La Dogana, our centuries old farmhouse (one time Customs post), sits secluded in its own gently sloping grounds astride the old border between Tuscany and Umbria in the heart off Renaissance Italy. The garden merges seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. While the house is by no means isolated, it is completely private and has a special aura of peace and tranquillity.

Roses, lavender, honeysuckle and rosemary scent the air. Wild flowers abound - many varieties of orchid in early summer. Birds galore - goldfinches, harriers, redstarts, buzzards, long tailed tits and many more. Butterflies, lizards, fireflies, hares, black squirrels, hedgehogs, porcupines and wild boar share the property.

Steps lead past rose clad pergolas, shade giving trees and flower beds to the 'salt water' swimming pool. There are exceptional views over the painting studio and up across a patchwork of fields and woods to the hilltop village of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina.