Volterra - This lesser known hill town is pure Tuscany. Over 3000 years of history lie crammed within its walls and at 1800 feet above sea level, this aerie commands expansive views in every direction. Being just 30 minutes by car from the sandy Tuscan coast, Volterra is doubly blessed during warm summer months by soft, cool sea breezes.

Just inside Volterra's walls, along a row of ancient 16th century townhouses, this classy little cottage gleefully juts out. Newly restored, Alabastro is a smartly furnished, romantic hideaway for two. The rooms are separated from each other by a few steps and are well designed making the space roomy and bright. A galley style kitchen seems compact at a glance, yet it's stocked with an abundance of cookware. Windows are screened, and a tiny furnished balcony off of the bedroom looks out over the town and off into the green countryside. Smokers and children under the age of 12 are not allowed. The cost of heating is conveniently included in the price. Maid service may be ordered when booking.

The owner is an accomplished sculptor and gallery owner working in sensuous translucent alabaster, a native material that's deeply intertwined with Volterra's history.

Alabastro is 50 yards from a pedestrian lane with a supermarket, small specialty grocers, cafes and restaurants and in 150 yards is the historic center's main streets with numerous restaurants, wine bars, bakeries and shopping. Being in a restricted traffic zone, parking is 400 yards away. However, the owner can secure a permit that allows your car to come within 50 yards to drop off bags. Having a car is imperative. Buses are infrequent, and the nearest trains are six miles away.

Without leaving town, one can see an Etruscan acropolis, a Roman amphitheatre, an alabaster museum and another housing one of the finest collections of Etruscan artifacts in the world. By car, San Gimignano is 30 minutes away; Colle Val d'Elsa: 35; Siena or Castellina in Chianti: 60; Pisa: 75; Florence or Lucca: 90.

Technical Description
Ground level: Six steps up into a kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge and dishwasher. Four steps up to living/dining room with TV. One bedroom with a queen size bed, en suite half bath and French doors opening to a small furnished balcony. Twelve steps down to a bathroom with shower and washing machine. Ten steps lead to a small open room with a single sofabed.