Location: Castiglione del Lago, Umbria, Italy, Europe (Firenze 130km; Rome 180km; Pisa 210km; Perugia 40km, )
Accommodations: Villa, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible Bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4-6)
The owner, playwright and screenwriter, after traveling all over the world and living in several countries, most recently in London, decided to quit the rat race and change his life style and the result is Podere Fontegallo perched on a hill in the tranquil Umbrian countryside with spectacular panoramic views to the horizon in all directions.
Podere Fontegallo is a newly restored 17th century farmhouse on a hill in the beautiful Green Heart of Italy, the tranquil Umbrian countryside just ten minutes drive from Tuscany, with breathtaking views of gentle rolling hills of agriculture, olive, cypress, Aleppo pine, oak and chestnut trees, Lago Trasimeno, Lago Chuisi and the Medieval hilltop villages of Cortona, Chiusi, Tuoro, Chianciano-Terme, Montepulciano, and the mountains in the distance on the horizon. In summer the fields are rich with the yellow of sunflowers then come the browns, golds, and greens as the seasons change.
Il Cipresso, has a fully-equipped open plan kitchen with chestnut wood cabinets, natural stone countertops, dining area, a sitting area with an open fireplace, French doors leading from the sitting area to a private front patio with breathtaking views; satellite TV, safe, dishwasher, and espresso maker.
All guests will have access to the utility room where there is a washing machine and clothes dryer.
Podere Fontegallo has been recently restored to a high standard with utmost care using the best materials in keeping with the character of the house. Outside on the wall of the house is a locally designed handmade ceramic meridian, the three patios are decorated with handmade ceramic tiles, on the roof are three beautiful chimneys, then there is the environmentally friendly swimming pool (6m x 14m) with water purified by UVA rays (no chlorine) and views of the countryside and Lago Chiusi, and throughout the property are quiet places to sit and admire the views. Inside are typical terracotta floors, beamed ceilings, fireplaces, original doors, and wrought iron beds.
Lago Trasimeno, is less than 15 kilometers from the border of Tuscany, and is in the centre of one of the richest districts in the world from the historical, artistic, and cultural points of view.
In a journey of less than two hours by car you can see 20% of the world’s artistic heritage and explore and experience Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance towns including, Castiglione del Lago (voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy) (ten kilometers), Chiusi (ten kilometers), Paciano (winner of the EU ‘perfect village’ competition) (12 kilometers), Panicale (15 kilometers), Cortona (30 kilometers), Montepulciano (35 kilometers), Pienza (40 kilometers), Montelcino (60 kilometers), Chianciano-Terme (Thermal baths) (30 kilometers), Perugia (45 kilometers), San Feliciano (40 kilometers), Assisi (55 kilometers), Foligno (70 kilometers), Deruta (famous for its ceramics) (70 kilometers), Gubbio (70 kilometers), Cetona (25 kilometers), Citta della Pieve (25 kilometers), Orvieto (55 kilometers), Todi (60 kilometers), Spello (65 kilometers), Arezzo (50 kilometers), St. Casciano dei Bagni (Thermal waters) (35 kilometers), Siena (90 kilometers), Spoleto (90 kilometers), Volterra (130 kilometers), Urbino (130 kilometers), Florence (130 kilometers), and Rome (160 kilometers),
From Chiusi-Chiancaino Terme station (12 kilometers) you can reach Florence or Rome in about one hour to visit the world famous museums, galleries, and architectural heritage and then return to the tranquillity of the gentle Umbrian countryside.
Please contact us for additional information.
Keywords: Country House, Apartment
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided : We provide all linens, plus towels for both the bathroom and the swimming pool. Cleaning and change of linens and towels once a week is included.
- Parking Off Street : Free Private parking area on the property.
- Wood Fireplace : Wood is available for a small charge.
- Clothes Dryer : shared
- Washing Machine : shared
- Beds
- Sleep Sofa /Futon (3) : Sleeper-sofa in the sitting room that opens to a large double bed.
- Child Bed (2) : Provided on request without charge.
- Baby Crib : Provided on request without charge.
- Twin/ Single (2)
- King
- Entertainment
- Private Pool : The pool, 14 meters (45 feet) by 6 meters (20 feet), is environmentally friendly-the water is purified by UVA light so a minimum amount of chemicals are used.
- Video Library : A library of DVD's and videos is available gratis.
- DVD
- CD
- TV (4)
- VCR
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : The kitchen is fully equipped with, refigerator/freezer, gas cooktop, electric oven, sink, dishwasher, espresso/cappuccino coffee machine (espresso coffee provided gratis), toaster, pots & pans dishes, glassware, cups, flatware, cooking utensils, kitchen housewares.
- Catering Available : We can arrange for our cook to prepare meals on request, subject to availability. Extra Charge.
- Refrigerator : Refrigerator/freezer-see kitchen details
- Cooking Utensils : Fully equipped-see kitchen details
- Dish Washer
- Outdoor Features
- Gazebo : The gazebo is near the BBQ and is furnished with a table and chairs to seat eight people.
- Deck/Patio : Paved private patio with table and 6 chairs.
- Outdoor Grill Charcoal : Wood or charcoal.
- View/Location
- Mountain View : We are located on the highest hill in the area and have 360 degree unobstructed views of the mountain ranges and Mout Amaita (45 min away by car) where you can sky in the wintertime.
- Water View : We are located on the highest hill in the area and have 360 degree unobstructed views of both Lake Trasimeno (the fourth largest lake in Italy) and Lake Chiusi.
- Lake View : Views of Lake Trasimeno and Lake Chiusi.
- Communications
- Wireless Broadband : FREE Wi-Fi internet access.
- Computer Available : Available 24hrs gratis
- Other Amenities
- Free WiFi internet in your apartment, on your terrace and at the swimming pool. There is an expresso machine and free expresso coffee in each apartment. A washing machine & dryer are available in the utility room. There is a wide selection of DVDs and Videos gratis. We have other apartmens available with the same amenities, please contact us for more information.
- Suitability
- Non Smoking Only : No smoking in the apartments
- Pets Not Allowed
- Children Welcome
- Activities
- Golf
- Wind-Surfing
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Horseback Riding
- Shopping
- Fitness Center
- Boating
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Other Activities
- WIne tasting at nearby Award-winning Vineyards. Lake beaches, Boat trips on Lake Trasimeno, Local markets, Local Sagre (festas), Jazz, Blues and Gospel festivals, International Chocolate Festival in October in Perugia.
Rate Details (In Euros)
Il Cipresso .. 4+2 (2BR) .. €800-€1400/week. Ask about our SPECIAL OFFERS Contact us for additional details, photos and rates.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2001
Property Photos
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- View of pool and house from the South
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- A View of Lake Chiusi from Podere Fontegallo
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- View to the North towards lake Trasimeno
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- Il Cipresso - Kitchen/diningroom
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- Il Cipresso sitting room
Traveler Reviews (31)
Guest: Jon
Date of Stay: 08/01/11
Review Submitted: 08/14/11
Worth the trip for the view from the bench... If you want the perfect Umbrian exeperience, Podere Fontegallo is the place for you. The restored farmhouse is an oasis of calm, perfectly located for the history on it's doorstep yet set in splendid, lofty isolation. Harris, the owner, is charming, informative but not intrusive in any way (however, do take up his offer of a chartered boat trip on Lago di Trasimeno). The accommodation is clean and well-equipped, with fixtures and furnishings appropriate to its rich history. The gardens, which extend to almost one hectare and include a small olive grove and vineyard, are the perfect place for quiet reflection and for catching up on that holiday reading. Best of all though is the swimming pool... I really do recommend this place. Jon
Recommended for:
Guest: Guest - Poland
Date of Stay: 06/09/11
Review Submitted: 06/23/11
Me and my wife are very happy we could visit and stay in your Podere Fontegallo. It is one of the most fabulous pleace we ever visit in our life. The garden around apatment, landscape we can see from the hill, swiming pool - everything is excelent. Thank you very much!!! We start to plan the next visit in Fontegallo soon and inform our best friends about this palace.
Recommended for:
Guest: gr
Date of Stay: 06/27/09
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
"relaxing and refined country living" 5 stars of 5 podere fontegallo is an amazing country retreat,yet close to all the major attractions: rome, florence, siena, orvieto, and dozens of medieval towns are just a short car ride or train trip away. the facilities are five star: sparkling swimming pool, kitchen equipped with expresso machine, professional utensils and a dishwasher. harris freedman went out of his way to make my stay a memorable experience, full of helpful advice on things to see and do, reserving restaurants and boat trips, the perfect host. the apartment was elegant, clean and one of the most comforrtable beds i've ever slept in. i will definitely be a return visitor!
Recommended for:
Guest: American from Paris
Date of Stay: 06/30/09
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
"MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME ...." 5 stars of 5 Everything that was promised was delivered ... and more. I can recommend Podere Fontegallo without any "buts" or reservation. With all of the traveling I have done (and that has been a lot) Umbria now tops my favorite list.
Recommended for:
Guest: Barb & Edie
Date of Stay: 06/15/10
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
"Super Place" 5 stars of 5 We rented Il Pino for 3 weeks and everything was just great. We enjoyed the surroundings & were close enough to be able to do day trips to Florence, Siena, & many other interesting spots. You need a car to stay here but accommodations & our welcome was beyond. We enjoyed time at the pool & just sitting on our own patio from where we could see little villages & Lake Chuisi. Would recommend this villa to all & am even considering returning in a few years to rent the little cottage.
Recommended for:
Guest: Ira - NYC
Date of Stay: 07/30/09
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
"Amazing experience!" 5 stars of 5 Staying at Podere Fontegallo was restorative, inspiring and a completely beautiful experience. From the moment I stepped foot onto the estate, the first evening I arrived, I felt I was somewhere magical. In the morning this feeling was confirmed by the golden light, rich earth, panoramic views of the countryside and the gentle warmth of the estate. My room was quiet and large, included a full kitchen and dining area and was steps away from a sparkling swimming pool. Internet access was fast and available everywhere. For one week I was without stress. I felt like I was in my own private villa and the choice of whether to swim first or walk in a fruit orchard was my biggest concern most mornings. In every direction there are fantastic breathtaking sights and many wonderful restuarants are not far away. The service at Podere Fontegallo was attentive and unintrusive. I look forward to returning and hope I can spend more than one week the next time I treat myself to the magic of Podere Fontegallo in Castiglione del Lago.
Recommended for:
Guest: Christine & Peter - Australia
Date of Stay: 05/01/09
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
"Paradise in Italy" 5 stars of 5 An experience we will never forget. Staff were so helpful, very clean facilities with all the amenities that you would need to enjoy your stay. Beautiful views from all the units and a fantastic pool area. Close to the train station and surrounding villages. We have already recommended this property to many of our friends and fellow travelers. A must visit
Recommended for:
Guest: Gene - NYC
Date of Stay: 05/01/09
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
"IL PARADISO!" 5 stars of 5 FOR THE PAST DECADE MY FAMILY AND I HAVE SPENT AT LEAST 2 WEEKS EACH YEAR AT PODERE FONTEGALLO IN CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO, ITALY. WE CAN SUM UP OUR EXPERIENCE WITH ONE PHRASE, "IL PARADISO." COULD THIS BE THE MOST BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED VACATION VILLA IN THE WORLD? WE'VE TRAVELED FROM THAILAND TO RUSSIA TO ENGLAND, INDONESIA, FRANCE, AND NEVER HAVE COME ACROSS ACCOMMODATIONS TO EQUAL MR. FRIEDMAN'S PODERE FONTEGALLO. BEAUTIFUL APARTMENTS ON A MOUNTAINSIDE OVERLOOKING TWO LAKES SURROUNDED BY PRISTINE FARMS, FANTASTIC VIEWS, AND AT LEAST FIFTEEN ENCHANTING MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE MOUNTAIN VILLAGES. THE AMENITIES ARE PERFECT WHEN YOU CONSIDER THERE IS A FULL WORKING KITCHEN IN EACH APARTMENT, COMFORTABLE BEDROOMS, FULL BATHS WITH SHOWERS, AND WELL-FURNISHED LIVING AND DINING AREAS. THE DECOR IS RUSTIC AND CHARMING. MR. FRIEDMAN IS A CONGENIAL HOST WHO DOES NOT SMOTHER HIS GUESTS WITH UNWANTED ATTENTION. I ONLY WISH WE COULD SPEND MORE TIME EACH YEAR AT PODERE FONTEGALLO.
Recommended for:
Guest: Walter - Germany
Date of Stay: 08/03/09
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
"360° of holiday!" 5 stars of 5 When I think of our two weeks in "Il Cedro" this summer, I first of all remember this impressive view: While having breakfast on the terrasse, your eyes travel from the Toscana (Montepulciano, lago di Chiusi) on the right, passing by the pool in front to Vaiano on one of these famous umbrian gentle hills and the lago Trasimeno on the left and then up to the warm italian sun. It's a perfect place to relax. The house is very comfortable and stylish, the pool large, clean and warm, the park well-trimmed, and the landlords very pleasant. Free wifi helped us planning our excursions to important etruscan sites and lovely tuscan towns and even allowed to have an eye on our business at home if necessary. We will definitely come again.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #25115
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