Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children under 5 No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
A gloriously positioned former priest's house, nestled in the hills of the Morra valley with magnificent renaissance views along two valleys and to hills in front. The house is beautifully secluded and tranquil yet very accessible to all the main attractions of the area, and only 2km from the village of Morra, with a full range of shops and excellent restaurant. The large freeform swimming pool has a fascinating grotto at one end. There are several terraces where meals are taken, all of which look onto the wonderful views.
Perhaps because of its religious provenance, and its Etruscan roots, the spirit and peace at Casa Schine affects almost every visitor.With its magnificent views, ancient structure, and quiet location, Casa Schine has proved a sanctuary of tranquillity for guests.
Casa Schine and the pool
The view from behind the house and chapel
A sunny lunch on the terrace
The 11th century chapel in sunlight
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/5582
The Umbria region
Casa Schine is situated 3km from the Tuscan/Umbrian borders in the beautiful tranquil foothills of the Appenines, along the Morra valley which leads to Cortona, Castiglion Fiorentino, Arezzo and Siena. The house is at the end of a 'white' gravel road which leads originally to the chapel which forms part of the property.The closest village is Morra, the closest small town is Trestina, with medaeival Citta di Castello and Perugia , Assis, Gubbio and San Sepolchro within easy access. Rome and Florence are both about 2 hours driving away. The central location of the house although in a completely rural situation, and its proximity to Italy's greatest towns and artistic treasures, makes it the perfect place for a holiday . The climate is a microclimate, and among local crops tobacco is grown, as well as the more usual olives and grape-vines. Of course, the wonderful sunflowers of Tuscany and Umbria are legendary, and can be seen in many of the fields in the area!
Citta Di Castello area
ATTRACTIONS OF THE AREA The lovely 'Green Heart of Italy', Umbria abounds with glorious mediaeval villages and towns. Foremost amongst these is the superlative rose-pink home of the patron saint of animals, St Francis, the city of Assisi. Both a religious shrine and a tourist centre of enormous impact, Assisi is a 'must' for visitors to Casa Schine. Considered the most unspoilt mediaeval city in Italy, Gubbio has nestled in its mountain setting over many centuries. The famous 'Festa Dei Ceri' takes place every May 5th and is un-missable. The wonderful stronghold of Perugia is an international centre, and sits over its fascinating underground city. Siena,San Gimignano, Cortona,and the beautiful Lake Trasimeno with a variety of beaches and excellent fish restaurants, are all within easy reach of the house. The charming medeival towns of Citta di Castello and Umbertide are the local market towns. IN JUNE 2008 THE OWNER IS OFFERING ART COURSES ALONG WITH CREATIVE WRITING COURSES WHICH WILL BE GIVEN BY A PROFESSIONAL AUTHOR. THE ARTISTS AND WRITERS WILL BE PAINTING IN THE AREA OF SINALUNGA NEAR SIENA. For further details please apply to the owner. EATING IN THE AREA Although the delights of the house and pool make eating 'at home' very enjoyable, there are some wonderful restaurants in the area. The local town of Trestina has several good restaurants and pizzerie, and the nearby village of Calzolaro has two excellent and well-situated restaurants .Our own village of Morra has a relatively new, and excellent, family-run reataurant and pizzeria. A little further away, a somewhat winding road will lead you to the mountain top village of Santa Maria in Teverina, where the menu, cooked by a charming couple in the walls of an old palace, will give you unforgettable memories of Ubrian cuisine at its best.Citta di Castello, and Umbertide have their own superb restaurants, and for fish, a trip to Lake Trasimeno is a 'must'!
How to get there
Cheap flights Ryanair/Easyjet to Perugia, Bologna, Rome(Ciampino) Car to house via national highways or superstradas
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Perugia: 30 km
Railway:
Castiglion Fiorentino/Arezzo: 30 km
Activities near Citta Di Castello
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (6), Double beds (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Accommodation Comprises: Four bedrooms, two bathroom/shower rooms. Lounge. dining room. Kitchen with dishwasher and microwave. Comfortably furnished with country antiques. Rustic character with original terracotta tiles, large wood-burning fireplace, and wood beams. Beams and tiles form unique'monks gallery' leading to upstairs bedrooms.
Further details outdoors: The freeform swimming pool, 6m x 14.2m has a fascinating grotto at one end. From the pool terrace lovely views to the hills opposite can be enjoyed from under the shade of an enormous fig tree, or the large pool umbrella. The 11th century chapel can be views from a charming small path, and from the poolside. The house itself has a large sun terrace with dining chairs and table for 8 people, Swing seatd by the pool and on the terrace enable guests to enjoy the views, or just to laze in the sun.
Further details
Swimming pool open from June onwards. Completely separate apartment occasionally occupied by the owner. Changeover days: Arrival on Saturdays after 3 pm . Departure Saturdays, 10 am. This allows the cleaners adequate time to clean between guests.
Conditions
Suitable for both large and small groups.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Winter-Low
2 Jan 08
16 Mar 08
500£ 500
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1 Week
Easter-2008
16 Mar 08
1 Apr 08
1260£ 1,260
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1 Week
Mid-season
1 Apr 08
8 Jun 08
1000£ 1,000
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1 Week
mid-high season
8 Jun 08
29 Jun 08
1500£ 1,500
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1 Week
High season
29 Jun 08
31 Aug 08
1600£ 1,600
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1 Week
mid-high season
31 Aug 08
26 Oct 08
1400£ 1,400
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0-
1 Week
51
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Special Low season and weekend break rates
Guestbook
GUEST BOOK 'Sorry to have taken so long before telling you just how much we all enjoyed, and fell in love with, your Casa Schine a few weeks ago. You should have heard our shouts of joy as we discovered each new, surprising, room, nook and cranny. My grandchildren were in the pool from the first minute, and almost night and day until we left. Your fireflies also put on unforgettable and spectacular displays for us once night descended. We thoroughly enjoyed Trestina and all the surrounding villages especially as we had to use our Italian, there we few English speakers around.We had a wonderful, unforgettable time. We took hundreds of photos, and between us we saw all of the things we wanted and planned to see. We also relaxed and read lots of books to ourselves and to each other. Thank you for letting us have Casa Schine, and thank God for the washing up machine, we ate so well, and outside all the time. Unforgettable, is the only word I can use which sums up Casa Schine.' Arthur, Sue, Steven, Roz, Alfie & Matilda.
Hi Nikki, My name's Hannah and I'm one of the seven girls who stayed at your villa a few weeks ago. I just wanted to write to thank you for such well equipped accommodation. We had an absolutely brilliant holiday and thought the villa was beautiful. We spent most of our days lounging by the lovely pool. It's such a peaceful, picturesque setting, we couldn't have asked for more. The handbook was really helpful and we enjoyed a couple of the recommended restaurants. Thanks again for a brilliant holiday, Hannah
Dear Nikki Thanks for the use of your lovely house- we had a super week. The chapel was well used - lots of singing! and a bit of ping pong. The pool was absolutely beautiful - best we've had I think. Lovely lad came to clean it , Our 11 year old daughter discovered Agatha Christie and we let her borrow your book for the final week - hope you will forgive us as she was right in the middle! We had 2 super meals at the pizzaria - the folk were so lovely, and gave us flour and eggs to make batter for our fiori, as the shops were shut! What a wonderful country. Thanks again Catherine
Availability notes
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Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/5582
Contact details for home 5582
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Nikki Keep
Tel:
+44 (0)1737 217554
Fax:
+44 (0)1737 217554
Mobile:
+44 (0)778 7339532
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Contact Notes: Landline/email
Advertiser joined: 7 Mar 2005 This property added: 7 Mar 2005