Troscione Italian Retreat

www.italianretreat.co.uk

Vacation Rentals, Italy, Umbria

Absolutely fabulous ancient farm/barn/pool near stunning Orvieto hill town and sublime Lake Bolsena

Location: Italy, Tuscany/Umbria/Lazio border

Sleeps: 14

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Troscione – Italian Retreat Ideally located close to sublime Lake Bolsena and Orvieto - the stunning hilltop capital of this famous wine growing region, Troscione comprises two comfortably furnished properties set in a hectare of landscaped grounds. With a private pool and surrounded by lovely views it provides a perfectly relaxed setting for that fun family holiday or a memorable house party with friends. The accommodation, its setting and the wealth of things to do and places to visit make it a certainty that you will leave the table wanting more. With 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms the main farmhouse comfortably sleeps up to10 and with 2 bedrooms and bathrooms the barn sleeps 4. Separate lets can be arranged for either or you can take advantage of a discount by taking both. For more information, prices and availability visit www.italianretreat.co.uk What guests said: Apologies for the delay, I’ve been meaning to drop you a line since we got back. The house looks great on the website but was even better than we had expected and we also loved the surrounding areas. We enjoyed a number of the restaurants on the list but simple food at the big table overlooking the pool was hard to beat! I’m not sure if it was intentional but I took my laptop and projector and the shutters to the kitchen make a perfect screen for the ‘Cinema Paradiso’ that the kids enjoyed on a few evenings. Thanks again for all your helpful suggestions. A. Chadwick August 2008 We returned home last night after two very enjoyable weeks at the Farmhouse. It is a beautiful property in a wonderful location. The house is in a stunning part of the countryside, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves exploring the area, which was completely new to us. L. Acketts September 2008 I wanted to write to let you know that we had the most marvellous time at Troscione last week. We all absolutely loved what you had done with the farmhouse and barn and how you have made them both most spectacular properties. The simplicity of the decoration was wonderful. Kale was able to provide 2 suckling pigs for my birthday last Wednesday which was extremely good fun. Throughout our stay he was extremely helpful. Thank you so much one again and we look forward to returning to Troscione (hopefully next year). D. Blom Davis Aug 2008 I just thought I would drop you a line to tell you how much we all loved Troscione and the surrounding area. The house was really something else C. O’Riordan June 2008 A late message to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to stay at your beautiful house in Italy. Everyone in our group said that it was the best holiday ever, which considering that most of them are in their twenties with very low boredom thresholds, was definitely a result. It was perfect from the moment we arrived - the house, the pool, the garden, the landscape, the local towns, and of course the weather. Kalle met us there and sorted everything out and gave us as much info as we needed on where to go and how to get about. The house is a delight and everyone was impressed by how you have done it - cool and spacious and with a very natural feel. G. Braithwaite June 07 It is absolutely stunning! We will have a marvellous time here. (I am particularly happy with the punch bag - I do some boxing training so this is a real treat.) Followed by: We had a fabulous holiday last week. You have created a beautiful home - I hope the children did not distress it too greatly. Too hot to do anything too demanding but it meant we were able to switch off and relax. J. Reynolds Aug 2007 Wow! Your villa is stunning! We are having a wonderful time. The weather, location, food and a great house. Kalle is marvellous too. You must be delighted with it. J. Sowerby September 2007 Needless to say, we had a great time! The property is beautiful and peaceful and a great base to explore Umbria. I'm sure the wine and the sunshine helped but Kalle made us feel even more comfortable. We had some memorable meals cooked for us. Many thanks and I would (am!) recommending Troscione to all my friends. T. Marchant Sept 2007

Troscione

This lovely farmhouse and separate barn have been sensitively restored by retaining many original features while seamlessly introducing modern conveniences throughout to produce a series of light and attractive spaces, simply but tastefully furnished with comfortable furniture .

 

Together the interior and exterior spaces provide the perfect setting for a relaxed holiday of reading, painting, sampling the local cuisine or simply snoozing by the pool. Alternatively it provides for the more energetic pursuits of a family holiday – table tennis, swimming, walking, cycling, riding, sailing or water skiing. It also provides an ideally located base from which to explore the rich cultural heart of Italy in the local markets, festivals and restaurants or in its tombs, museums and galleries.

 

At all times immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of life in rural Italy, enjoy a riot of wild flowers, heady arcacia blossom and hazy sunshine in spring, long hot days on shaded terraces beside the cool sparkling lake in summer, or truffles, wild boar and mushrooms in autumn before a roaring open fire.

 

Feeding the mind and the soul comes naturally in Italy - feeding the body in a country where they say you always eat twice - first when you have your meal and then when you talk about it - simply enhances the experience.

 

Troscione - getting there:

Ryanair and Easyjet fly to Ciampino and BA and Alitalia fly to Fiumicino. Both are served by the major car hire firms and are located adjacent to the ring road around Rome that connects directly to the A1 motorway linking Florence, Rome and Naples – simply drive north toward Florence and come off at Orvieto. Troscione is a 75/90 minute drive north of Rome and a similar distance south of Sienna.

 

Locally it is approximately 4 km north east of San Lorenzo Nuova and 4 km west of Castel Giogio.

 

Alternatively let the train take the strain – Orvieto is a stop on the main-line from Rome to Florence and Hertz have an office directly opposite Orvieto station. The train is also a relaxed way of visiting these cities during your stay.

 

Troscione - shopping & eating:

Local shopping is 10 minutes drive away in Castel Giorgio or San Lorenzo Nuovo - left or right out of the gate - with the best breadshop in Castel Giorgio. Further afield morning markets sell local produce in Bolsena on Tuesday and in Orvieto on Thursday and Saturday.

 

Also in Orvieto there is a particularly good deli near the Duomo – and if ‘he’ is there you will think you have walked onto a Hammer Horror film set – Christopher Lee lives and works in Orvieto! Rather fittingly he sells solid red slabs of flesh – wild boar – thinly sliced its fantastic. He also has a chocolate and nut version of pan forte – hand sized, heavy lumpen brown things that tend to ‘live’ in a basket at the far end of the counter. Thinly sliced with coffee its stunning. He also sells an excellent Orvieto grappa – light and floral at 15 euros.

 

There is also a fantastic range of restaurants for you to experience – 15 minutes walk away is Poderetto, very basic, no menu but good food and a unique rustic experience. Elsewhere watch your massive t-bone cooked over an open fire, sample the best pizzas in Italy at Pizza Charlie, try wild boar with chocolate at L’ Asino D Oro, truffles at Vinosus or endless fish courses at S.Egido di Trucca Adeline – then of course there’s the pasta, the wine, the strawberries with grappa poured over them! The lakeside restaurants offer cool breezes and shady terraces while elsewhere - often hidden away - are cavernous spaces with large tables around which extended families gather together for Sunday lunch.

 

 A list and maps of shops and restaurants will be sent out just before you leave.

 

Troscione - Around and About:

This is the true 'Green Heart of Italy' and in the open fields and dense wooded areas of this varied landscape nature is still uncontaminated. Stitched seamlessly into the landscape the hand of man is evident in the tilling of the fields, the vineyards and olive groves and a sprinkling of tiny medieval hamlets.

 

Occasionally the skyline is broken by the outline of a stunning hill town perched precariously on top of a rocky outcrop. The beginnings of these towns date back beyond the romans to the etruscans, as evidenced by the ancient frescoes of their houses, tombs and local museums and occasionally in the jet black hair and striking profile of the current day inhabitants.

 

The classically simple cuisine of the region comes directly from the farming communities and ensures a unique culinary experience. The mushroom and truffle seasons are highly evident in the local markets and restaurants where you can also enjoy wild boar and fresh fish from the lake, smothered in local virgin olive oil and washed down with a jug of local wine. Fortunately the rolling landscape provides a perfect way to walk or cycle away excess calories accidentally taken on board.

 

Lake Bolsena

Sublime Lake Bolsena 6 km south of Troscione are the gently lapped shores of Lake Bolsena. At 13.5 km long and 12 km across it is the largest volcanic lake in Europe providing a wealth of recreational opportunities for all age groups from swimming, sailing, fishing and water skiing to the less energetic pursuits of eating, sunbathing or simply taking a glass of wine and watching the world go by - as the locals do.

Alternatively take a short boat journey out to one of the lake islands:

‘Herbal perfume rises from the earth beneath me and overhead a warm breeze rattles the dark green foliage. I emerge onto a golden cliff where I stop to watch herons and cormorants wheel above the bright blue water. I’m standing on what’s been described as the most beautiful island on any lake in the world – Isola Bisentina, on Lake Bolsena’ Fleur Kinson

 

Stunning Orvieto 18 km away stands the spectacle of Orvieto - an ancient bastion of a town rising dramatically from the valley and surmounted by its world renowned Duomo whose mosaic facade glistens across the valley as you descend the hillside.

 

The Duomo is strikingly constructed on three facades with powerful bands of black and white stone and inset with windows of translucent alabaster. It has an amazing East facade that has the boldest structure and richest colour among Italian Gothic buildings - it simply has to be seen. Inside there are stunningly fresh frescoes by Luca Signorelli. His Last Judgement series in the chapel is not for the faint hearted and clearly influenced Michelangelo's version in the Sistine Chapel.

 

St Patrick's Well is another of the 'wonders' of Orvieto, Built by order of Pope Clement V11 de Medici it comprises two intertwined spiral stairs - a double helix - that descend 62 metres to the water and is lit by 72 windows. Ingeniously one flight takes you down and the other brings you back up without the two ever meeting.

 

Orvieto has a wealth of museums and galleries, a theatre, wine bars and restaurants and every evening the whole population promenades along the Corso - the central shopping street. On Saturday and Thursday there is a large morning market selling cheeses, meats, salad and vegetables picked fresh from gardens and allotments earlier that morning. Orvieto is also the home of the Umbrian Jazz Festival held each year over the week of the New Year.

 

Elsewhere there is much to see and do:

Bolsena Town – the elegant capital of the lake and originally the Etruscan town of Velzana is set on steep terraces. Wander through the narrow streets of this medieval town on the lake shore and visit its castle, museum, basilica and churches or shop in the local market on Tuesday.

Torre Alfina – a small medieval town 20 minutes north of Troscione is rich in natural environments – an ancient Sassetto Wood, ‘snow wells’ and a flower museum. In the summer they hold a week long

Blues Festival – see wwwtorrealfina.net Capodimonte and Marta are two small ports on the southern shore of the lake with beaches and a marina, and plenty of pedellos. At Marta there is a pretty waters edge park.

Saturnia – a unique experience is to bathe, as the romans did, in the hot springs of Saturnia 40 minutes drive away. Sit and idyll the day away in one of the pools with warm invigorating water flowing over your shoulders under clear blue skies – you know you’re worth it.

Terme dei Papi – the Popes thermal spring just outside Viterbo provides – as you might expect - a slightly more sophisticated spa experience with a range of natural restorative treatments provided in the facilities gathered around a large stone lined pool of natural warm water.

Parco dei Mostri – The park of monsters at Bomarzo. Walk through the gaping mouth of a monster created in the 16 century by Vicino Orsini – one of the unique pieces in this fantastical garden. ‘He who does not visit this place with raised eyebrows and tight lips will fail to admire the seven wonders of the world’. Civita di Bagnoregio a spectacular sight and place to visit - an abandoned medieval city standing on a precipitous outcrop on the middle of a broad valley and reached only by a narrow footbridge.

Isola del Griglio - Travel West to the coast and watch the sun setting into the Mediterranean or take a short ferry trip to the lovely island of Isola del Griglio and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Med.

Pienza - an hour to the north lies this ‘perfect’ Renaissance town – its unique planning and beauty is recognised by its designation as a World Heritage Site - its Cathedral, Museum and Florentine Palaces make it a cultural highlight. Eat in the garden of the hotel Il

Chiostro Di Pienza - great food, great setting. Villa Lante - 5 km from Viterbo this elegant 16 century villa set within stunning terraced gardens with geometric motifs and numerous fountains - a very special and authentic cultural experience.

 Montefiascone – a beautiful hill town with narrow streets that thread through medieval buildings up to an amazing park at the top with fantastic views over the Lake and the surrounding countryside.

Aquapendente - 10 km North – was an obligatory stop on the pilgrims route and has a chapel that reproduces the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and a museum of medieval ceramics. Also your nearest pharmacy and hospital Further afield lie the rich cultural delights of Sienna and Rome – both just 100 km away.

 

Troscione - The Farmhouse

Entering from the country road and through the entrance gateway, a gravel drive leads directly ahead to parking area for 3/4 cars located in the shade of large mature trees. Beyond the parking area the gravel path winds up to a generous paved terrace partially shaded by a timber pergola with wisteria and roses scrambling over it. This external barbeque/dining terrace overlooks the 14 metre long pool and the open fields and woods beyond - mother nature as far as the eye can see.

 

Two broad flights of paved steps lead between a pair of ancient walnut trees down to the pool and the sun terraces that surround it. Bordering the terraces there are banks of lavender, vinca and lawns with to one side a small fruit orchard - if you're there in the Autumn take away your fill of the walnuts, if you're there in summer help yourself to the figs.

 

Across from the terrace a large lawn is bounded by white flowering fruit trees provides a great area to kick a ball around or play rounders.

 

The rooms in the farmouse are spacious and light with simple white walls, exposed chestnut beams and handmade terracotta tiles underfoot and overhead. Throughout they have been simply but tastefully furnished with stylish and comfortable furniture producing a series of relaxed contemporary spaces that extend out to terraces on three sides.

 

Directly off the main terrace is an enormous open plan kitchen and dining area with travertine worktops arranged on either side of a 3.6 m oak dining table and a large open fireplace for grilling steaks, wild boar or fish - as in the local restaurants.

 

The sitting area has 3 huge comfortable sofas overlooking the pool terrace and alongside, up 4 broad steps, is a study with another large sofa, a desk- somewhere to park the work you thought you should bring with you - tv, dvd and cd player, opening onto its own shaded terrace.

 

Off a light and attractive reception room there is a utility room, a guest toilet/shower room and a games room with a table tennis table and punch bag – ideal for taking the sting out of having to go home at the end of the week.

 

On the first and second floors 4 generous en suite bedrooms overlook the surrounding fields and forests. 2 bedrooms are very large and have three beds and an en suite shower room. Two are large double rooms with a large en suite bathroom with shower.

 

 Each bedroom has a walk through storage area with drawers, hanging rails etc. Underfoot and overhead between the chestnut joists are more handmade terracotta tiles - attractive to look at but just as importantly their thermal mass helps to keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter in the traditional way.

 

The top floor bedrooms are open to the massive chestnut trusses that support the roof - exposing the bare bones of a very simple traditional building. All windows have external shutter for shade and fine mesh screens.

 

 For young families Troscione is also equipped with three cots and high chairs.

 

The farmhouse is orientated away from the barn and is separated from it by a grove of young olive tree and cypress trees. Each property stands in its own setting of terraces and lawns providing privacy for both.

 

The swimming pool is reserved for the exclusive use of the occupants of the farmhouse - unless the two are taken together.

 

Troscione - The Barn

Entering from the country road and through the entrance gateway, a gravel drive to the left leads to parking area for 2/3 cars. Beyond the parking area the gravel path skirts a south facing lawn and leads to a pergola with jasmine and vines growing over it shading an external dining and barbeque area overlooking another lawn and the surrounding fields and woodland.

 

Internally much of the open form of the original building has been retained in the layout of this simple single storey building. The walls and terracotta tiles to the pitched roof are painted white, a feature that is accentuated by central roof lights that flood the living spaces with sparkling light producing a series of stylish and elegant studio living spaces.

 

Handmade terracotta floor tiles have been laid throughout the building.

 

 An open fireplace, ideal for grilling the local steaks, wild boar or fish, provides the perfect focus for the dining area together with a TV & cd To one side a large fully fitted kitchen with Travertine worktops and French doors open onto the south facing lawn. On the other side 2 huge sofas look through French doors to the pergola covered terrace with a barbeque & external dining area overlooking the surrounding fields.

 

Two good-sized double bedrooms each with en suite bathrooms make this an attractive and comfortable standalone base for a family or two couples or as additional accommodation for a larger group using the farmhouse.

 

The barn is orientated away from the farmhouse and is separated from it by a grove of young olive tree and cypress trees. Each property stands in its own setting of terraces and lawns providing privacy for both.

 

Sadly the swimming pool is reserved for the exclusive use of the occupants of the farmhouse - unless the two are taken together.

Contact Information

Company: Troscione Italian Retreat

Name: Ian Sharratt

Street: 218 Camberwell New Road

City: London

State/Province: London

Country: United Kingdom

Zip/Postal Code: SE5ORR

Phone: 02077932828

Fax: 02077932829

Website: www.italianretreat.co.uk

E-mail: Click here to send an e-mail inquiry