Andrea’s Farmhouse Apartments (#143)
Delightful country farmhouse with swimming pool in picturesque and tranquil surroundings overlooking 10th century castle.
This beautifully restored farmhouse offers the best of the Tuscan countryside and yet is ideally located to explore this picturesque region rich in historical and cultural towns both in Umbria and Tuscany, many of which are within convenient proximity to the property.
The attractive gardens that surround the farmhouse and pool area are beautifully manicured reflecting the owners’ attention to detail, consistent also in the presentation and furnishing of each apartment. The 3 apartments may be rented individually alternatively larger groups may enjoy exclusive use of the entire property including the communal dining room located in a separate stone building opposite the farmhouse. Parties of up to 15 may comfortably enjoy a fully catered Tuscan feast or opt simply to breakfast all together on occasion.
The combination of the 60 cm width of the external walls along with the hilltop location mean that all rooms remain cool even during the hottest months of the Tuscan Summer making air-conditioning unnecessary while retaining the heat during the winter months.
La Valle [sleeps 4 - 6]
This apartment is located on the ground floor and derives it’s name from the breathtaking panoramic view over the entire Pierle valley and Niccone river. The apartment enjoys a private entrance off the lower garden and consists of two double bedrooms, a dining/living room complete with sofa bed and features an open fireplace along with fully equipped kitchen and well appointed bathroom.
Il Monte [sleeps 4 - 5]
Situated on the upper floor of the farmhouse, this apartment enjoys an unobstructed view over the wood covered hills surrounding the historical castle.
Il Monte features two double bedrooms, dining/living room complete with sofa bed plus open fireplace along with fully equipped kitchen and well appointed bathroom. This apartment has also been carefully restored retaining the characteristic chestnut beamed ceilings and is furnished in the traditional Tuscan style. The independent apartment entrance hosts a patio furnished with an outdoor table and chairs for enjoyable meals in four al fresco.
La Loggia [sleeps 2 - 4]
Located on the upper level of the farmhouse this apartment features a traditional loggia that leads to the apartment’s independent entrance. This charming covered dining area is perfect for romantic breakfasts and understandably is regularly booked by newlyweds honeymooning in Tuscany! Indeed the apartment’s name is derived from this small but most beautiful arcade protecting the entrance. The view over to the immense castle from the loggia is particularly magnificent. This apartment hosts one double bedroom with a sofa/divan in the living room that converts into 2 single beds, an open fireplace, fully equipped kitchen and once again very well appointed bathroom.
All the apartments are complete with satellite TV, telephone and dial up internet connection.
Cortona
Originally a powerful Etruscan walled city, it was conquered by the Romans and later by the Goths before it was liberated during the 12th century.
The historic centre of Cortona features steep and narrow stone-paved alleyways and several medieval and Renaissance palaces, an impressive Cathedral and many other churches well worth visiting.
The upper part of the town features a medieval fortress with truly panoramic vistas of the surrounding area, whilst to the north-east just outside the city walls, you may visit Le Celle, an historical convent founded by San Francesco in 1211. Also well worth a visit is Lake Trasimeno which may be easily reached by car from Lisciano Niccone up the old road leading to the Cima di Tuoro where you may enjoy a stunning view of the Lake and islands.
The Castle
The significant castle just 300m from the property, was built prior to the 10th century and the history of the valley is strongly linked to that of the castle. It was owned by the Marquises of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, a powerful family that owned several other major castles in Tuscany and Umbria during the same period.
Records show that in 1325 the castle was handed over to Degli Oddi of Perugia by the conqueror Visconti. In 1372 the castle was rebuilt by the lords of Cortona after which the castle experienced a turbulent period. The Duke of Tuscany in 1576 ordered the destruction of the castle to free the region from marauding bands who terrorised the population in the latter half of the 16th century.
The Rates
The apartments are generally rented on a weekly basis but may subject to availability be rented on a daily basis for a minimum of 3 nights.
| Weekly rate in EUROs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| High Season | Shoulder Season | Low Season | |
| La Valle [sleeps 4] | 1,150 | 950 | 750 |
| Il Monte [sleeps 4] | 1,150 | 950 | 750 |
| La Loggia [sleeps 2] | 880 | 640 | 510 |
*An additional 5 guests (OR additional 1-2 guests in each apartment) may be accommodated between the 3 apartments; rate to be negotiated at the time of booking.
The weekly rates are inclusive of power, gas and weekly cleaning but exclude any central heating costs.