The property
Just on the border of Tuscany, Pilari is an old Borgo only a short walk from the small market town of Mercatale.
The road on from Mercatale winds upwards through lovely countryside and you have stunning views of Lake Trasimeno and its islands.
There are wonderful views across the sunflower fields to the hills beyond, both from the apartments and from the swimming pool which has shady arbours for sitting under in the heat of the day.
The owners, who have lovingly restored these delightful old farmhouses, have provided plenty of lounging chairs around the swimming pool for a really relaxing stay.
Pilari is a marvellous place to unwind completely in glorious countryside, while also visiting the the sites of Umbria and Tuscany.
Up above the main farmhouse there are three newly restored apartments. Each apartment has a private terrace for sitting and eating out. It is only a a few steps to the attractively landscaped pool area, with its hydromassage spa area.
Cars are parked a little way off down the path so it always remains peaceful, though you can drive to the door for unloading.
The owner now speaks English, and farms this whole part of the valley as his family have done for centuries. He produces excellent wine which I am sure you will sample while you are there.
It is well positioned for exploring the wonderful cities of Assissi, Gubbio and Perugia. Only 20 minutes drive away is the famous Etruscan city of Cortona.
Mercatale di Cortona is tenminutes walking distance from the property and has a selection of shops, two banks with cashpoint machines, two supermarkets, three bars, a chemist, a post office, restaurant and other services.
The apartments
The Pilari apartments are in the ancient village that is the heart of this farm and its origins are lost in the distant past. The oldest part of the village was built as a watch tower of Pierle castle near the XIII century. This castle was a very important fortress in Valle di Pierle. The watch tower base was cut out of the rock and you can still see this in the wall of the cellar. Over time the tower became a farm house and the owner added other rooms so the house grew.
The restored apartments are at the rear of the farmhouse and it is only a few years since it was occupied by the last ‘contadino’ and his animals . This apartment is called CASTAGNOLO because that was his nickname.
Another apartment was the stable (STALLA) and the other was a TABACCAIA (a big oven for drying tobacco leaves).
These three apartments are on three different levels because the house was built up the slope.
Stalla (sleeps 2) is on the first level (ground floor) and it was the old stable. Next the entrance there is a stone ring in the wall where people tied their horse or the cow. In the bedroom the bed is put on the old manger. In the apartment there is a the sitting room with corner kitchen, a double bedroom, the bathroom with shower and a big veranda. In the kitchen there is a gas stove, electric oven and fridge freezer.
In each kitchen there is a gas stove, electric oven and fridge freezer and all you need for cooking. Each apartment has independent entrance and heating.
On all the verandas and terraces there are tables with chairs and sunbeds.
There is a laundry room with a washing machine and iron.
The Farm
The farm "Pilari" is located in a little valley, Val di Pierle (Pierle valley), near Lake Trasimeno and it is 118 acres (48 hectares) in size and is divided into areasgrowing Maize, Sunflowers, Wheat, an olive grove, a little vineyard and wood.
A few years ago it also produced Tabacco for cigarettes, this plant being very important for the valley economy. Tabacco has been grown here for a long time and its become a part of the history of the valley.
The most important products produced are red wine and olive oil both of which you can taste in the azienda.