Antica Quercia Verde

The setting between Val d'Orcia and Umbria made it easy for us to explore both Tuscany and Umbria, and the pool view is hard to beat. Our cottage was cozy, the property beautiful, and Josiane was such a kind host. She arranged a lovely wine tasting and degustazione lunch for us. This place was the highlight of our trip, and I found a real sense of peace here. I hope I can return someday. Highly recommend!

Josiane and Pietro looked after us so well, and the hosts were warm, gracious, and accommodating. We had the time of our lives at this farm in a beautiful part of Tuscany. The views are breathtaking, there are lovely walking paths, the pool is really great, and the food is superb. We can't say enough good things about the place.

The farm is deeply rooted in agricultural history, and staying in this quiet, beautiful landscape feels like a real privilege. Please go and stay with my friend Josiane. I think you'll leave grateful for the place, your holiday, and Italy. It's family friendly, has a pool, English speaking hosts, and great walks nearby. Antica Quercia Verde is Josiane's agriturismo near Cortona, on a hillside in the striking countryside between Arezzo and Siena. The restored farmhouse and three guest dwellings sit close together, with traditional stonework and thoughtful design that gives guests their own private, self-contained spaces. Waking up to views over the valley towards Cortona helps me understand why Josiane never left. The place really gets under your skin. I met young travellers who came back each year to help with the harvest, and they had matching little oak tree tattoos under their ribs to mark their connection to it. Josiane is warm, kind, and knows this land deeply. She makes everyone feel welcome. Her award-winning olive oil comes from the ancient trees on her property, and it's extraordinary. You can taste the hard work and contentment she puts into this place. Cortona itself is a hill town with history and culture, and its museum is there for good reason. It covers Etruscan ruins from before the Roman Empire, and there are regular exhibitions around town and at the fortress/castle at the top of the hill. I've shared some incredible local food and wine here, at Josiane’s, at nearby restaurants, and at seasonal festivals focused on particular produce. I also like returning to Le Celle, one of the most quietly moving places. It's the first monastery built by St. Francis of Assisi (1211), developed over centuries around a small natural cave beside a waterfall. St Francis of Assisi used to walk across the hills to retreat there. The monks still lovingly preserve it, and there's a lovely forest walk in the grounds.

Josiane's family-style welcome is the best part, along with the pool, barbecue, and organic garden she looks after. She makes excellent olive oil and saffron, and I got to try her cooking during a short class. The farmhouse is in San Martino, surrounded by greenery, with a little stream nearby whose gentle sound is lovely during a stay. A woodland path leads uphill to the Celle di San Francesco, and Cortona is 10 minutes away by car. It's a great place to spend a few quiet days, away from TV and Wi-Fi. If you'd like to explore, it's also a handy base for Tuscany and beyond: Arezzo, Perugia, Lake Trasimeno, and Montepulciano are 30 minutes away, while Siena, Florence, Orvieto, Pienza, and Montalcino are an hour away.