Pieve Suites Pieve Suites consists of three spacious independent studio apartments inside a tastefully restored Medieval townhouse in a narrow flower-decked centro storico street in Città della Pieve. It’s not a hotel, nor a B&B: it’s three stylishly simple spaces for savvy independent travellers who relish the opportunity to get to grips with their surroundings. Inaugurated in January 2018, there is one individually decorated suite on each of three floors: perfect for couples singly, but ideal for groups if taken together with the Garden and/or Mid suites. All look out over the walls of the town to a beautifully framed Umbrian landscape. Pieve Suites is perfectly placed to help guests dive straight into an immersive Umbrian hill town experience. The sights and amenities of charming Città della Pieve are within easy walking distance, but private transport is essential if you're planning to explore the wider area. Though it's right in the heart of this bustling town, the townhouse is remarkably quiet – perfect for a good night's sleep. Ideal for travellers seeking the freedom of an fully independent self-contained unit along with a little curated attention when necessary, Pieve Suites offers not only a host – Anglo-Australian garden designer Anne Hanley – who is just a phonecall away to provide advice and and arrange experiences, but also a printed guide to Città della Pieve and environs, written by Anne, and sent to guests as a pdf download. As a rule, we don't accept children under 12 years old or stays of less than three nights, but please enquire because these rules are sometimes waived. Animals are not allowed. Top suite The bedroom of this duplex suite (43m2/52 sq yd including mezzanine) nestles right underneath one of Città della Pieve’s characteristic terracotta roofs: we’ve placed a skylight so you can watch clouds scud by and wish on shooting stars (though there’s a black-out blind if you’d prefer to sleep…). Crisp cotton sheets in summer and duvets in winter ensure a good night’s sleep. Optimum guest comfort is assured by this panoramic suite’s fully adjustable air-conditioning/heating units – one on each level. In the downstairs living area, full-length French doors open on to a gorgeous view of the rolling Umbrian countryside, with chestnut-clad Monte Arale in the distance: you can admire it as you enjoy breakfast or an aperitivo at the table we’ve placed by the window. This is the only one of our suites which can accommodate one or possibly two extra guests (extra charge): the comfortable sofa can be made into a full-sized double bed. Città della Pieve and the surrounding area offers a wide array of restaurants, wine bars and cafés, but when eating out doesn’t appeal, guests can whip up simple meals in the suite's well equipped kitchenette which has a kettle, espresso coffee machine, sink, fridge and two induction hobs. Tea, coffee, tisanes and essential kitchen supplies are provided. The Top Suite’s bathroom has a roomy shower, a radiator for keeping towels warm and organic toiletries produced in Umbria. NB The Top suite is on the second (US third) floor, and there is a further steep ramp of steps from the living room/bathroom area up to the bedroom. There is no lift/elevator. Città della Pieve This walled Umbrian town close to the region’s border with Tuscany, is an under-the-radar holiday and long-weekend destination with a real insider cachet. Stroll through its medieval lanes, past ancient chapels, al fresco trattoria tables and rows of charming townhouses in warm, weathered brick, and it’s not difficult to understand why so many visitors, both Italian and international, have ended up falling in love with the place and moving here for all or part of the year. At the centre of a food and wine region that stretches into Tuscany and northern Lazio, Città della Pieve boasts some of central Italy’s best olive oil, just one element of the genuine, market-fresh local cuisine offered in a range of local restaurants and wine bars. With a glorious small theatre from the 19th century and a thriving music and art scene, it offers cultural distractions all through the year. Lovers of the outdoor life will embrace the walking, cycling and horse-riding opportunities on offer in the iconic landscapes of these Umbrian-Tuscan borderlands. Yoga courses, cooking lessons and spa packages at the nearby hot-spring resort of San Casciano dei Bagni can all be advised on. And the cultural, environmental and culinary magnets of Perugia, Siena, Orvieto, Lake Trasimeno and the Val d’Orcia are all an hour or less away by car. But above all, this is a place to kick back, unplug and enter into the gentler rhythms and generous community spirit of one of Italy’s most enjoyable small towns.