La Casa Piccola, a perfect base for exploring the best of Umbria.
This delightful country house is set on the lower slopes of Mt Subasio, a regional park, in the area known as the green heart of Italy. It is in a quiet rural setting in the midst of attractive countryside, surrounded by woods, olive groves and vineyards, yet only a short distance from Assisi and other historic Umbrian towns. It is one of a group of four houses, with Italian country people as its neighbours. The Australian/English owners are sometimes in residence next door and are available to help with any local information you may need. The house has every comfort, with attractive modern and antique furniture and a new kitchen. The living room with satellite television (with Sky), CD player, books etc and the separate kitchen are on the ground floor. The house has a Wi-Fi connection. The three bedrooms (two King-size double, one single) and bathroom on the lower ground floor. There is also a wood-floored inner balcony room with stairs leading up from the ground floor which has a day bed, desk, book shelves etc. The rest of the floors have terracotta tiles. The front of the house looks out over the garden and from the back there are views over the wooded valley. This house suits two to five people best and a good-sized child's cot is also available. All towels, bed linen etc are included.
Why Umbria?
Umbria is one of Italy's best-kept secrets a delightful region of wooded hills and green valleys, ancient hill towns and historic castles, yet it is not over-run with tourists. Its historic beauty is combined with the modern facilities the holidaymaker seeks: excellent restaurants, busy markets and stylish shopping. La Casa Piccola is set in the best of the Umbrian countryside, surrounded by wooded slopes and small olive groves and vineyards. It is in a peaceful area without being too remote. Walkers will enjoy the marked trails where you can take off for an hour or two with only birdsong for company and where there are wonderful views over the unspoiled hills and valleys.
Armenzano and Assisi
The local village is a mediaeval walled town two kilometres from the house. Assisi itself is a World Heritage site, with ancient pink-stoned buildings and some wonderful attractions, including the magnificent Basilica of St Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto. A little further afield is sophisticated Perugia, a university town with a range of attractions including elegant clothes shops, restaurants, museums etc. and a jazz festival every July. Gubbio, Spoleto, Spello, Siena and Arezzo are all within easy reach and Lake Trasimeno, with its ferry trips, beaches and fish restaurants is only 45 minutes away. There are two excellent restaurants serving typical Umbrian food two kilometres from the house, as well as dozens more in and around Assisi. A number of good supermarkets are within easy reach. There are several antique markets held monthly in the area. Many visitors will be interested in the sites in the area associated with St Francis and St Clare.