The infinity pool looks out at the valley, mountains & medieval hilltop towns.
Location: Spoleto, Umbria, Italy, Europe (Short Drive from Spoleto, Peaceful village) View Map
Accommodations: Restored 17th Century Barn, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
"Whenever I go anywhere but Italy for a vacation, I always feel as if I have made a mistake... Why bother to go anywhere, I think in those first ecstatic moments of reentry, but Italy?” Erica Jong
Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway with endless days by the pool or a central base from which to explore southern Umbria's endless cultural offerings, Le Stalle fulfills both choices and more.
Le Stalle beckons in all seasons. In autumn, take long walks through the surrounding woods and sample the just pressed olive oil. In winter, snuggle by the fire and revel in Spoleto's holiday festivities. And in summer, take part in the myriad of cultural offerings available in the area after lazy lunches, and long afternoons by the pool.
The 17th c barn is now a home after a loving, five-year process which involved the works of two amazing architects and expert local craftsmen, we are thrilled to take residence there in June, 2008, and welcome our first renters shortly thereafter.
LOCATION
Le Stalle is located in the hamlet of Geppa in the stunning valley of the Valnerina, recently selected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Geppa, a twenty minute drive from the Roman town of Spoleto, and home of the Festival of Two Worlds (Festival dei Due Mondi), dates to the 17th century.
The hamlet of Geppa is home to several Italian families (as well as about twenty sheep.) One of the families is available to cook evening meals featuring the specialties of the zone.
Superbly situated, Geppa is a ninety minute drive from the center of Rome and about 2 hours from both of Rome’s main airports. One can also fly to Ancona, about 2 hours away, and rent a car there. A car is recommended, though one can take a train to Spoleto from Rome and pick up a rental car there.
The new tunnel makes Spoleto a fifteen to twenty minute drive from Geppa, and there are several smaller towns in between offering cafes, grocery stores and the like.
In terms of picturesque locales, one can access a number of breathtaking towns within fifteen to thirty minutes: Trevi, Spello, Bevagna, Montefalco, Foligno. Within thirty to sixty minutes, you can find yourself in Assisi, Orvieto, Deruta, Perugia, Todi, Cascia and Norcia. Florence is about two hours by car.
There are many outdoor pursuits available in the area as well, including, walking trails, skiing, river rafting and horseback riding.
DESCRIPTION OF LE STALLE
Le Stalle is a two floor, 1800 s.f., three-bedroom, three-bath home. All rooms view the valley and the medieval towns dotting the distant hilltops.
Upon entering the hallway on the top level, one may access two of the bedrooms and bathrooms, or descend to the lower level into the living/dining room, which opens onto an expansive front terrace. An original arched doorway leads to the kitchen. One then steps through a second arched doorway onto a covered terrace for outdoor dining and lounging or enters the library, also serving as a smaller third bedroom with bathroom.
In the restoration of Le Stalle, we have preserved, as much as possible, its original structure and overall feel. Where, for example, it was structurally better to rebuild, as opposed to restore, we did so using both old and new materials. We are committed to making Le Stalle environmentally low impact, and thus have used local supplies and traditional methods where possible.
In terms of style, Le Stalle will highlight the aesthetics of both modern and antique Italian design. It will also contain our favorite pieces gathered during our years abroad in both Europe and Asia. Our hope is that you will find great comfort in the beauty and simplicity of Italian design enriched by elements of the centuries old silk road trading route between Europe and Asia.
Each bedroom offers a queen size bed and ensuite bathroom. All bathrooms contain walk-in showers finished in Italian tile. One of the upstairs bathrooms features a 17th century marble sink, as well as a bathtub.
The downstairs bedroom offers a sofa that opens into a queen size bed. The living room and dining room are combined. The entire ground floor is done in polished concrete. while the upstairs floors are chestnut.
In the center of the kitchen, you will find a custom made island housing an 18th century stone sink, dishwasher, work and dining space. In addition to a stove, oven and refrigerator, we will have an Italian coffee pot, place settings for ten, all the necessary pots and pans, a variety of glasses and other accessories. You will find a selection of local foods, wines and spices, as well.
Off the kitchen, there is a pantry with washer, as well as additional storage space. From the kitchen, one can walk out another set of arched doors to a covered terrace, ideal for outdoor meals or lounging. The view down the valley is stunning; several medieval hilltop towns are visible.
THE POOL
The large infinity pool measures approximately 170 sq.m, is oval in shape and blends into the natural surroundings. The water flows over one side into a stream for children (and adults) to play in, and on the other side is a hydro massage unit. The surrounding grounds have olive and fruit trees with plenty of space for barbecues etc. The pool is located below Le Stalle and connected by a set of stairs. The pool is shared with guests or owners of the palazzo and former convent next door.
OTHER
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like any additional information. Further description can be found on our website - see link below. Details of the restoration work are also linked below.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: Private washer located in pantry off kitchen.
- Linens Provided: Wonderfully soft and comfortable organic cotton sheets and towels.
- Off Street Parking: Parking is just in front of the entrance to the house.
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Child Bed: This is a fold out bed and can be set up in either of the upstairs bedrooms.
- Convertible Bed: We searched for a comfortable sofa bed and found one!
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Located in the third bedroom.
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Shared Pool: Infinity pool views valley below.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: New, energy efficient appliances, gas stove, toaster oven, gas oven, eletric water kettle.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Catering Available: The Italian neighbors next door are available to cook delicious local meals, much made from home grown or homemade vegetables, meats, pastas, desserts, wine, oil.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill: Traditional, hand-crafted wood burning grill.
- Deck/Patio: Part covered and part open, the terrace is accessed from both the kitchen and living room through large French doors.
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Suitability
- Smoking Not Allowed: Inside the house. Allowed outside.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Hiking
- Antiquing
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
JUL, AUG, Easter and Christmas .. $2200 per week
MAY, JUN and SEP ................ $1950 per week
All other dates ................. $1490 per week
Please contact us for special nightly, two week, monthly and long term rates.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2003
Why the Owner Chose Spoleto
After five years of living in Taipei, we longed for the beauty of Italy and so, in the summer of 2003, we searched in Tuscany and Umbria for a place of peace. We found Le Stalle in its unrestored splendor the day before we saw it officially with our real estate agent. Our decision to pursue this property was instantaneous. The position of this 17th c barn, the mountain and valley views, the surrounding countryside, the ease of access to Spoleto, Rome, Assisi, Perugia, the warm welcome from the Italian neighbors all coalesced and compelled us to move ahead.
The Unique Benefits at this Restored 17th Century Barn
Le Stalle offers a brilliant balance. You can explore Italian art and culture in the myriad of cities accessible: Spoleto, Trevi, Bevagna, Montefalco, Perugia, Todi, Rome.... The valley of the Valnerina is reknown for its beauty and has been granted World Heritage status, thus building new is very difficult (restoring old can be as well!) That said, a five minute drive down the hill one finds a cafe, post office and soon to arrive restaurant. Exquisite villages, Spoleto, more restaurants than one could ever hope to sample, the most sublime art, gorgeous walking and cycling opportunities are all within easy reach. You can arrange yourself on the terrace, taking in the views and natural scenery, move to the infinity pool or in cooler weather, snuggle in front of a fire. We restored and furnished the house as if we were going to live there year round, so it is filled with favorite pieces from both Asia and Italy and offers comfort in whatever season. The well-stocked kitchen should accommodate fastidious cooks, but if anyone prefers, our Italian neighbor prepares wonderful local cuisine and delivers to the terrace or living room. In our minds, Le Stalle offers the best of all worlds. Utterly peaceful, the only sounds are the bells of nearby sheep.
Listed as one of the ten most beautiful borghi in Italy. It's wonderful to meander through the streets, visit beautiful 12th century churches and enjoy lunch at the delightful restaurant in town.
Just a 15-20 minute drive either using the tunnel or taking the mountain road which passes under the ancient aquaduct as it makes its way to Spoleto. Home of the Festival dei Due Mondi, Spoleto is a j
Offers several cafes, a favorite pizzeria/restaurant, a small grocery/deli and a restored monastery now restaurant.
A few minutes down the hill from Geppa, though you can walk as well. The closest cafe is here, if you can leave the front porch! There is also a post office, town hall, restaurant (in progress.)
Another precious town bordered by a crystal clear stream and the mountain. Walk up to the old castle for a view out over the town or dine in one of the several excellent restaurants.
Yes, this is the Clitunno river that Pliny wrote about. One can visit these pristine waters, dine on fresh trout at the restaurant next door. There are two other favorite watering holes here as well
It only takes 30 minutes or so by car before you are wandering the streets of this famous town.
A pleasure to walk through (not hilly!) and take in a summer concert, sip an aperativo on a summer's night. Again, wonderful restaurants as well.
A favorite - another stunning town. View the Pintorrichio frescos and then stop by the nearby wine bar/restaurant for lunch.
Famous for its fine wines. View the frescoes of Gozzoli and then do some wine tasting, at one of the restaurants on the main piazza or directly at one of the many nearby wineries.
Owner's Map of Spoleto
After stints in London, Athens, Rome and Lugano, Asia beckoned. Leon teaches literature at an international school here in Taipei, while chairing the English department. An avid reader, he also writes book reviews for an expat magazine. After school and weekends see him cycling in the mountains that surround the city or jamming with his band at a local watering hole. I began my time in Taipei as a counselor in the upper school, but then took a hiatus to create a business bringing Chinese antiques and a line of handwoven silk clothing into the United States. I recently returned part-time to academic life to teach a writing class to upper school students. This leaves me time to continue my yoga practice and explorations of Taipei.
Property Photos
- The infinity pool looks out at the valley, mountains & medieval hilltop towns. - Umbria, Italy Vacation Rental
- A view of the front of Le Stalle. - Umbria, Italy Vacation Rental
- The pool offers a gentle beach like slope for easy access and lounging. - Umbria, Italy Vacation Rental
- Large outdoor eating area with French doors off kitchen.
- Upstairs entrance to the house; both upstairs bedrooms open onto area as well.
- Kitchen contains all modern appliances, custom wood work & antiques.
- The living and dining area has large French doors opening to terrace.
- The living room houses a collection of books on Italy.
- An antipasto in front of the fire on a cool autumn evening.
- Light filled master bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
- One of three ensuite bathrooms - modern shower and bathtub with 17th c sink.
- Second bedroom offers ensuite bathroom, light and valley views.
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #171229
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 26, 2009
