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La Dogana, our centuries old farmhouse, which we converted in 1990, sits secluded in its own gently sloping grounds astride the old border between Tuscany and Umbria in the heart of Renaissance Italy. While it is by no means isolated, it is utterly private and has a special aura of peace and tranquility. Rosemary, lavender and honeysuckle scent the air. Steps lead past rose clad pergolas, shade giving trees and flower beds to the 'salt water' swimming pool (with a refrigerator for the cool vino bianco). There are exceptional views taking in our painting studio and stretching upwards across a patchwork of woods and fields to the hilltop village of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina.
The restoration maintains many of the original features, including the outside bread oven, tiled floors, archways and beamed ceilings.
The house is our home for much of the year. It has given us and many friends untold pleasure. We have a deep love of La Dogana and the surrounding area, its beauty, its culture, its people and its food.
There is Wi-Fi INTERNET.
The level of furnishing and equipment reflects our high standards. Everything you are likely to need is there. There is a good supply of books (including guide books). Also jigsaw puzzles and board, and other, games.
There is a mass of space for ten people.
The pool area, with teak furniture, is shaded by trees, pergolas and umbrellas. The filtration system for the pool gives the water a salty flavour (no nasty chlorine!) There is a boules pitch and a ping pong, fussball and darts room. There are wonderful walks direct from the house.
A delightful and immensely efficient English couple live nearby and look after the house, pool and garden. There has never yet been a problem that they could not solve.
No matter what you are seeking - culture, hilltop villages, countryside, sightseeing, sport or just relaxation - La Dogana is an ideal spot.
We have been letting for 15 years and are delighted to welcome so many "returners." The UK school holiday weeks are usually booked many months ahead - but we think the best weeks are in June and September (when prices are seductively lower).
Everyday shopping is in Lerchi, a village less than ten minutes away. Citta di Castello, 15 minutes drive, is an ancient town famous for truffles and antique furniture. It has a wide choice of family run restaurants, supermarkets, banks and every kind of shop - with the friendliest of people.
Quite apart from the amazing art of the area, the countryside, towns and hilltop villages of Umbria and Tuscany make for wonderful expeditions. There are many friendly restaurants with great local dishes and wines - at small cost.
The 'artigiano' is held in high regard in Italy. Family run olive oil mills, linen made "in the old way," leather bound books and lace making can all be seen in the making nearby.
ACTIVITIES
SPORT: Tennis is in the village. There is a championship golf course half an hour away (REOPENED APRIL 2008) and a congenial nine-hole course in the next valley. Horse and mountain bike riding on beautiful cross country paths is available. Water sports can be found at Lake Trasimeno (one hour away).
Boules, foosball, table tennis and darts on the premises (as well as board games, jigsaw puzzles etc.)
CULTURE: Piero della Francesca is arguably the top artist of the area (though Perugino, Pinturicchio, Signorelli and certainly Giotto - in Assisi - might disagree). Piero's Madonna del Parto is 15 minutes away in Monterchi.
Arezzo (Piero's The Story of the True Cross), Assisi (birthplace of St. Francis), Gubbio, Spello, Perugia, Cortona (made famous by Frances Mayes - Under the Tuscan Sun), and Sansepolcro (Piero's Resurrection) are all within an hour’s drive.
Day trips can be made to Florence, Siena, Ravenna, Urbino (Piero's Flagellation), Todi, Bevagna, Montefalco and Orvieto. All these places are a delight - even for cultural philistines.
There are many concerts and festivals in the area in the summer months.
AVAILABILITY
La Dogana is available from mid June to mid September and some winter months.
TRAVEL
Airports: Perugia 45 minutes. Bologna, Florence, Forli, Ancona less than 2 hours. Rome and Pisa under 3 hours. The drive from Calais, all motorway, is an easy journey with one overnight stop.
COMMENTS
Some of many received from visitors:
“... far exceeded expectations ... more beautiful than the wonderful photographs ... emotional at leaving ... fun and laughter ... fantastic house in wonderful position”
"Romantic .... ideal for the big anniversary celebration with family and friends"
“So perfect, so relaxing ... we hardly set foot off the premises notwithstanding the stunning attractions in the neighbourhood"
"A tribute to your vision and energy ... accommodation, facilities , comfort ... all excellent but of greater value was the 'sense of rightness' and warm welcome .." |
