozy with tasteful country-style antiques.

The very nice kitchen has French doors to the garden and boasts an elevated fireplace for grilling. It also retains original tiles that were handmade in the 1700s. The kitchen has a cooking range, separate oven, and a small refrigerator. The other rooms on the first floor include a single bedroom with a window, and a bathroom with a shower.

An upstairs sitting room has a sofa bed that could accommodate two additional guests; the room opens onto an upper-level garden. Also on this floor there are two attractive bedrooms -a double and a twin-and a bathroom with a shower.

While Santa Maria Nuova displays timeless charm, it has also been updated with modern comforts like satellite TV and DVD player, a stereo with CD player, and high-speed WIFI and an Internet connection.

The immense garden is well tended and has patio furniture for enjoying the magnificent views of the picturesque countryside. A separate stone cottage houses the laundry facilities with a washing machine and stone sink, and an extra refrigerator for guests' use.

The center of Cortona is a short walk away. There you will find wonderful eateries, cute cafes, quaint shops and alluring churches. From here it is easy to visit many towns of Tuscany and Umbria. The owners can arrange wine tours and tasting of local products.