backnack@libero.it     

CASA  TERSALLE

                                                   terrace&house

  • Simple comfort in a delightful setting
  • Helpful English and Italian-speaking resident owners
  • Fantastic location for walking and sightseeing
  • Short and long-term lets, throughout the year
  • Attractive prices and flexible arrival/departure days
  • Possibility of personalised guided visits by owners

 

General description

Casa Tersalle is a 300-year-old 'casa colonica', the Italian name for a traditional farmhouse.  It is part of a small hamlet and is situated in stunningly beautiful, tranquil countryside in the north of Umbria, in central Italy, and is easily accessible from various airports (see below).   It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a comfortable place to stay in the Italian countryside, somewhere to relax and enjoy a taste of the natural beauty and the many sights that this still unspoilt part of Italy has to offer. 

The farmhouse lies close to the border with Tuscany (1km) and, while in a rural setting, is within easy reach of local amenities.  It is also close to a number of the charming hilltop towns which are characteristic to the area; each of these has its own history and character and an enjoyable morning or afternoon can be spent exploring the mediaeval streets, visiting the sights and then stopping for a cappuccino or gelato (unbeatable Italian ice-cream!).

For nature lovers, there are many possibilities for walking near the house with an abundance of wildlife to enjoy.  Walking maps are available.

Changeover day

Our usual changeover day is Saturday but we also offer the possibility of weekday arrival/departure for a small extra charge (minimum stay one week).   Please see Prices page.

The house

The house is on two floors and is suitable for up to 8 people.  For 2-4 people the upper floor is closed off, although an extra room can be made available on request.   The house is a single unit and therefore visitors have exclusive use, however many people.

We (the Kiwi/English owners, Rob and Jane) bought Casa Tersalle in 1988 after falling in love with the area and deciding to settle here. We moved in and then had the house carefully restored, with an eye to retaining the original farmhouse character - ceilings with exposed wooden beams, tiled floors, wooden shutters, open fireplace and woodburning stoves are among the features - while at the same time incorporating modern facilities in the kitchen and bathrooms. All the rooms are light and spacious and fully furnished in a simple but comfortable manner.

Outside

Outside there is a large sunny terrace and garden where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful changing views of the surrounding fields and a small lake, with a fantastic backdrop of green wooded hills. 

We live in separate accommodation (in the former animal stalls!) and, while not intruding on visitors' privacy, are there for help or advice if needed (or to share a bottle of wine!).  We both speak fluent Italian and, having lived and worked in the area since 1989, have developed a comprehensive knowledge of the area and of how things work here.   By prior arrangement, Rob is available to give informative and entertaining guided visits to various towns, and guided walks in the area.  We have also compiled a comprehensive information book for visitors' use.

Getting there

The house is easily reached by car from the following airports and we provide detailed 'how to find us' information when booking.                                    

                                    Perugia (www.ryanair.com) - 50 mins
                                    Bologna-Forlė (www.ryanair.com) - 1.30 hr
                                    Florence (www.meridiana.com) - 1.30 hr
                                    Bologna (www.britishairways.com) - 2.30 hr
                                    Pisa (www.britishairways.com, www.ryanair.com, www.easyJet.com) - 3 hrs
                                    Rome - 3.30 hrs (www.ryanair.com + all major airlines). 

As well as flights from the UK, there are also low-cost airfares available from various other European airports.  Please note that since public transport is very limited, a car is essential for staying at Casa Tersalle.  The nearest mainline railway station is Arezzo (35 kms), with direct connections to Rome, Florence and Bologna.

Local towns and amenities

Casa Tersalle is within easy reach of local amenities in the villages of Lippiano (5 mins by car or a pleasant 15 min walk through the fields) and Monterchi (10 mins by car) and there are several good bars and restaurants nearby. The historic walled towns of Città di Castello (Umbria) and Sansepolcro (Tuscany) are each a 20 minute drive away and there are numerous fascinating mediaeval hilltop towns to visit, each with their own character. 

The Umbrian towns of Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio and Orvieto and, in Tuscany, Florence, Siena, and Cortona, are all within a pleasant 1-2 hour drive. Lake Trasimeno, with beaches, water sports, ferry trips to the islands and good fish restaurants, is a scenic 1.15 hr drive away.

Swimming 

There are three public swimming pools in the vicinity.