A treat to find this house in the north Maremma. After a long, winding track, two big wooden gates; ring the bell and they swing open to reveal a tree-lined drive. This is a typical Tuscan, late 1800s farmhouse turned into a delightful B&B where you feel as though you are visiting friends. Downstairs, a huge dining table for breakfasts of fresh, home-baked pastries and seasonal fruits, and an open fire for winter. Upstairs are the bedrooms, two looking out to sea, all with their own terrace and a view. Painted white and cream, they have linen curtains, wooden floors, furniture made to the owners’ design, candles, fresh fruit and vintage wooden pegs hung with an antique shawl. Bathrooms, too, are perfect. For longer stays there are two little private cottages in the garden, comfortable with open fires, dishwashers and beams. You are surrounded by cypresses, vines, flowers, herbs, 2,000 olive trees and seven hectares of woodland. This is a magical place, five minutes from the historic centre, 15 minutes from the sea and blissfully free of newspapers and TV.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Swallow Cottage. It is absolutely charming. The rooms are spacious, beautifully furnished and equipped with only the highest quality fittings. The private terrace overlooks the olive grove and there is also a small garden where you can sit and relax in the front of the cottage. The owner’s generosity and hospitality are overwhelming - everything you could ever need and more was provided. We have recommended Podere le Mezzelune to our family and friends - it’s a lovely place to stay.