Your holiday home is just outside San Mamiliano, a tiny medieval hamlet in the breathtaking Valnerina area of southern Umbria, far off the beaten tourist track, yet within easy reach of the main sites. The accommodation is part of a typical Umbrian 'casale', a splendid villa which probably dates back to the 16th century, and possibly much further. There are two self-catering apartments, restored to a very high standard. The house is set in its own extensive grounds, just outside the village. The property has an unusually large swimming pool, with stunning views over the surrounding hills and valleys. Particularly suitable for two families or groups of friends.
This beautiful and unspoilt corner of Umbria has something to offer all year round. You can roast chestnuts by the fire in Autumn, eat new olive oil (and watch it being made) on bruschetta in Winter, pick wild asparagus from the hillsides in Spring and have barbecues round the pool in Summer (lit for night-time swims). Here, you won't find coach loads of tourists. Nor will you find yourself sitting next to other holidaymakers when you eat out at the excellent country trattorias, of which there are a number within easy reach. There are spectacular walks and horse riding, tennis, canoeing and white water rafting (including some descents suitable for children) all available nearby. There are also many little known local treasures, which the owners will be glad to point out. These include the highest waterfalls in Europe, an exquisite 7th century frescoed abbey and several abandoned hilltop villages, which can be reached on foot and are idyllic spots for a picnic. Also ideally situated to explore other parts of central Italy, including day trips to Rome and Florence.
Further details indoors
With its original stone walls, beamed ceilings and terracotta floors, La Loggia is a very appealing place to spend a holiday, and great care has been taken in its restoration. The living room is part of the ancient foundations of the house, with a lovely divan literally gouged out of the rock and scattered with cushions. The kitchen has all modern appliances, including dishwasher and washing machine, but retains plenty of original features and is furnished in traditional style. The master bedroom is a lovely airy room with a four-poster bed and beautiful hand painted furniture. It has restful views out across the hills and valleys. The second bedroom, a twin, is smaller, but very light and attractive, with French windows which open on to similar views. The bathroom is large and inviting, with original stone walls and hand painted tiles around the separate bathtub and shower unit. Outside, a pretty shaded veranda offers the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink.
Further details outdoors
Lovely as the interior is, for many of our guests, it is the outside that makes this property so special -- the unbelievable views, the swallows dipping down over the pool at sunset, the fireflies putting on a spectacular show in late May, June, the smell of the wild flowers on the hillsides and the sound of the nightingales as you eat dinner down by the pool. The house is set in its own extensive grounds, and guests have the use of all of them. There are plenty of areas to sit, read, eat or sunbathe, depending on whether you want sun or shade. The property has an unusually large swimming pool, with stunning views over the surrounding hills and valleys.San Mamiliano is the perfect place for a family holiday, and children will receive an especially warm welcome. But it is also a very romantic setting and an ideal place to chill out and de-stress. When Italian-English owners Mario, Clare are in residence (in a separate part of the property, most weekends and the summer), we do our best to give guests all the space and privacy they want. But we are also happy to help out in any way, by pointing out special places to visit, booking trattorias or advising on the best places to buy good local products such as olive oil and truffles. Clare will be happy to take guests horse-riding on the beautiful mountains nearby, while Mario is always pleased to chat about one his favourite subjects -- wine. Although the pool is shared, it is an unusually large one, with plenty of room in and out of the water. Many of our guests return year after year.
This part of Umbria is stunning in Spring and Autumn too and we offer guests a warm welcome year-round. Ask about out special offer packages which can be tailored to suit and can last just a few days or more. They can be based on self-catering or B&B, with optional dinner. These breaks may include: spectacular walks (self-guided or with guide) to abandoned hill villages or mountains with 360 degree views, complete with delicious picnic provided; a fascinating session watching a truffle-hunting dog search in the woods for what is known locally as the black gold; a visit to a winery to taste some excellent wines in beautiful Montefalco. We can also offer horse riding and even cooking lessons from a Spoleto chef who will teach you how to prepare a meal based on local ingredients, including fresh pasta and truffles (you can agree the menu together), which you will then eat with superb local wines.