Of all the time I spent researching Italy, the most time was devoted to finding a small town in Tuscany to spend a few days relaxing.

We knew Rome, Florence and Venice were going to be go, go, go, and we couldn’t do that for three weeks straight. I wanted something low key for a break in between.So my goal was a “home away from home” for the 5 days I planned for this portion of the trip.

The White House in Orvieto fit that bill perfectly — a beautiful one bedroom flat just a couple minutes’ walk from anywhere you’d want to be, even if it meant three flights of narrow steps.

Our host Luigi was great. He picked us up at the Funicular and drove us the short distance to the appartamento.

After a quick and personal check in — a blessing after my frustrations with the online check in at our place in Polignano a Mare — Luigi said “message me if you need anything” and promptly left us alone to enjoy our stay.

The White House has a small kitchen so you don’t have to eat out all the time, though with all the great restaurants here, I’m not sure why you’d bother.

One thing I haven’t seen a bathtub anywhere on this trip, and here is no exception. But the bathroom is spacious, has a nice sized shower and is also equipped with a bidet.

The bedroom was spacious with lots of storage, a nice comfy bed and even a bit of a view.

The living room is very nicely decorated and they have provided a decent library with books in various languages. There’s also a small TV , but we didn’t come to Italy to sit in front of the tube. .WiFi is provided as is a Nespresso machine and a selection of coffees and teas.

Everything one needs to feel like you are at home. Even a washing machine, though no dryer

.We ended up having a wonderful stay — four days in the end, having decided to give ourselves an extra day in Florence.

Luigi also picked us up and returned us to the Funicular when we left. He couldn’t have been a better host.

If you’re visiting Orvieto and looking for something a little more personal than a hotel, I highly recommend The White House