The countryside between Todi and Orvieto is full of tiny hamlets, olive groves and lavender fields. This idyllic stone cottage sits on a hilltop with 360º views over paradise.

Cottage Loreto is a tranquil place. The family that owns the estate also owns the villa 10 yards away. Occasionally and mostly during the summer, they come for a few days at a time with their small dog. When in residence, the pool and the garden with a ping pong table are shared. The other neighbor, 250 yards away, is hidden by woods.

The cottage comes with the original 17th-century, wood fired oven, a portable barbecue and a vine covered pergola for al fresco dining. External stone steps connect the cottage's two floors. Inside, the country décor offers thick, wood beamed ceilings, skylights, cotto floors, window screens and simple comfortable furnishings. The smaller ground floor bedroom is unheated and available only during the summer. Maid service may be requested at the time of booking.

The final approach to the home is along a mile and a half of unpaved bumpy road - a small price to pay for such a relaxing experience.

The undisturbed village of Acqualoreto, just over a mile away, has a charming osteria found within the walls of a castle. A 10 minute drive leads to Lake Corbara, Umbria's second largest lake. It is a haven for wildlife and heaven for birdwatchers and fishermen.

Also within a 10 minute drive is the village of Scoppieto, where archaeologists are currently unearthing an ancient Roman pottery furnace. Check it out.

Todi with its antique shops or Orvieto with its imposing Duomo, delicious wine and a labyrinth of Etruscan tunnels are both within scenic 20 minute drives; Perugia and its chocolate factory or Terni: 40; Roman Spoleto, Assisi's basilica or Cortona's Tuscan sun: 60; Rome, Siena or Florence: two hours.

If you prefer to make your day trip to Rome or Florence by rail, then drive to Orvieto and park at the train station situated at the foot of the hill town. Service to either city is frequent and takes only 90 minutes.

Technical Description
First floor: External stone steps lead to a furnished loggia. Entrance into living/dining room with fireplace, CD player and ceiling fan. Kitchen area with stove top, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine. One bedroom with a queen size bed, ceiling fan and en suite bathroom with shower. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds. One bathroom with tub and hand shower.

Ground floor: Entrance from an external covered portico into large bedroom with a queen bed, sitting area with stove top, minifridge and wood stove, doors to furnished patio and en suite bathroom with shower. Two steps down to an unheated bedroom with two single, joinable beds.