Quercia Rossa

Rooms

There are six rooms (two Superior, four Deluxe), all with TV, mini fridges and independent access to the garden. Deluxe rooms get air conditioning, safes, hairdryers and DVD players too.

The colours after which they are named (Amber, Violet, Indigo, Purple, Lilac, Orange) were drawn from a list scribbled on an old newspaper found among an auction lot of vintage furniture - but are nowhere near as garish as the palette suggests. With plain walls, beamed ceilings and brick floors, each room is simply but beautifully furnished with ornate Victorian beds, rugs (or cow-hides), plump velvet cushions and one or two pieces of antique furniture (a French-polished sideboard, for example, or a shabby-chic leather armchair). Shut out the morning light with original shutters or metallic Venetian blinds. Jungle-print throws on kingsized beds, gilt-framed mirrors, and red silk or white glass shades on brass lamps add a touch of glamour.

Bathrooms feature trough-like stone basins, made from enfero, a coarse material used in Etruscan funeral urns. All have bathtubs with a hand-held shower attachment, except for Lilac and Orange, which just have showers.

For space go for Purple, for views go for Violet or Indigo (on the upper floor). Both Amber and Violet have small mansardas with extra single beds. Lilac and Orange - the two Superiors, a double and twin, both in a restored outhouse - open onto an elegant loggia furnished with table, settle and candelabra.