Location: Citta di Castello, Umbria, Italy, Europe (Close to Tuscany border near Cortona, Arezzo and Monterchi) View Map
Accommodations: House, 6 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 5 Baths (Sleeps 12)
Belvedere di Prato is a stone-built former farmhouse, stunningly situated at the head of a tranquil valley in Northern Umbria, with wonderful views over farmland and forested hills. Located just minutes from the Tuscany border near Monterchi, it makes a perfect base for exploring this fascinating region of Italy.
After many years of neglect, Belvedere has been painstakingly restored to create an extremely attractive, welcoming and well-equipped family house, with its own private swimming pool and tennis court. Beautiful beamed ceilings, terracotta tiles, and working fireplaces combine to preserve the character of the old house, whilst the furnishings and fittings have been chosen with great care to provide every comfort, with spacious bathrooms, generous double beds, and a wide variety of modern appliances provided.
The three beautiful double bedrooms all have en suite bathrooms. One of the twin rooms has an en suite shower room, and the remaining two twin rooms share a bathroom, with access for both from the landing. Three of the bedrooms are on the first floor, and three on the second, so it is a great house for two families to share. The master bedroom also has a single bed, which can be made available by prior arrangement. Floor plans are available if required.
There are plenty of books, toys, board games, and videos/DVDs to provide entertainment for adults and children alike if you need a break after sightseeing. Holiday cooks keen to experiment with the mouth-watering range of local delicacies will find a comprehensively equipped kitchen and a choice of delightful sunny or shady outside eating areas in which to show off the results.
The lovely garden is a particular feature, planted with vines and olive trees and scented with lavender, rosemary and jasmine. There are plenty of garden recliners and sunbeds for relaxing in the sun or shade, and in the early summer the evening air sparkles with fireflies.
If you can tear yourself away, Belvedere is very well placed for visiting many of Tuscany and Umbria’s best-known tourist destinations, and the delights of Florence, Arezzo, Siena, Cortona, Assisi, Gubbio, Perugia and many more are all within easy reach. Even closer to home, you will find plenty of interest in the charming but lesser known towns of Sansepolcro (the birthplace of Piero della Francesca), Città di Castello and Anghiari, or in the many small mediaeval villages which pepper the hillsides. Lake Trasimeno has a variety of small beaches, and the wild beauty of the Casentina region is close at hand. After a day relaxing by the pool, you could venture out to join in the evening ‘passeggiata’ at a nearby town or try out one of the many excellent restaurants, and if you are feeling more energetic, there is a wide variety of sporting activities within easy reach.
In Spring and Autumn the region takes on a whole new character and, with fewer crowds and fresher weather, sightseeing is perhaps even more pleasurable, whilst taking full advantage of the changing seasons in the surrounding countryside and the enticing range of local produce in the shops and markets. Even in Winter, full central heating and two log-burning stoves mean that Belvedere can be a cosy retreat, perhaps for Christmas or New Year with family and friends.
As Belvedere is our own house, we pride ourselves on the very personal service we are able to give and would love to talk to you to help with any queries you may have. Full contact details and further information are at our website (see below). We look forward to hearing from you.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided : Pool towels provided
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Stove (2)
- Beds
- Queen Bed (3) : 70 inches wide
- Twin/Single Bed (6) : 36 inches wide
- Child Bed : Roll-out bed available by prior arrangement
- Crib (3) : Available free of charge by prior arrangement
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Italian Sky provided, with many channels in English
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Second small TV set for videos only
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Wide range of videos for adults and children
- CD Player
- Music Library : CD player has iPod dock
- Foosball
- Private Pool : 12 x 6 metres, 0.9 - 2.4 m deep, with diving board
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Kitchen with adjoining utility area
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Wide selection of cooking and service equipment provided, including food processor and Gaggia coffee machine.
- Refrigerator (2) : One is a fridge/freezer
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Terraced area adjoining kitchen, with pergola and seating for 6-8 (see also 'lanai' below)
- Lanai : Roofed portico adjoining dining room, with table for 14+
- Gazebo (2) : One by pool, one by tennis court (with giant chessboard)
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone : Charged separately by 'honesty box'
- Broadband Internet : ADSL service operated by local area network. Free access via guests' own computer
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Wifi reaches throughout most of house and to pool area. Free to guests
- Other Amenities
- Tennis Court, original working bread/pizza oven, garden chessboard, table football, toys, books
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : We welcome children, but the house is not designed specifically with them in mind. Contact us for full details if required.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
Rate Details (In Pounds Sterling)
2012: Rentals run Saturday-Saturday except low season when we can be more flexible
Mid: 31st March-1st June 2012 £2300
High: 2nd June-29th June 2012 £3100
Peak: 30th June-31st August 2012 £4200
High: 1st September-28th September 2012 £3100
Mid: 29th September-2nd November £2300
Low season & Christmas/New Year period: On request (flexible dates possible)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Tennis Court and Pool at Our Beautiful Farmhouse Villa
Year Purchased: 1998
Property Photos
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- Pool house, haybarn and tobacco barn - Città di Castello, Italy Holiday Rental
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- Belvedere in May - Città di Castello, Italy Holiday Rental
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- One of the double bedrooms - Città di Castello, Italy Holiday Rental
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- The main kitchen area
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- Portico and bread oven
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- The sitting room
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- A view from the tennis court
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- A view of the tennis court
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- Master Bedroom
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- Master Bedroom bathroom
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- Autumn at Belvedere
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- The Old Kitchen
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- One of the twin bedrooms
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- Citta di Castello at dusk
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- The pool terrace
Traveler Reviews (5)
Belvedere Summer 2011
Guest: Hobnobs
(West Kent)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11
Review Submitted: 10/22/11
Belvedere really is the perfect location for a family holiday. We have been holidaying in Italy for several years now but after our visit to Belvedere I think we will find it difficult to persuade our children to go anywhere else. We were accompanied by two other families but there was more than enough room for us all and the adult en suite rooms were truly luxurious. It is ideally placed, being fairly near to a minor road, but not too close to it, and also in secluded but not isolated spot. The setting in the rolling Umbrian hills, half way up the side of a valley, provides beautiful views in all directions and whilst the adults just enjoyed soaking up the peace and tranquillity of the Italian countryside, the teenagers were happy splashing in the pool and playing tennis. The amazingly well equipped kitchen and al fresco dining terrace were an inspiration to the cooks so there was hardly any need to venture out in the evenings, although we did enjoy some late afternoon visits to Monterchi, Anghiari and Monte Santa Maria Tiberina which gave stunning views for many miles. Although we were a large group, there always seemed to be plenty of space for us to relax in, both inside, in the many different rooms, and outside, in the carefully designed and tended garden, which had an almost cottage like feel to it. We spent many happy hours surrounded by fragrant flowers and herbs, sitting, reading, chatting or just having a quiet doze!
Owner response:We love looking after the garden and are glad it managed to survive this very hot summer - it is still looking good now in the gentle Umbrian autumn
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
My recent stay
Guest: Italophile
(Cheltenham, UK)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11
Review Submitted: 09/26/11
A stunning property and exactly what it says on the website both descriptively and the photos. It was immaculately clean and well looked after with every amenity you could hope for. For serious foodies the kitchen is very well equipped. in the weeks leading up to the visit the owner was extremely helpful in providing information about local sites, amenities travel advice etc. There are plenty of beautiful local towns and villages with good quality restaurants, stunning scenery, peaceful tranquility and of course major Tuscan and Umbrian tourist sights within 1-2 hours. I'd certainly recommend it and will be making a reservation for next year.
Owner response:We were pleased to be able to help this guest with his questions and will look forward to seeing him again next year.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Classic Traditional Farmhouse Beautifully Restored
Guest: JME
(London England)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11
Review Submitted: 08/03/11
This is a classic Umbrian farm house brilliantly restored with the addition of a decent sized swimming pool and high quality tennis court. The house has lovely views down a quiet valley and the gardens which are perfectly maintained have several sitting areas so that even with a large party it is possible to have some privacy.The restoration has been done with great taste and the house includes all modern conveniences (a very well equiped kitchen, internet access throughout the house, TV, DVD, loads of bathrooms etc). The house has a very helpful local caretaker and weekly cleaners plus pool man. The location is also excellent. The beautiful hill top local village is 10mins, the historic local town 20mins and day visits to the famous towns of the region (Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi, Cortona, Florence etc) relatively easy due to good roads. Renting houses alway feels like a bit of a gamble. Several of our party (inluding this reviewer) know the area and have had some experience of this type of holiday. The house very easily accommodated our party of 10 and everyone loved the place.
Owner response:We know lots of renters like to make the most of all the wonderful local produce by cooking at home, so we're glad this group enjoyed making use of the kitchen and all the different eating areas in the house and garden. We're always happy to try and answer your questions so that it doesn't feel like too much of a gamble - we really want you to be delighted with everything Umbria has to offer.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Belvedere
Guest: tricia
(North yorkshire)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11
Review Submitted: 07/26/11
My husband and i have returned from a weeks holiday at the Belvedere, along with ten other friends. It is the most lovely venue for a fun filled experience, especially if you have children. There is a very good sized swimming pool, and a tennis court. The Belvedere is set in beautiful gardens, surrounded by lovely countryside. The listing information was very accurate, as were the photos. The property was spotless and very well equipped, from washing machine, washing line, to a fully kitted out kitchen with all utensils. I would recommend this property very highly.
Owner response:We always hope the information we give is really helpful and accurate. We're happy to chat to potential renters about any other queries they may have and we aim to ensure that their expectations are not only met but surpassed
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Terry & Pamela
Guest: Terry & Pamela
(Flagstaff, Arizona USA)
Date of Stay: 06/20/09
Review Submitted: 06/06/11
Amazing home in beautiful location. We loved our one week stay. Only problem we had was leaving. We wanted to stay longer. Home was clean and beds were comfortable. Kitchen was well stocked with all the pots and pans needed to cook a wonderful meal. We would sit on the covered porch with our friends having diner, wine and absorbing the breath taking views of Monte Santa Maria Tibernia on a hilltop in the distance. The restaurant at Monte Santa Maria was wonderful with views over all the lush green hilltops. Fireflies streaking buy the rosebushes at night. Swimming pool was refreshing after a day of sight seeing. The location was perfect to take day trips to see Siena, Assisi, Prugia, and many more hill top villages. Three couples from Arizona and one from Texas all want to return and stay again for two weeks instead of one. We would highly recommend staying here. Helen was great and her house keeper Jane was very informative and helpful.
Owner response:It's great to hear that guests have enjoyed themselves so much. We really try to make our house a home from home for holidaymakers, and many of them return several times to take advantage of everything there is to see and do in this beautiful region of Italy. Even after 13 years we are still discovering new delights ourselves every time we visit.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #75688
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