Near Orvieto, Umbria
Property 5199
12 Guests
6 Bedrooms
6 Bathrooms
200 square meters indoor
2 hectares outdoor
La Rosaccia sits on a hillside, below Monte Croce di Serra open to the expansiveness of the hills and valleys of Umbria's fertile fields and cooling volcanic lakes. This position, equidistant between Todi and Orvieto, is a considerable asset when considering a vacation home. You are an easy 15 minute drive to the highway; Rome is just over an hour away and you can reach either Todi or Orvieto in a half-hour. The country road to Todi, a bit slower, is particularly beautiful and well worth the time. Within an hour you are in Perugia, another half-hour to Assisi. Alternatively, you can explore Viterbo and Bagnoreggio or the southern reaches of Tuscany around Radicofani and San Casciano dei Bagni. There is no end to the beautiful scenery. Each town has a wealth of historic and architectural points of interest and in our experience, Umbrian restaurants are uniformly better and more interesting than those of their more famous northern neighbor. The pace in Umbria is a bit slower and the sites less crowded -- on average -- than in Tuscany. You can still enjoy an undiscovered lunch spot, singular vista or astonishing fresco even though you were not necessarily instructed by a guideboook. The choices of cultural attractions and recreational options, from opera to mountain biking with lots in between, is more than ample for even a month-long holiday. All this said, La Rosaccia is a really wonderful place to spend long days, not venturing further than the pool or the garden.
La Rosaccia is aptly named for the more than 500 rose bushes which the owner has planted around the property. Especially in May and June - but also in October - the gardens are lovely; thoughtfully planted, beautifully maintained. The manicured but not fussy planting beds encircling the house are extended by the handsome geometry of wheat fields, vineyards and pasture land below and beyond this hillside home. One of the many appealing aspects of the property is its access, an easy drive off a good paved road which winds quietly and beautifully up, into and through the hills. The gated driveway and parked cars are hidden by a high bank thick with lavender. This leads to a brick pathway which rings the house. First come fruit trees, then an open, white rose rimmed patio for sunning, then an outdoor living room set for maximum enjoyment of the view, and finally two covered terraces for cooking - at the barbeque or enjoying a feast of homemade pizza in the forno - and dining al fresco. There are good wood chaise longues, chairs and tables that can be moved around at will.
The immediate pleasure of the various terraces is amplified by the extraordinary loveliness of the mature and well-maintained gardens of La Rosaccia. Beyond the house, a broad green lawn is studded with healthy chestnut trees and bordered by a dense bank of perennials and shrubs; peonies, lavender, rosemary, Lamb's Ears and, of course, roses. The roses come in every color from blush to velvet red and bloom from May until December. At the south end, the lawn opens to a delightful grass lane of olive trees, lavender and roses, ending in a rose-covered pergola dedicated to the sport of ping-pong. As you wander, song birds serenade you, a lovely touch. Several paths lead up, again past impeccable planting beds, to the pool (12 x 5 meters, graded steps from one end, 1.6 meters deep) and the panoramic, unspoiled view of fields, farms and hilltop villages. There are two large olive trees and a pergola along one end providing shade. For convenience, the owners have created a dressing room, full bath and outdoor shower. This is a house designed for savoring the simple pleasures of life.
Saturday - Saturday rentals only.
Cleaning of 3 hrs/day (2 hours of cleaning, 1 hour of house laundry), 6 days/wk. included. Additional cleaning,available at E. 10.00/hr. paid directly to domestic staff.
Weekly linen change.
Welcome dinner with wine included.
Shopping and additional cooking services can be arranged at E. 10.00/hr. plus food and beverages.
Air conditioning in bedrooms, individually controlled.
Window screens in bedrooms.
Pool can be opened early and kept open later at guests' request, some additional charges may apply; please inquire.
There are several short, un-railed staircases of one or two stairs in the house, plus high threshholds making the property unsuitable for anyone not stable on their feet.
Computer (for checking email).
There is a resident cat who lives around the house but will happily come inside if allowed.
Price information available upon request.
Homebase Abroad, Ltd.
Two Hooper Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
Phone: (781) 639-4040
Fax: (781) 639-3050
© 2009 by Homebase Abroad, Ltd. All rights reserved.