In the rolling countryside of Cortona deep in the heart of Tuscany, your host Raffaele Nobile has restored an impressive 19th Century villa. Set in tranquil gardens in a beautiful rural setting, the villa complete with Moorish windows creates an impressive landmark.

Five beautifully restored and fully air conditioned luxury apartments are now available, each uniquely decorated in the Tuscan style. Each apartment offers kitchen and dining facilities, Living area and seperate bedrooms and bathroom. An apartment with full disabled access and facilities is also available.

You can rent an apartment for your leisure and enjoyment OR you can take part in painting workshops, for 7, 10 and 14 days. where on a typical day you will paint for most of the morning, either in the grounds or out on location. At various times during the workshops there will be demonstrations by the tutor. The afternoon will provide more opportunities to continue the morning’s work.

For painting holidays, all your meals are provided in the price, either making use of the best local produce and specialities at the villa, or out and about at good quality restaurants.

Each morning a healthy breakfast is provided iincluding fresh croissants, cereals, yoghurts and a selection of seasonal fruits. Lunch will be a relaxed affair – perhaps a picnic lunch at the villa or on location, or at a local trattoria. Evening meals will be a mix of barbecues or dinners at the villa, and there will be some evening meals at quality restaurants in Cortona.

Non-painting partners will be welcomed to enjoy our wonderful settings, excellent meals, wines and excursions such as thermal baths, important historic sights and wine tasting – you can learn some Italian cooking, or even book a private massage at the villa – or you can simply relax and enjoy our surroundings and the pool.

DISTANCES:  Villa Nobile is excellently placed, just 2 minutes exit from the A1 at Foiano della Chiana, perfect. and 1 hour from Florence, Rome  2 hours.  Just 10 minutes to famous Cortona with its rich cultural heritage, fantastic restaurants, theatre, events and all major historic sights within 30 minutes-1hour drive -Siena,  Montepulciano, Montalcino,  Lake Trasimeno, Assisi, Perugia, Todi, Orvieto.  For further information and prices, please leave a comment below or email june.clayton@livinginitaly.co.uk