This
magnificent property is part of a modern farming estate 4 miles from Lake Bolsena. The
area is very interesting both from the natural and the archeological viewpoint. The newly
instituted archaeological park that also encompasses the estate includes Sorano, Sovana
and Pitigliano-Sorano has been nominated by UNESCO as a probably protected city of world
interest. Other interesting sites in the immediate surroundings are Vulci, Tarquinia,
Ferentium, Civita de Bagnoregio and the thermal spa of Saturnia. All shops and facilities
are a mile away. Acquapendente is about 4 miles, Orvieto is 15 miles, Viterbo is 25 miles
distant. The seaside is 60 miles, as is Siena. Rome is 80 miles and Pienza, Montepulciano
and the thermal spa of Bagno Vignoni are 45 minutes by car.
The property was restored in 1996 under the
direct supervision of the owner, a well-known architect. It is circled by lawned terraces
with a beautiful 18 by 36 foot pool that is surrounded by a small stand of oak trees,
protecting it from the spring and autumn breezes. All around is the typical countryside so
loved first by the Etruscans and later by the Roman conquerors. There is a covered parking
area to one side of the property. The main farmhouse is divided lengthwise into two
apartments, Airone and Civetta, both with totally independent entrances
on opposite sides of the structure. Each has its own ample, private and furnished garden. Picchio, on the other hand, is located in a
separate barn on the far side of the pool: it is completely autonomous. It has its own
separate access and parking space.
The pool is for shared use by all three units and
the owners, who occupy a large farmhouse about 500 meters away. Special care has been
taken to preserve the original style and is evident in the handmade terracotta used in the
floors, the woodbeamed ceilings and the delightful arches in brick and stone. In some
cases the original stone walls are intact. The combination of the typical poor materials
of the area combined with precious finish materials and tiles have helped the owner create
a rustic, warm atmosphere that is also decidedly elegant. The result is stunning and
varied. All three apartments have their own barbecues, telephones and central gas heating,
payable on consumption along with fireplace wood. |
