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Bastiola
Bastiola is located in the most spectacular setting in the Umbrian hills over looking the celebrated Niccone valley. The house accommodates a total of ten people in five double bedrooms. There is a rental option for the whole property to be hired exclusively for eight people. This is quite the most magical of properties and the perfect place in which to realise your Italian dream holiday.
Several doors and French windows lead from the spacious and impressively large outdoor terrace into the reception rooms on the ground floor of the house.
One of the French widows leads into the large sitting room which has comfortable chairs and sofas. There is a satellite TV and a hi-fi system here for those guests that might possibly need a break from those lazy, hazy, balmy days around the pool and also a wood burning stove in the corner for those chillier autumn and winter evenings.
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The French windows at the far end of this lovely room lead out onto a delightful little terrace that provides dramatic views over the Niccone valley and the distant Umbria hills. |
The dining room is conveniently located between the sitting room and kitchen
The kitchen is well equipped with modern culinary facilities including dishwasher and washing machine and attractive wooden units. A door leads out from the kitchen onto the terrace.
Internal stairs lead up from the dining room to the first floor and a large landing off which four double bedrooms are located. Alternatively, you could take the external stone stairs that also lead up to the first floor via this small tiled covered terrace ~ somewhere from which to linger to watch the moon and listen to the nightingale before retiring to bed!
The master double bedroom is located at one end of the first floor with French windows that afford fantastic views over the surrounding countryside and the Niccone valley. The bathroom for this and another double bedroom has a separate shower and also a bath ~ a rarity in any rural Italian property.
The second double bedroom, that shares the same bathroom as the master bedroom, is located on the other side of the landing.
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The other bedrooms located on this floor are up a short flight of stairs from the landing at the other end of the house. One of these bedrooms has a double bed. The other bedroom has two single beds which can be configured into a double if required. Both these bedrooms share a sumptuous bathroom with bath/shower.
The fifth bedroom has an independent entrance with double French windows from the outside terrace on the ground floor. It has a double bed that can be configured into two single beds if required. This is a spacious room with sofa, easy chair and its own private ensuite bathroom with shower. If guests are booking Bastiola for 8 people only, this bedroom will be closed and will not be available.
The 12 metre swimming pool is situated on a terrace above the house. Roman steps, an elegant gazebo, a plentiful supply of sun loungers and chairs and stunning views makes this an aquatic haven!
The prevailing comment from nearly all our guests that have had the privilege of staying at Bastiola is the truly amazing terrace in front of the house.
This fabulous terrace provides the perfect alfresco dining and sitting room.
There can be no better place to spend those last or those first few hours of a day on your Italian dream holiday than here on this terrace with either an early morning cappuccino or an evening sun-downer as you gaze at this stunning view over the Niccone valley and the surrounding countryside.
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The garden is a delight and is full of mature trees and bushes with lovely spots to sit and dawdle. Some of the banks and terraces are quite steep, which parents of very small children will want to note. The property is surrounded by glorious countryside and the garden leads directly into some lovely walks ~ this is haven for those that enjoy the pleasure of hiking.
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For the less energetic on the other hand there is this great play area for children in the garden quite close to the house. This area is fenced and secure and there are also loungers and a shaded area from which faintly frazzled parents can supervise their offspring.
Bastiola is located right on the top of the south facing side of the Niccone valley. There are no other houses in the immediate vicinity and its dramatic position ensures that there is total privacy and quietness at this lovely property. Unlike many properties in such dramatic hill top locations there is a well maintained tarmac approach road. The last 300 metres is a gravel road which is in good condition and leads into the spacious gravel driveway of the property itself where there is ample parking for cars.
Bastiola is located in the celebrated Niccone valley which has become one of the most sought after holiday destinations in this magical part of Italy.
The valley forms the border between modern Tuscany and Umbria, but in previous centuries it was also the boundary between The Papal States & The Grand Duchy of Tuscany as well. This Valley of Castles, with innumerable inhabited and ruined ancient castles on both sides of the valley, is testimony to the ancient rivalries that existed here and the historical significance of this fascinating part of the country.
Today there are a series of small bucolic villages in the valley with their churches, piazzas, shops, open air markets, musical festivals & concerts and a number of great restaurants. The landscapes and views of the valley are quintessentially Italian with rows of cypress trees marching along ridges and the approaches to numerous farmhouses, many of which have now been restored and renovated into gracious country houses and villas. Wild oak and chestnut woods and vineyards cover the valley sides and a mass of wild flowers compete with fields of sunflowers, poppies, corn and tobacco on the broad fertile valley floor. The warmth and generosity of the local people have endeared themselves to countless recent holiday makers.
The location betwixt Tuscany and Umbria means that it is close to the cultural gems of both these fabulous regions of central Italy. Assisi, Citta di Castello, Gubbio, Lago Trasimeno, Montefalco, Montone, Orvieto, Perugia, Spello, Spoleto and Todi in Umbria and Arezzo, Cortona, Lucignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza and Siena in Tuscany to name just a few of the lovely sights, are all close by. Both Florence and Rome are easily accessible as well.
This is an entrancing and very special place. You will be delighted that you chose a holiday in this valley at Bastiola.
Summary
Property Name: Bastiola
| Item | Detail |
Remarks |
| Location | ||
| Region of Italy | Umbria |
On the northern slopes of the Niccone valley on the Tuscany border
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| Accommodation | ||
| Max Numbers of People | 10 |
There is a rental option for 8 people |
| Bedrooms | 5 |
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| Bedroom 1 | 1st Floor. Double bed | |
| Bedroom 2 | 1st Floor. Double bed |
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| Bedroom 3 | Upper 1st Floor. Double bed | |
| Bedroom 4 | Upper 1st Floor. 2 single beds which can be configured into a double |
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| Bedroom 5 | Ground Floor. Double bed which can be configured into two single beds |
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| Bathrooms | 3 |
Bathroom 1 | Bathtub and shower for bedrooms 1 & 2 |
| Bathroom 2 | Bathtub and shower for bedrooms 3 & 4 |
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| Bathroom 3 | Shower for bedroom 5 | |
| Cloakroom | No |
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| Sitting Rooms | Yes |
TV, wood burning stove |
| Kitchen / Appliances | Yes |
4 ring gas hob, electric oven, fridge, single sink, microwave, dishwasher |
| Dining area | Yes |
Table for 10, wine fridge |
| Other Rooms | Yes |
Sun room/limonaia, large landing on 1st floor |
| Additional Sofa / Fold Up Beds | No |
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| Cots | Yes |
2 available by prior request |
| Suitability for disabled access | No |
| Facilities & Supplementary Information |
| Interior | ||
| Heating | Yes |
Central heating, wood-burning stove, electric heaters in rooms if necessary |
| Open Fireplace | No |
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| Air Conditioning | No |
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| Fans | Yes |
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| Mosquito Nets / Screens | Yes |
On at least one window in each room |
| Linen & Towels | Yes |
Changed at the end of each week |
| Additional Towels for Pool | Yes |
Changed at the end of each week |
| Washing Machine | Yes |
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| Spin Dryer | No |
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| Iron | Yes |
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| Dishwasher | Yes |
Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
One in sitting room; one in bed 1 and one in bed 5 |
| DVD player | Yes |
One in sitting room; one in bedroom 1 |
| Video player | Yes |
One in bedroom 5 |
| Radio / CD Player | Yes |
One in sitting room |
| Telephone | Yes |
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| Fax | No |
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| Mobile Telephone Reception | Yes |
Good |
| Internet access | No |
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| SKYPE/VOIP facilities | No |
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| High Chair for Children | Yes |
2 |
| Toys for Children | Yes |
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| Safe Box for Valuables | No |
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| First Evening Meal | No |
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| Other Meals | No |
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| Welcome Food Pack | Yes |
Honesty system for wine in wine fridge; welcome pack of UHT milk, pasta, tomatoes, bread, water, |
| Reading Books & Board Games | Yes |
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| Extra Cleaning | Yes |
On request at cost |
| Smoking Policy | Owners have requested no smoking |
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| House Book | Yes |
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| Reception on arrival | Yes |
Provided estimated arrival time is known and confirmed |
| Assistance | Yes |
The caretaker is on call to help for those unusual events and circumstances that cannot be resolved by reading the house book |
| Exterior | ||
| Swimming Pool | Yes |
Size in mts. Breadth: 6m, Length: 12m, Shallow: 1.4, Deep: 2.4 Access: Roman steps at shallow end Cleaning System: Chlorine Open: May to Sep (inclusive) Usage: Exclusive Facilities: Loungers, chairs, table, solar panels |
| Garden | Yes |
Dining table for 10 |
| Terrace | Yes |
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| Sporting Facilities | No |
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| BBQ | Yes |
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| Pizza Oven | No |
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| Nearest Neighbour | 1 km . Not overlooked | |
| Animals Close to Premises | No |
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| Approach Drive | A 300 metre gravel track leads from an asphalt surface public road to the entrance of the property. It is suitable for all kinds of cars |
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| Garden Security | Yes |
Fenced |
| Covered Car Port | No |
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| Car Parking | Yes |
Space for at least 5 cars |
| Water Source | Private well. (Even if the water is classified as drinkable we always advise our guests that if they have any concerns at all to buy bottled water for drinking purposes and use the house water for all other matters) |
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| Rental Facts | ||
| Rental Basis | Self-catering. The whole property will be for the exclusive use of one group. If the 5th bedroom is not rented it will be closed. |
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| Price Grading | Medium for 8. Higher for 10. See Properties Home Page for the definition of this grading | |
| Breakage/Security/Deposit | No |
Breakages are to be reported to the owners, or their representative, before departure |
| Rental Restrictions | Yes |
No Pets |
| Rental Periods | Available all year round for a minimum of 7 nights with changeover on Saturday. |
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| Included in the Rental Price | Local taxes Electricity, gas and water (for normal general usage) Use and laundry of bed linen & towels Final cleaning |
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| Not Included in the Rental Price (Payment to be made locally) |
Excessive use of utilities Central heating. Euro 30 standing charge. Euro 30 per day. Telephone Firewood Extra cleaning |
Approximate Driving Times in Minutes/Hours
These driving times, which are based on local knowledge, provide a more pertinent indicator than merely distances
Airports
Perugia (Ryanair) 35
Florence (Meridiana) 1.5 - 2 hours
Forli (Ryanair) 1.5 - 2 hours
Ancona (Ryanair) 2 - 2.5 hours
Rome Ciampino (Ryanair, EasyJet), Rome Fiumicino (World airlines), Pescara (Ryanair), Bologna (BA), Rimini (Easy Jet) 2 - 3 hours
Pisa (BA, Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, Thomson) 2.5-3 hours
Milan (World airlines) 4 - 5 hours
Main Line Rail Station
Cortona Terontola (Rome - Florence line) 30
Nearest Villages with Food Shops
Spedalicchio 6
Niccone 10
Umbertide 15
Restaurants
Molino Vitelli 5
Niccone 10
Mercatale 15
Ten more restaurants within 30 min drive
Motorways
Umbertide exit of E45 (Orte-Cesena dual carriageway) 18
Bettolle exit of A1 (Roma-Firenze autostrada) 45
Cultural Sights
Cortona, Citta di Castello, Sansepolcro. 20 - 30 mins
Gubbio, Perugia, Deruta, Assisi, Arezzo, Spello, Pienza, Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto. 30 - 60 mins
Siena. 1 hour
Florence. 1.5 hours
Rome 2.5. hours
Wine Centres
Wine Tasting @ Molino Vitelli 5 mins
Montepulciano 55
Montefalco 55
Montalcino 1.10 hours
Sporting Locations
Golf. Antognola 25
Boating/Sailing. Lago Trasimeno 25
Fishing. Umbertide 20
Tennis. Niccone 10
Horse Riding. San Pietro a Monte 30
Beaches
Tuoro sul Trasimeno. 25
West Coast. 2.5 hours
East Coast. 3.0 hours
Some Comments From Previous Guests
“ ..... We really enjoyed our stay at Bastiola; it is a beautiful villa with great views. From the moment we arrived we felt at home, which is very important to us traveling with five kids. I would not hesitate to recommend Bastiola to any of my friends who are looking for a villa in this region.” P & D
“ ……. We had a fantastic holiday in Umbria and Bastiola is a really magical place in the most perfect setting. It was a pleasure to cook in the fantastically equipped kitchen and we had some very memorable meals on the terrace. We would love to come again so please keep in touch.” M F
“ ……. We have just returned from a magical three weeks at Villa Bastiola and have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our stay. The peace and quiet was particularly appreciated. The setting is very special indeed.” S P
“ ……… We are just a few days back from our absolutely beautiful trip to Italy, and I could not wait to tell you how pleased we were with our stay at Bastiola. Actually, saying that we were pleased is a massive understatement. Bastiola was perfect! The house, the view, the amenities, the gardens……it was so much more than I expected. Thank you so much for all of your assistance and professionalism. …I know that a part of my heart and soul will always remain at Bastiola.” RM Memphis TN
‘ We had a wonderful time - the property is in a fantastic location and brilliantly equipped. It exceeded our expectations. It is the best kept and equipped house that we have ever stayed in. ……... I would definitely recommend Italian Encounters. Booking was easy and I felt you gave a really personal touch. All the information you gave was just right and I felt the property was really well described. It was great to have so many pictures - and was one of the reasons I chose your company to book with.' AW. Norfolk
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