Casa Colomba, Marsciano, Perugia, Umbria

Casa Colomba, with a private swimming pool and landscaped garden, is an unpretentious and much loved, family holiday home; comfortably furnished in a rustic style and situated in a peaceful location with spectacular views of the Umbrian countryside. One of the delights of our location in Umbria is that we are less than half an hour, you can drive to Assisi, Spello, Bevanga, Montefalco and Lake Trasimeno. Our much-loved family holiday home is an experience of an authentic Italian peaceful escape in the hear of the Umbrian countryside. Located on the edge of a quiet village, it is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to get away from a busy life. We do not have WIFI, nor TV, nor a telephone (although there is better mobile reception than most places in the UK!) and after much deliberation we have decided to keep it this way so that you can genuinely relax while on holiday. We request that a maximum of six adults, or 4 adults and 4 children stay. The house is well-stocked with board games and books and our holidays are spent lounging by the swimming pool watching the bees feed on the bank of lavender, listening to the sound of the crickets and wind in the trees. At the end of August the fig-tree is in full-fruit and you can prepare lunches of prosciutto, fig and balsamic washed down with wine from the local cantina. We have lengthy lunches, riposini (Italian siesta!), BBQs, dinner inside or outside depending on the weather and play the games "UNO" and "Who's in the Bag" for hours! There are several restaurants nearby which offer an alternative should you find that you can actually be bothered to venture out! We have had several artists staying there in the past: writers, painters and poets; it is a perfect place for inspiration. You will have full access to the house; please note that it is on two levels and the galley kitchen and main part of the house is up an external flight of stairs. The swimming pool is open from mid-June to mid-September only. We will provide you with an emergency contact telephone number should you need assistance with anything during your stay. The village is very peaceful. There is a local shop and bar which has been recently taken over by a lovely young couple. The shop is very well-stocked and you can get fresh milk, bread, meat and vegetables there as well as most convenience goods and wine/beer etc. There is a (Catholic) church in the village and mass on Sundays. During August there is a village festival which can be quite lively, but is worth joining in! There is also a local football pitch in the centre of the village. We recommend walks in the area and/or running to Badiola and back; this is known as the "beast of Badiola" and is particularly challenging in the midday sun! It is a full-circuit from the house (details available on request!). You will need access to a vehicle for the duration of your stay. Most people fly to either Perugia or Rome (also Pisa and Ancona are options) and hire a car. We have also, for many years, driven out to the house in Italy from the UK. There is also a train station in Perugia, and a station at Tarontella, 30 minutes from the house, that connects direct to Florence (Firenze). Please note that the house is furnished simply; we deliberately wish to keep it this way. As mentioned there is no TV, Internet nor phone, but you can get full mobile reception. It is self-catering only and basic foodstuffs are provided (olive oil, pasta etc.) We work on an honesty basis and ask that you replace things as you deem appropriate; please leave the house as you wish to find it. All linen is provided. There is also a baby travel cot and high chair, books and board games, and a CD player.