May take pets - please enquire Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Campodinca is a large, very peaceful farmhouse which the owner, a London-based writer, restored for his own use 30 years ago. It is on the borders of Tuscany and Umbria, 20 kms along a high, picturesque mountain road from the historic town of Cortona, a mini Florence. The house sits on the side of what the locals call ‘the secret valley’ on its own 18 acres of forest. It overlooks fields and woodland providing one of the most spectacular views in rural Italy.
Four arched double doors one on to the valley. At one end there is a dining kitchen with a fireplace. The other three arches one up a sitting room with a double-sided fireplace (an architect’s delight that’s not very effective in winter!), and beyond is a large ‘games area’ with a table tennis table. Running the length of the house is a mezzanine-level corridor, which has a double bedroom next door to its own bathroom, with bath and shower. Further along, there is a toilet room, and at the other end of the ground floor a single bedroom, which has a beautiful outlook, but is sparsely furnished and not used.
Up the stairs, there is a second sitting room with the original fireplace and a balcony, a bathroom (again, with bath and shower), a toilet and two double bedrooms, each with shuttered French windows opening on to the balcony. From here, you can enjoy an incomparable view, virtually at the foot of your bed.
You can eat along the long trestle table (made by a local craftsman) in the kitchen which easily seats six to eight. Or you eat out on the patio, or terrace, which is furnished with a table, chairs and swing seat – perfect for sitting out in the sun or watching the stars. The nights in summer are balmy and the only noise is the clicking of crickets, or the barking of a farm dog.
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/28387
The Tuscany region
The Tuscan region has, for many, come to symbolise what is great about Italy. An area of huge cultural significance as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is steeped in history and offers the rare combination of superb medieval towns and cities (Siena, Pisa, Florence, Chianti, to name a few) and archetypal rural tranquility, with rolling hills, vineyards and traditional farms abounding.
Wonderful islands and beaches dot the coast, and the rivers and spas that run inland through the valleys contrast with, and add beatuy to the landscape itself. The Tuscan cuisine is simply legendary, and a great choice of modern activities complement the more historic attractions, firmly cementing the region's appeal with native Italians and holidaymakers alike.
Cortona / Val di Chiana area
What Campodonica offers is a rare opportunity for city-stressed people to unwind in peace and tranquillity. One of the reasons for the lovely atmosphere is that the original features of the house have been deliberately retained; where changes have been made they are done with respect for the original feel of the house.
The arches at the front are crafted in handmade Roman bricks identical to those of two millennia ago. The bonus of the house is its proximity to Cortona, a centre of Renaissance art and one of the most exciting Etruscan discoveries in Italy. The Piazza della Repubblica is one of the finest squares in Italy and the restaurants excellent. The great centres of Italy – Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Perugia and Assisi – are all within an easy day trip.
The house is managed by Mariella Armando who speaks English. Her numbers, dialled locally, are 0349 7186935 or 0333 7634241.
How to get there
You can fly to a number of cities:
From Rome and Piza, the house is about a three and a half hour drive. Or take a train to Camucia, and it’s about 45 minutes’ drive. Fly to Bologna and it’s slightly less.
The shortest air/drive journey is Ryanair to Perugia from Stansted. Perugia is just over an hour’s drive to the house.
Europcar is probably the best deal at these airports.
A map of how to reach the house from the nearest main towns, Camucia and Cortona, is available on letting.
Activities near Cortona
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire
General:
Table tennis
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Iron
Utilities:
Cooker, Fridge, Freezer
Rooms:
Bedrooms (3), Bathrooms (2), WCs (2)
Furniture:
Single beds (1), Double beds (3), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 5, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Please check with with the owner regarding linen and towels.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, Swing set
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: This is an elegant restored farmhouse; the furniture is simple and comfortable and the joy of being here is the magnificent setting and the quiet. The houses matches its surroundings; it was never meant to have the trappings of an elaborate villa; there is no TV (you won’t miss it) and no phone.
There is an iron and ironing board, but no washing machine. There is plenty of linen, which you change yourself. Best to bring pool towels. The efficient boiler gives out hot water for two good showers in a row, then you have to wait. The water running through the tap runs down the hill and is pure.
Further details outdoors: Fruit trees and vines reach to the first terrace, spilling down to cultivated land worked by the Italian family who live half a mile away. The valley has many walks. Unlike in England, you can walk anywhere and explore up the forests which cover the hillsides. A walk down to the floor of the valley reaches a cool running stream – though global warming is having its effects. You see rabbits and foxes at night, and you may spot a wild boar.
At the top of the road (5 minutes’ drive or a pleasant walk) is a superb restaurant, serving local food. In the village is a petrol station and a grocery shop (not very good; the shops at Portole or San Leo Bastia are better).
It should be emphasised that this is not a ‘villa’. It does not have a swimming pool, although there are two fine pools not far away: my favourite (with restaurant and bar) at Camucia, half an hour’s drive away. This is ‘Seven Points’. I go there almost every day. The other pool is at San Leo Bastia, 20 minutes’ drive. There is also excellent swimming at the Lido at Lake Tresimino, 40 minutes drive.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Spring, Summer, Autumn (B
21 May 08
31 Dec 08
525£ 525
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1 Week
01
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Not suitable for Winter bookings.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/28387
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/28387
Contact details for home 28387
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
John Pilger
Tel:
+44 208 6732848
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Languages:
Advertiser joined: 22 May 2007 This property added: 22 May 2007
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