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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Umbria Review 1453: Classic Vacation Rental, Casa Cielo
2bed/2bath apartment on farm near Mercatale, Umbria When5/14/05 - 5/21/05, one week LocationCasa Cielo is located at the top of a hill in a very rural setting. The nearest town, Mercatale, was about a ten minute drive. It was a very beautiful setting. We had panoramic views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Nearby AmenitiesYou could not walk anywhere. The nearest town was about a 10 minute drive away. Mercatale had a small grocery store and one restaurant. The House/ApartmentThe house was in excellent shape. It had beautifully restored. It retained the beauty and charm of the historical style. The setting was amazingly peaceful. Every morning we heard a cuckoo bird. The birds seemed to sing all day and even when it was dark out. GardenThere was a lovely outside sitting area. We had breakfast outside every morning. The house also has a beautiful pool. The landscaping and garden were very nice without being formal. Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe furniture was rustic but in very good shape. The living room furniture was fine and adequate for four people. Bedrooms/BathroomsThe beds were comfortable and very nicely appointed. There are two full bathrooms, which was the perfect number for two couples. The shower stalls were small, but worked well and were clean. KitchenThe kitchen was very usable. Although we didn't do much cooking, we did have a cooking lesson at the house and we had everything we needed, although the chef brought some special items, like a pasta maker that the house did not have. We had plenty of plates, utensils, pots, and pans for the lesson. Problems or BonusesWe were pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the setting was. Agency and Representatives (and price)We were treated very well by the agency that we booked with. The representative we dealt with provided a tremendous amount of information about the area and day trips from the house that was very helpful. The on-site person was American, so language was not an issue. We really enjoyed meeting her and she went out of her way to be friendly and helpful. We paid $1900/week in May for the upper floor only. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?I would highly recommend Casa Cielo to anyone. We fell in love with it. I am counting on having the chance to stay here again. Things to do in this areaThe house is very well situated for anyone who wants to explore both Umbria and Tuscany. It is in Umbria, but right on the Tuscany border. You have to be prepared to spend a fair amount of time in the car, however, because although none of the places we wanted to visit were too far, none were too close either. We didn't mind the driving, however, because it took us through lots of interesting and beautiful little towns and gorgeous countryside. While staying at Case Cielo we went to Gubbio, Cortona, Perugia, Florence, Assisi, and Siena. Florence is a bit of a long trip for one day (about 2 hours away), but I was very glad we did it. It helps if you are traveling in a group, so you can share the driving. Everywhere else was 45 - 75 minutes away, except Cortona, which is only 25 minutes away Anyone who stays at Casa Cielo has to have at least one meal at Mimmi's, the only restaurant in Mercatale. It is an unforgettable experience. This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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