In the early 80's, the people of Murlo were the subject of a study by researchers from the universities of Stanford and Turin. Their goal was to trace the origins of modern Italians back to their Etruscan or earlier roots. In the outskirts of Siena, they found DNA links to the past, untouched by migrations and unlike those found anywhere else in Italy.

A downhill walk, just under a mile from this comfortable home leads to the center of Casciano di Murlo. Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or an evening pizza in the company of real life Etruscans. You will find they are just as friendly as ordinary Italians, maybe more so, since they were here first.

Gated and fenced, Villetta Decoro sits in a residential area of similar, newly constructed homes. An outdoor area in front of the home has a barbecue and is equipped for dining al fresco. Inside, this smoke-free home offers comfortable furnishings, paintings by the artist/owner, screened windows and a European VCR with a collection of English movies. For those bringing a laptop, a wireless connection may be activated for a one-time fee, upon request. Cleaning service may be requested when booking.

Villetta Decoro makes for an affordable base to explore Siena and its southern environs. The convenient village of Casciano di Murlo is within a leisurely stroll and has three cafés, two pizzerie, a butcher, a baker and a grocery shop. By car, Murlo with its archaeological museum is a 15 minute drive; Siena: 25; Monteriggioni: 30; the red wines of Montalcino: 45; Pienza: 60; Cortona, Volterra or the Tuscan coast: 80; Florence, Montepulciano or Arezzo: 90.

Technical Description
First floor: Living/dining room with fireplace, TV, CD player and doors to French balcony. Kitchen with stove top, oven, microwave, fridge and dishwasher. Study. Three bedrooms each with a queen size bed. One bathroom with shower. One bathroom with tub and hand shower.

Basement: Laundry room with washing machine.