This spacious, meticulously restored and maintained apartment is centrally situated on the pedestrian thoroughfare of the picturesque Tuscan hilltop town of Pienza. Housed in a 15th century Cardinal's Palace, it combines all modern comforts with the traditional architectural features of the past. The sleeping quarters are all set to the rear of the building and a delightful little rooftop terrace affords spectacular panoramic views over Pienza's red-tiled roofs and magnificent surrounding countryside.

Centrally heated throughout, this comfortable, bright, second-floor apartment also comprises a self-contained attic extension under the pitched roof. As it is located in one of the tallest houses in the street, it enjoys privileged upper-storey views, both from its windows and terrace. The kitchen and bathrooms have all been stylishly renovated using high-quality local materials - such as travertine marble, attractive wood and tilework and wrought-iron features - and incorporate every modern-day convenience.

The interior design is characterized by the typically Tuscan terracotta-tiled/beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls and terracotta-tiled floors of previous centuries, and even includes some delicate floral fresco-work on the corridor walls.

		La gioia non è nelle cose, è in noi. - Richard Wagner -
		Ascolta con il cuore, e capirai. - Pocahontas -
		L'amore fa vedere le cose diversamente da come sono. - Friedrich Nietzsche -

ACCOMMODATION: At street-level, you step into an impressive communal hallway, with high, decorated-wood ceilings. Proceeding up some stone steps and passing beneath the little bell formerly used to wake the household, you reach the apartment's outer glass doors. From here a superb flight of polished travertine-marble stairs brings you up to an internal entrance-door, which directly accesses the integrated lounge/kitchen. This room is spacious and bright, having three windows looking out to the front. Furnishings include a dining table, armchairs and TV, with an archway leading open-plan into the modern fitted kitchen-alcove.

This features wooden cupboard-units; attractively tiled splashbacks and worksurfaces; a glass-fronted dresser; gas-hob and extractor fan; electric oven; and dishwasher. A door opens out from the lounge into the self-contained sleeping quarters to the back of the house, which comprise the following: central corridor with cloakroom; one large double bedroom, appointed with elegant antique wooden furniture (extra single bed on request); modern, stylishly fitted bathroom with bathtub and hand-held shower.

Another door partitioning the corridor leads to the second self-contained night-time section, comprising a large double bedroom and modern, elegantly fitted bathroom with shower cubicle.

From the lounge, a wooden staircase with wrought-iron banister proceeds up to the converted, third-floor attic, under the pitched roof. Here there is a large double bedroom, whose low-set window boasts exceptional views out over the historic town-hall tower and cathedral bell-tower of Pienza. Across the landing there is a modern fitted bathroom with shower.

A little utility room accommodates the washing-machine and ironing equipment.
Please note: This top-floor extension is unsuitable for young children, owing to its height and easily accessible windows.

A final steep wooden staircase, somewhat akin to a step-ladder, Il Rossellino - apartment in Pienza in Tuscany issues on to the idyllic little tiled rooftop sunterrace, which is securely enclosed by wrought-iron railings. The all-round bird's-eye views enjoyed from up here extend across Pienza's red-tiled rooftops to embrace the wooded farmland beyond, the medieval hilltop towns of Montisi and Montepulciano, as well as Mount Amiata on the far horizon.

HISTORY: Pienza was founded by Pope Pious II in 1460 and it was he who had the original Cardinal's Palace built, of which this apartment now forms a part. Cardinals from Rome were lodged in these fine houses, which remained in the Church's possession. The accommodation was sited on the town's main Corso, just a stone's throw away from the central square, on which the cathedral stands. The architect, nicknamed "Il Rossellino", has given his name to this apartment.

Supplying fresh water to the noble household, an ancient well was once located in the basement of this imposing historic building.

Fanny, Tonino, Alex Thank you for the wonderful place to stay. Pienza is a Beautiful tour and hope to see you again. Cindy and Beverly TEXAS - Ciao!