The front of the apartment at Vecchia Casa and its stunning view of Monte Solare
Location: Perugia, Umbria, Italy, Europe (Vecchia Casa is less than 30 Minutes from Perugia) View Map
Accommodations: Farmhouse, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
This vacation rental apartment at Vecchia Casa is in a recently restored famhouse in Umbria. It's located in a hamlet surrounded by woodland and hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. The self-catering apartment on the 1st floor is decorated in the traditional rustic style, using antique furniture, fittings and fabrics with soft muted colours, handmade cotto floors, exposed stone walls and beams. We've used natural materials where ever possible, such as local stone and Tuscan linens.
The kitchenette is perfect for creating a delicious Italian meal, then you can dine under the magnificent chandelier or use the soft lighting for more intimate dining. The comfy sofa is ideal for relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing or to curl up to read a good book or watch a DVD. The bedroom with its antique bed and traditional nightstands and lamps is oh so romantic. To compliment there is an en-suite shower room tiled in honey coloured stone. Despite being rustic, we're also modern and offer Wifi so you can keep in touch with friends and family.
The apartment's garden terrace is covered in honeysuckle and passion flower, the perfect setting for enjoying a glass of wine or dining al-fresco while taking in the magnificent views. Here you can watch an array of colourful butterflies fireflies, humming birds moths or the swallows as they dip and dive. Why not dine outside to watch the dramatic sunsets or under a blanket of stars.
From the garden of Vecchia Casa one can see the ruins of 4 castles and the shepherds herding their sheep. Within minutes from our door wild boar roam at night, yet we're less than 30 minutes from the bustling town of Perugia. From our hamlet there are a selection of walks in the beautiful countryside.
There are a variety of activities with in easy reach to suit all tastes from: golf, horseback riding, sailing, trekking, mountain biking to concerts, both classical and contemporary, cinemas, theatres, museums and archeological sites.
The views within walking distance of Vecchia Casa are simply outstanding, a patchwork of green and yellow woodland and fields. From the hills behind our hamlet you can view Lago Trasimeno from an unspoiled setting.
Tavernelle di Panicale, our local town is only 8 minutes from Vecchia Casa, where you can find shops, cafes, banks, ristoranti and a small local market. Near the house is a gourmet ristorante in a lovely setting. Many of the nearby villages also have family run ristoranti serving traditional Umbrian dishes and wines. Only 5 minutes away is a beauty spa in the most magnificent surroundings.
Umbria is a region noted for its wines such as: Orvietto Classico and Montefalco Sagrantino, as well as cheeses, meats, the finest black truffles and arguably the best olive oil in Italy, but we are also close to Montalcino and Montepulciano in Tuscany, both famous for their wines.
Ours is the perfect location for exploring both Umbria and Tuscany. One can visit the many quaint hilltop villages and towns for which Umbria is famous, as well as: Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, Deruta, Spello and Gubbio in Umbria. In Tuscany you can easily reach Arezzo, Siena, Pienza, Cortona and Florence. We're only 20 minutes from Lago Trasimeno with 2 islands which can be visited by ferry and a bird sanctuary to observe the many migratory birds.
Arezzo is home to the largest antiques fair in Italy, held monthly with a vast array of goods. In Umbria there are a few smaller antique fairs one can also visit.
Throughout the year there are many festas(festivals)some celebrating a particular harvest such as those of mushrooms, olives, snails, grapes, chestnuts and the famous chocolate festival in Perugia. Many of the festas have ancient origins which are commemorated by those dressed in medieval costumes, the display of bright banners and traditional horse races. There are also the traditional and beautiful religious processions at Easter.
We live on-site and share with our guests the produce from our organic vegetable and herb garden and the delicious fruit from our orchard.
We also offer the unique opportunity to use our old garden forno(bread/pizza oven)for making pizzas or roasting.
You will find the people in our hamlet both friendly and welcoming, giving you the perfect opportunity to meet the locals and see how they go about their daily routine.
Booking Details
Arrival days are flexible
During the summer we only accept bookings for a minimum of 7 nights
Out of season the minimum is 3 nights
A deposit of 50% is needed to secure a booking
The remaining 50% is due 8 weeks before arrival.
Payment is by bank transfer in euro or a euro banker's cheque
A €150 returnable security/breakage deposit is necessary.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: The washer is shared with the owner who is happy to do a free service wash
- Linens Provided: All linens are provided and of good quality
- Off Street Parking: On-site a few meters from the apartment
- Beds
- King Bed: The mattress is of a superior quality to ensure a good night's sleep
- Twin/Single Bed: The bed may be divided to make 2 singles
- Entertainment
- DVD
- Video Library: We offer a selection of DVDs
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: There is also a kettle, coffee maker and toaster
- Cooking Utensils Provided: The kitchenette is fully equipped
- Refrigerator: With freezer
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill: We also offer the use of our old garden forno (bread/pizza oven)
- Deck/Patio: The apartment has a garden terrace covered in honeysuckle and passion flower. A table and chairs are provided. There is also another larger terrace shaded by the trees
- View/Location
- Mountain View: The hillsides with woodland and distant mountains can be seen from the garden. The apartment overlooks the hills to the west covered in olive groves and vineyards.
- Communications
- Broadband Internet: Available for your use
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Works in the apartment and the garden
- Other Amenities
- We offer the unique opportunity to use our old garden forno (pizza/bread oven)for roasting or making pizzas. A nominal charge is made for wood. We share the organic produce from our garden and fruit from the orchard.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children: The apartment and garden are unsuitable for toddlers
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: 18 years
- Smoking Allowed: Smokers are welcome but the apartment is a strictly non-smoking area.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Euro)
Sept 01 - Oct 31 €450/week
Nov 01 - Dec 20 €400/week
Dec 21 - Jan 02 €500/week
Jan 03 - May 31 €450/week
Jun 01 - Aug 31 €510/week
Sep 01 - Dec 20 €450/week
Dec 21 - Jan 02 €500/week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Perugia
I purchased Vecchia Casa because it was nicely located in a hamlet set a top a low plateau with a large garden, pig sty and an old bread oven in the garden. Over time I discovered how well located it is with easy access to the major towns in both Umbria and Tuscany.
The Unique Benefits at this Farmhouse
Staying in Vecchia Casa you get the best of both worlds:
In the apartment you can enjoy the feel of a rustic farmhouse with lots of character, but modern facilities for comfort and wonderful views to the west. It's hard to believe that up till about 40 years ago this was a working farmhouse with cows tethered to stalls in the cantina, a wine press, granary and huge fireplace for smoking meats.
As soon as you walk out the door you take in the beauty of the area where you can either visit the quaint towns and villages by car where there is little worry of traffic or enjoy the many walks from our hamlet. Just behind is a range of hills which overlooks Lago Trasimeno with breathtaking views. Here you are in the middle of the countryside yet not far from the many interesting and famous sites.
This is the beautiful hilltop town overlooking Lago Trasimeno, made famous in the book Under the Tuscan Sun.
For Catholics this town is 2nd in importance to the Vatican. St Francis was born and is buried here. Apart from the religious significance and monuments Assisi is a beautiful town constructed fr
This is one of the most famous wine making areas of Italy and Montepulciano is a beautiful fortified, hilltop town.
In southern Tuscany, this town is famous for its monthly antiques fair. It is also the birthplace of Vasari the architect, artist and writer who's house is now a museum.
A small, beautiful local town with stunning views of Lago Trasimeno. It has a number of very good places to dine.
This is where hand made and painted Majolica ware has been made for centuries. You can watch the artisans painting their intricate designs with the aid of a magnifying glass and visit the pretty fort
One of the most beautiful towns in Italy, built on a rocky hill of tufa stone. Crowning the ancient centre is the magnificent duomo, with its highly decorated facade. This is also an area known fo
Owner's Map of Perugia
You could call me the Cinderella of Vecchia Casa because I do the cleaning, remove the ashes from our fireplace, the gardening and much more. I don't however have 3 ugly sister nor has a carriage pulled up outside to take me to the ball and you are most unlikely to find me wearing high heels.
Like Cinders, I was however transformed, but mine was from being a real city girl to a true country one. When you wake up in the morning to a sunrise coming up from behind the hills, the sound of a cockrell and birdsong, there is nothing like it. In every direction you can see the soft rolling hills with their lush greenery and in the garden, butterflies, bees, hummingbird moths and fireflies.
I've gone from the locked doors and loneliness of London life to open ones here. We pass the time together sharing our knowledge and experiences of cooking, gardening etc.
Property Photos
- The front of the apartment at Vecchia Casa and its stunning view of Monte Solare - Perugia Farmhouse with Internet and Mountain View
- The open plan living area with magnificent chandelier - Perugia Farmhouse with Internet and Mountain View
- Intimate dining, will you pour the wine? - Perugia Farmhouse with Internet and Mountain View
- The comfy sofa
- The oh sooo romantic bedroom with antique bed
- The shower room with wet floor
- The apartment's covered terrace
- Another shady garden terrace with stunning view
- The lovely spring and early summer flowers
- The bright greeting you as you enter Tavernelle
- Morning Glory with a view
- An Autumn landscape seen from our village
Guest Comments (4)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #203253
There have been 187 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 19, 2009
Positive Rating
Location: We stayed for a week at Vecchia Casa in May 2009. Vecchia Casa is ideally located in a quiet rural area of Umbria, with easy driving access to other villages, towns and cities for shopping or site-seeing. We enjoy walking, and walking the local back roads and paths through the fields, past vineyards, olive orchards, grazing sheep, and to other small villages was delightful Apartment: It was a pleasure to stay here… clean, modern, tastefully decorated, with compact and complete kitchen/living/dining area, very nice bathroom and bedroom. The view from the dining table stays with me, the green rolling hills were a peaceful scene. We found the adjacent garden area wonderful for relaxing The owner: We found Karen-Louise to be gracious and charming in her caring ways. We enjoyed our visits with her and she was very knowledgeable and helpful in many ways. This is definitely a place I will highly recommend to others as a place to stay in rural Umbria. K and G British Columbia, Canada
Positive Rating
Serene country walks, the calm of Lake Trasimeno and the history and splendour of Perugia and Assisi were all accessible from the wonderful farmhouse apartment within Vecchia Casa. The area provided the perfect base with which to explore the idyllic region of Umbria, and Vecchia Casa the restful stay that made our trip truly memorable. The apartment was beautifully decorated with charming rustic antiques; Karen-Louise acted as the perfect host, providing fresh produce from her garden and always on hand to offer local advice and recommendations. All this contributed to making this a truly fantastic holiday.
Positive Rating
We stayed at Vecchia Casa in April 2008, for a Romantic week-away (or so my Wife tells me). The exquisitely and thoughtfully appointed apartment, complete with antiques is the perfect base to relax or visit the numerous historic and beautiful hilltop towns and villages of Umbria and Tuscany. Even a day trip to Rome was relaxing, as the mainline, Venice to Rome railway station is only a short 30 minutes drive away in “sleepy” Chiusi. Great restaurants and a helpful “hostess” in Karen-Louise, ensures we will return to Umbria as soon as possible.
Positive Rating
My husband and I stayed at Vecchia Casa for 5 days. We wanted a private and lovely stay in Umbria that would allow us to explore nearby areas including Tuscany. Vecchia Casa has all that and more. Karen, the energetic devoted proprietress was a wonderful hostess and we had all the privacy we needed in the tastefully constructed and decorated apartment that connects to her charming country house on a hillock in a tiny commune near Tavernelle. She helped us locate the markets and sites to visit including Panicale, Cortona, Assisi, and Perugia. One needs a car to explore the countryside, but in the entire 5 days of our rental we didn't need to fill up once with gas. Our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer.