Where to Stay in Umbria

Sleeps 6 in villa and 2 in apartment

Formerly a Casa Colonica or manor house, Casa del Rosmarino was lovingly restored several years ago and is extremely picturesque with beautiful mature gardens, climbing wisteria, campsis and passionflowers, banks of lavender and pathways of box trees. With stunning views looking up the Cortona valley, the house is surrounded by agricultural land, normally growing sweetcorn, sunflowers or tobacco. Casa del Rosmarino sits in over two acres of land and is 1 km (10 minutes walk) from the nearest village, half an hour north of Perugia and two hours from Rome, Bologna and Florence.

The property is divided into the main house for up to 6 guests and an apartment for two. Both are charmingly furnished and immediately give a sense of home, comfortable and welcoming. There is a secluded swimming pool with lovely shaded area for relaxing in the summer heat.

There is a lovely family run restaurant only 5 minutes drive away (or easy walking distance) and another restaurant in the village where you will also find two bars, a grocer, butcher, supermarket, post office and garage.

An old tobacco tower in the grounds has been converted into a lovely seating area with wrought iron frame covered with climbing flowers providing shade over the table and chairs.

Casa del Rosmarino is an ideal base from which to explore both Umbria and Tuscany with towns like Perugia, Gubbio, Todi, Assisi, Cortona and Siena within easy reach, as well as the city of Florence.

The main house (sleeps 6)

The main house is available for rent between April and October. It sleeps 6 comfortably and the accommodation comprises 2 bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom, 2 bathrooms, kitchen (with dishwasher), living room with open fireplace, dining room with french wooden doors opening onto an outside terrace, study area, hall and large games room equipped with table tennis, bar football and boules. The house is comfortably furnished chiefly with Irish pine and there are ample barbecue facilities.

The running water is provided from an underground spring and there is also a well.

The apartment (sleeps 2)

Available for rent all year round, the apartment was formerly the stables under the manor house. It retains many of the original features including ancient wooden beams and terracotta floors and most interestingly of all, the original manger (now a window seat) over 200 years old. There is a double bedroom, a bathroom and kitchen/sitting room with open fire (perfect for autumn and winter rentals). The kitchen is fully equipped and there is a washing machine, shared with the house, in a separate laundry room.

It has a private entrance on ground floor level and is completely separate from the main house. Outside is a terrace beautifully shaded by campsis and wisteria. A table and chairs is provided for outdoor dining. All windows have anti-mosquito protection.

The gardens and swimming pool

The lovely mature gardens consist of an orchard, a large olive grove, well equipped herb garden, flowers and shrubs, grass and woodland. In season, there is a vegetable patch from guests are welcome to help themselves. The garden and surrounding area is a haven for butterflies, birds and other wildlife such as porcupines and wild boar...The fabulous swimming pool has a stunning Greek stone surround. It benefits from 8 hours of sunshine per day and also has a shaded area under the trees with table and sun loungers. There is an outside shower for guests to use.

There is also a separate converted former tobacco tower with barbecue facilities, tables and chairs and a sitting area with shade provided by an elegant wrought iron canopy with climbing flowers.

Self Catering Tariffs 2011 (Please note these are quoted in £ sterling):