Fonte dei Frati

Overlooking a deep, wooded valley, caressed by the shade of hundred-year-old olive trees and the scent of citrus and rosemary, the Franciscan monks of the nearby monastery would come here several centuries ago to do their laundry at an immense, double-basin stone fountain fed by the fresh cold waters of an underground coastal spring, which still stands under the protection of a narrow clay-tiled roof. The nearby swimming pool takes in the sweeping panorama alongside a lovely olive-shaded patio. A small path winds through lush nature and across an olive grove to a large, comfortable house with a variety of spaces to socialise and relax, and dine both indoors and outdoors in privacy and absolute peace. The place’s history is everywhere: here, even before the ancient village of Monteleone and the laborious Franciscans, stood the Roman settlement of Trebula Mutuesca with its sprawling villas, temples and amphitheatre. The tale is told by that monumental fountain inside, by the Roman columns that decorate the entrance, the terracotta oil-storage vessels that adorn the rooms, the stone cornices, capitals and various other relics strewn about the garden. Wood, stone, clay and travertine are the material vocabulary of the place, and tastefully complement its white walls along with elegant sculpted stone hearths and ceramic woodstoves, wrought iron beds and antique rustic furniture. 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Simming pool (private) Large garden Utilities: Fridge, Washing machine, Dishwasher, Microwave oven, Stereo, Fireplace. Linen and towels provided. Barbecue Wood oven The Lazio region Latium, the cradle of Rome, consisted originally of the coastal plain from the mouth of the Tiber to the Circeian promontory, and its adjacent foothills. Its area constituted a part of the much larger modern Italian Regione of Lazio, Latium in Latin. Latium has played an important role in history owing to its status as the cradle of the Roman Empire and the city of Rome. Consequently, it is home to celebrated works of art and architecture. Bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea, Latium's capital Rome and the sovereign Vatican State, account for the region's, and indeed country's, largest number of visitors—lured by the staggering number of attractions within each. But outside of Rome's famous Colosseum and the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, Latium provides many attractions worth the wander from these busy centres. A nice walk from the house brings you to the lovely ancient Roman church of Santa Vittoria and the ruins of the roman amphitheatre (1,5km). Near Rieti (30 Km on the Via Salaria, an interesting medieval town) there are many beautiful medieval Franciscan sanctuaries (Greccio, Fonte Colombo, Poggio Bustone) and the wonderful area of the lake of Piediluco, the Marmore Falls and Terminillo mountain (2500 m). 15 Km away (towards Rome) is Farfa Abbey, one of the most famous monastery in Europe. The abbey that is still little known on the tourist trail, hosts a magnificent Romanesque Cathedral and a stunning library of rare texts from medieval times. In recent times, British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver visited the abbey hoping to find inspiration in the long-famed medieval herb garden of the Benedictine monks...On the way to Farfa is the lovely medieval village of Frasso with its beautiful castle. The Lake Turano, with its wild landscape and medieval villages, is only 15 km away and you can enjoy swimming, sailing or fishing. Just 40 km away, you will find the beautiful Villa Adriana and villa d'Este in Tivoli. And of course Rome (56 Km away), which can be easily reached either by motorway or by train from Fara in Sabina (efficient, cheap train service running every half hour except Sundays; 45-60 minutes to the Colosseum and historical center). Heating: 6€/m³ of gas consumed (with moderate use about 30 € per day, high consumption 60€/day).