I Casali di Monticchio is an elegant relais situated in the countryside on the border between Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany, on a hill top overlooking the wonderful valley at the foot of Monte Rufeno. At the Casali care is lavished on every detail: from the choice of the fabrics and furnishings to the architecture and wonderful gardens and the rare and excellent food proposed by the restaurant. This place, built in the XIII century, has the warm and friendly atmosphere of a private dwelling rather than that of a hotel and consists of four farm houses carefully renovated respecting the original rural architecture typical of the area. Each farm house includes comfortable suites meticulously furnished and personalized.

Originally an old Borgo, I Casali di Monticchio is now a charming manor set among the rolling hills where Tuscany meets Umbria. Its luxurious accommodation, delightful dining and farmhouse living creates a truly peaceful setting. Just beyond the border of famous Tuscany is Umbria, sometimes called the 'Green Heart of Italy'. It's here that I Casali di Monticchio can be found; a beautifully restored farmhouse where traditional style blends effortlessly with every modern facility.

This place, built in the XIII century, has the warm and friendly atmosphere of a private dwelling rather than that of a hotel and consists of four farm houses carefully renovated respecting the original rural architecture typical of the area. Each farm house includes comfortable suites meticulously furnished and personalized.

The heart of the resort is the Villa. A pleasant background of jazz music welcomes guests in the elegant reception room. The spaces are divided by soft lights and architectural elements, giving intimacy to each of the restaurant’s tables. The reception room leads into the billiard room and the charming Giardino d’Inverno, a delightful veranda always warmed by the sun and with a view over the changing colours of the surrounding countryside as far as the eye can see. On the top floor the austere common living room, embellished by a fire place and dominated by the heavy oak beams, has been transformed into a library. Placed against the far end wall is an antique writing desk re-evoking memories of the days of letter writing.

Bernardo, the young chef of I Casali di Monticchio, has his origins in two of Italy’s most famed gastronomic regions: Sicily and Emilia Romagna. From Sicily Bernardo loves the fruity olive oils, fish and many vegetables used for pasta sauces; from Emilia Romagna he has learnt to taste and select the cured meats and cow’s milk cheese. He then moved to I Casali di Monticchio in the heart of the country’s gastronomy and famous for home made pasta with tasty sauces. Then there are the sheep’s milk cheeses, stews, roast meats and the tagliata, thick, tender beef cooked rare and to be eaten with a good glass of red wine. Bernardo’s brother Brian gives his personal touch to the dishes while preserving their original character. Each day the two chefs produce a new menu, proposing dishes with products of the season, in full respect of nature’s rhythm.

Aubergines, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes and all the other vegetables used for cooking, as well as the fruit, are grown in the organic farm surrounding I Casali di Monticchio. The meat is also home produced: rabbit, duck, chicken, guinea fowl, beef and pork. The vineyard and olive groves produce excellent wine and olive oil. These two products, together with bread, have been the sustenance of the country folk of this area for centuries.

Things to enjoy - Restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi, cycling. Nearby: Tennis, horse riding, 18-hole golf course. Attractions: Orvieto, Assisi, Florence, Rome, Montepulciano, Siena, Pienza, Todi, Lake Trasimeno, Natural Park Reserve of Monte Ruffeno, spas.

On request: coocking class, tennis instructor and tour guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin) and Japanese.

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