L'ARCO

This is an amazing property! The accommodations, the vista, and the atmosphere are truly special and make for a delightful vacation.
We had the pleasure of renting two of these beautiful homes during our stay, and they were charming and warm residences for our visit to Umbria. There were many delightful day trips to nearby towns and cities. We dined in during the evenings as our apartments were so well suited for a relaxing dinner on the veranda terrace.
Our host, Francesco, was gracious and helpful. The resident staff was available and saw to our every need. The special tour of the family home and our night of homemade pizza in the old brick oven were highlights indeed.
Many thanks for such a wonderful stay!

On the plane home from Italy, I was already looking at my calendar to see when we could return to Pianciano. Claudia & Franceso, as well as their whole family, were the most gracious, laid back, sophisticated hosts one could hope for. Their knowledge of the area must be unsurpassed, and their willingness to share it was a real privilege for us. The property itself is ideal. The villa was spotless, the rooms are quite large, the decor is simple and elegant. The exposed stone walls, which are very thick, keep the villa cool in the hot Italian summer, and there are two fireplaces for the colder seasons. The kitchen is large and well stocked. It even has a pizza oven (and Aziz will make you pizzas). Also, don't miss having Maria come to prepare dinner for you while giving you a cooking lesson. She is a dear and her meals are delicious! The view from every window and the terrace are spectacular! You will see an opposing hillside, blanketed in olive groves with another hamlet across the way, as well as the Castello belonging to the family of Pianciano. You will also look down at the rest of the the property (a few other villas). The new pool is big and beautiful with a view looking over the entire valley. At this property, you have all the privacy you want but the security of others around. If you want to socialize, the pool and the surrounding terraces are natural gathering spots. While we were there, the other two villas were rented. So, the farm consisted of our hosts (Italians), an Australian family, a Dutch family and us (Americans). It was fantastic and we made some lifelong friends. On the flip side, there are plenty of times when there is nobody at the pool and one can have it to oneself. If you just want to relax in solitude at your villa, nobody will bother you. There are many nearby towns and villages to visit, rural family restaurants and lots of hiking opportunities. As you sit, sipping your Montefalco Rosso (or whatever), from your terrace, you will hear an occasional bray of distant donkeys, and the muffled crowing of a rooster on the hillside. The two resident dogs are sweet and gentle. We even found a couple of baby porcupines, so nature is around you in the lovely place. Step inside to the cool cotta floors, lay back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the beamed ceilings and the quiet of the Italian countryside. Pianciano really is Heaven on Earth! P.S. Don't tell anyone. :)

Unspoiled sceneries from the different houses available in the borgo, tastefully restored and comfortable houses, extremely kind and available hosts, many villages and towns close by to relish authentic Italian art, style of life, great wines, organic products, magical walks in the wild flowers. Over a period of 10 days, we stayed in 2 houses and had the opportunity to visit a 3rd one. This hamlet is a true jewel and Umbria has a lot, a lot to offer. Yes, we shall be back !