Borgo il Poeta-U05

Midway between Citta di Castello and Umbertide in the upper Tiber Valley, looking across at the medieval hilltown of Montone, near the country path called Strada del Poeta sits the hamlet bearing the same name, Borgo il Poeta. This small group of picturesque buildings grew up around a 16th century military tower built along the border between Tuscany and Umbria. The simple Chapel, dedicated to Santa Lucia, dates to 1707 and contains its original monolithic altar stone. In addition, a few kilometers down the road from the Borgo, atop a small mountain in the same valley rests the breathtaking Casale de' Lanci.

The Borgo is situated in the middle of one of the finest verdant valleys of the Italian Renaissance, gentle in climate and renowned for the warmth of its people.  Ideally located for exploration and discovery of Tuscan and Umbrian historical and artistic gems, it is a short distance from Perugia, Gubbio, and Castiglione del Lago (on Lake Trasimeno), in Umbria and Cortona, Sansepolcro and Chianciano, in Tuscany.  In one hour or less one can be in Siena or Urbino.  Visit the sight of the Roman army defeat by Hannibal on Lago Trasimeno or visit countryside churches to view their local masterpieces such as La Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca, close by.

A golf club near Perugia is available to guests.  The small island in the center of Lake Trasimeno has a restaurant and makes an ideal day outing. The club itself has a restaurant or a picnic on the lakeside may be arranged. Arrangements can also be made to go water skiing and wind surfing. At the airport in Perugia, one can rent a light aircraft for trips or flying lessons.

Alternately, enjoy the virtues and diversions found at the Borgo.  A swimming pool, tennis court, archery and croquet and bocce are available within the Borgo grounds for the exclusive use of guests.  Walking in the surrounding woods allows one to enjoy the still uncontaminated natural surroundings and perhaps encounter porcupine, wild boar, fox and badger and various species of birds, including falcons. Wild mushrooms (only for experts!), wild asparagus, and chestnuts may be gathered.  Guests may rent horses for excursions to the nearby woods and hills. Or perhaps you are interested in participating in agricultural activities, such olive oil pressing, winemaking, or grappa distillation at the nearby farm of Camenchetta.

Borgo Il Poeta, consists of the 6 separately available houses and the tiny Chapel of Santa Lucia.  The separately available accommodations, all very comfortable, tastefully decorated, and well-appointed, are described below.  Each has a separate private entrance (or two), a private patio/sitting area, and is isolated from the others by very thick stone walls.

• Casa Santa Lucia - a cottage facing the Chapel and overlooking the Sanctuary of Madonna di Canoscio, having a double bedroom with four poster bed, sitting room, and dining room with its own private terrace facing the Chapel and the square of Santa Lucia.

• La Casetta - a small cottage nestling in the heart of a little wood, at short distance from the rest, overlooking the Sanctuary of Madonna di Canoscio, having a double bedroom and a sitting room with dining area.

• Casa Torre - (on two floors) two double bedrooms, study and dining room, both with fireplace, sitting room.

• Casa Monte - (on three floors) three double bedrooms (one having a four poster bed and a private terrace looking down on to terracotta tiles and overlooking the valley), a study and a sitting room, both with fireplace, a dining room and large hall.

• Casa Loggia - (on three floors) three double bedrooms (one with four poster bed), dining room and sitting room, both with fireplace.

• Casa Tettoia - (on three floors) four bedrooms, large double sitting room with fireplace, entrance hall with fireplace, dining room and a large veranda facing the valley.

All properties have a bathroom for each bedroom, a kitchen and central heating. They have been restored with materials of the period and are furnished mainly with antiques.  Walls are mostly of stone and open beamed ceilings; floors are antique terracotta tiles (often the designs include the local Serena stone) or parquet.  The kitchens and the bathrooms are all decorated with hand-painted tiles.

Renting Borgo il Poeta-U05
Borgo il Poeta Reference number:  See Property Property Reference Number Occu- pancy Bed- rooms Bath- rooms Notes Casa Tettoia U05A 8 4 4 Apartment, Central Heating, Pool, Telephone, Tennis Court, TV, VCR, Dishwasher Casa Monte U05B 6 3 3 Apartment, Same  Casa Loggia U05C 6 3 3 Apartment, Same Casa Torre U05D 4 2 2 Apartment, Same Casa Santa Lucia U05E 2 1 1 Cottage, Same La Casetta U05F 2 1 1 Cottage, Same
2008 pricing (US$)   Occu- pancy Bud-get Mid Peak Security  Deposit U05A 1-8 5270 5585 6500 700 U05B 1-6 4210 4435 5190 600 U05C 1-6 3680 3910 4585 500 U05D 1-4 2850 3010 3530 500 U05E 1-2 2290 2435 2850 400 U05F 1-2 1985 2110 2470 400	2008 Seasons Jan 1-Mar 1 Not Available Mar 1-May 3 Budget May 3-Jun 28 Mid Jun 28-Aug 30 Peak Aug 30-Oct 25 Mid Oct 25-Dec 20 Budget Dec 20-Dec 31 Peak
Pricing is inclusive of VAT, and include daily cleaning (Monday - Friday), the use of fine embroidered linen and towels, use of the swimming pool, tennis court, and "bocce" court. Excluded are consumables (tennis balls, food, beverages), telephone usage, electricity, and central heating, when required.  Estate and other locally produced products - wine, vinegar, oils, honey are available for purchase. The rental price is  independent of the number of guests; however, the properties may not be used by more people than the maximum number indicated above. No parties in the premises or external caterers are allowed unless by special previous arrangement with the management. Pets are not allowed.  Catering (or any other fees incurred during your stay) are collected on the premises prior to your departure.  The proprietors do not accept credit cards. Nightly rentals (4-night minimum) are available during budget season, on request.  Please contact Domani for more information. As with our other properties, a 30% deposit at time of booking is required to reserve any of these properties; however, the balance of the rental is due 90 days prior to occupancy. The due date for receipt of your balance will be reflected on the invoice/confirmation we send you upon receipt of your deposit. The indicated security deposit is payable with your rental balance, and will be returned to you, less, of course, any charges for loss or breakage, within 30 days after you vacate the property.
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