Borgo di Bastia Creti-U03

North of Perugia, on a mountaintop in the heart of the fertile Niccone Valley, is the enchanting and marvelously restored farm village, Borgo di Bastia Creti.  In 1433 the administration of the town of Perugia authorized its construction; however there is evidence of the presence of the church of Saint Lucia as early as 1218. What is now the rectory is the original part of the old Borgo di Croce, later named Bastia Creti. Today the Borgo is a delightful place to stay; surrounded by woods, and views, valleys and relaxation.  Borgo di Bastia Creti is, in the words of its owner, an elegant hideaway "for people who cherish their privacy."

Other than the wonderful restorations, little has changed at Bastia Creti in the last 600 years. The renovation of these very old and valuable estates is carried out fully respecting their original beauty and structure, using original materials, carefully bringing out significant characteristics: the beautiful mottled white and pink Assisi stone, and the round arches. The same goes for the restoration of the old terracotta floors and the refurbishment of the roofs using old tiles recovered from other buildings of the same period. Each area and last detail has been conceived and recreated to offer an authentic and comfortable environment to the fortunate and privileged occupants and guests of these Umbrian gems.

Inside, the stone left bare, the colors bring to mind antique plasterwork patina, old oak beams and handmade terracotta characterize the restoration and serve as the foundation for elegant furnishings. Old stone fireplaces contrast with the single-wing windows opening onto breathtaking views. In the kitchens, a balance has been achieved between antique majolica tiling and modern built-in fixtures.  The baths have unique combinations of local multicolored stones and there antique seventeenth-century style doors are found throughout.

 The 6 acre estate encircling the Borgo,  includes a large swimming pool, tennis court, with a "backboard", and barbeque for open air guest use. IIn addition a the property includes a sauna.  A small square inside the Borgo, with antique terracotta paving and green lawns complete the elegant layout.

Borgo di Bastia Creti is well connected with towns such as Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto and Gubbio, and Lake Trasimeno. The nearest towns in Tuscany are Arezzo, Cortona, and Sansepolcro.  Perugia, the largest town in Umbria, is only 30 km away offering top-quality shops and restaurants and superb art masterpieces as well as a golf course. The Sant'Egidio airport is 30 minutes drive away, and offers daily flights to and from Milan. The nearby motorway provides quick access to Rome and Florence, which are, respectively, 200 km (120 miles) and 130 km (80 miles) distant.

In addition to the facilities on the property, many activities are available at or near the Borgo. About 20 minutes drive away there is the Antognolla Golf and Country Club, a 9-hole/par-3 executive golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., with a club and restaurant that serves lunches and dinners (closed Tuesdays). Horseback riding can also be arranged nearby and there are trails for mountain bikes and hiking.

Guests of Borgo di Bastia Creti are lodged in 5 beautifully decorated, spacious stone houses, two of which, the Cottage and Limonaia (Lemon House), stand on the hill below the old chapel, looking out over the valley. The other three, Olivi (Olive), Cipressi (Cypress), and Ginestra (Broom Flower) are located among stone farm buildings and face each other across a small piazza alive with colorful flowers.  All have quality furnishings and the kitchens are fully equipped with modern amenities -  dishwasher, washing machine, satellite and local television, a stereo for cassette tape and compact discs, and a separate metered telephone line.

Cipressi has three bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (3 with tub, 1 with shower), a large living room with through-going fireplace to the dining room/kitchen. This duplex villa sleeps 6 persons.

Olivi is a two bedroom house with two bathrooms (one with tub and hand shower, the other with shower), a living room with a fireplace, and a large dining room/kitchen. Sleeps 4 persons.

The Cottage is a duplex villa with a double bedroom on the ground floor with a connecting bathroom with a shower; a double bedroom on the second floor with bathroom (tub with a hand shower). Connected through the living room (with a separate entrance which could be completely separated), there is a double bedroom with bathroom (tub with hand shower). Living room, dining room/kitchen. Sleeps 6 persons.

Ginestra is a four bedroom house located on the corner of the "piazza", with access to the garden from the living room, dining room, and kitchen. It has a large entrance, living room with fireplace, and large dining room/kitchen. The ground floor has a double bedroom with bathroom (tub with hand shower). The second floor has two double bedrooms with one bathroom (tub with hand shower), while the third floor has one double bedroom with bathroom. This house sleeps 8 persons.

Limonaia is a separate cottage with direct access to the garden. This house has one double bedroom with bathroom (tub with hand shower) and a guest bathroom (no tub nor shower), a living and dining room with fireplace, and a separate kitchen. There is a sofa bed in the living room. Sleeps 2 persons.