On a hilltop in the Niccone Valley is the enchanting and marvelously restored hamlet, La Rustica estate. With 360 degree views of the valley, it is surrounded by forests with fig, pomegranate and olive trees. Guests can be accommodated in the three incredibly spacious, bright apartments and in the two small, detached stone houses at the bottom of this hamlet. All are furnished elegantly with local tiles from Deruta. The wide range of accommodation includes large living areas with open fireplaces and floors laid with handmade terracotta tiles. All the apartments are elegantly furnished with antiques and there is satellite television. The comfortable bedrooms all have en suite facilities and air conditioning. The kitchens are all fully equipped and offer wonderful views from every window. An easy to use alarm system has been installed in every apartment. For a relaxed, but exclusive holiday, the property of La Rustica is completed by a beautiful pool (16x8 mt) with superb views over the valley. The old hamlets chapel was converted into a warm space for delicious buffet breakfasts and dinners by reservation. There is a tennis court, a sauna and private grounds with many shady corners available for sitting and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. A free wi-fi connection is available throughout the hamlet.The various individual accommodation options, the services, and the helpful but discreet La Rustica staff make this an exceptional and unique place for an independent family or a couples holiday. La Rustica is also ideal for special events such as weddings, family reunions, or business meetings in a secluded, exclusive and enthralling location. #### Features The Borgo Apartment 1 (4 + 2 pax) Ground floor - Living room with fireplace and double sofa bed - Large kitchen with dining table First floor - Large double bedroom (convertible in twin) with en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower - Twin bedroom (beds can be joined) with en-suite bathroom with shower Apartment 2 (6 + 2 pax) First floor - Sitting room with fireplace and double sofa bed - Kitchen with dining table - Double bedroom (convertible into a twin) with en-suite bathroom with bathtub and terrace Mezzanine level - Bathroom with shower Second floor - Large doubel bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bathtub - twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bathtub Apartment 3 (8 + 1 pax) Ground floor - Living room with sofa bed - Large kitchen - Double bedroom (convertible into a twin) with en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower First floor - 2 double bedroom (convertible into a twin) - bathroom with shower and bathtub Second floor - Large double bedroom (convertible into a twin) with en-suite barhroom with bathtub and shower Annex 1 (6 pax) Ground floor - Living room with fireplace - Kitchen with dining table, opening onto the terrace - Bedroom with French bed and en-suite bathroom with shower - Double bedroom (convertible into a twin) with access to the outside - Bathroom with bathtub and shower First floor (access through a spiral staircase) - Double bedroom (convertible into a twin) with en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower Annexe 2 (2 + 1 pax) - Dining room with fireplace - Living room with sofa bed - Kitchen with windows opening onto the terrace - Guest toilet - Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower The Chapel The original chapel has been converted into a magnificent dining and drawing room for guests, with outside grassy terrace with tables and chairs for dining al fresco. The Chapel is a space used as a communal area between the hamlets guests, as a welcome and information office, as a place where breakfasts or dinners on reservation are served, or where guests can find books, guides, tennis rackets, laptop of common use. The chapel kitchen and all its equipment in the chapel cannot be used by guests. Facilities - Air conditioning in all bedrooms - Wi-Fi - Fireplace - Satellite TV - DVD player - Hairdryer - Washing machine - Ironing facilities - Vacuum cleaner - Drying rack - Windows screens - Alarm system - Safe in each room Outside grounds - Swimming pool (16x8m, depth 1,40 m), open approximately from end-April to mid-October - Garden - Tennis court (tennis rackets and balls available) - Sauna - Table tennis - Parking - Barbecue area - Boules set #### Location Perfectly located between Umbria and Tuscany, La Rustica is situated on the top of a hill with a spectacular 360 degree view of the rolling countryside overlooking the historic Niccone Valley, North of Perugia (the capital of Umbria). This historic hamlet dates back to 1433. Umbria & the Niccone Valley Umbria well deserves its description as the ‘green heart of Italy. More lush and less developed than Tuscany, its cities and medieval hill top towns are steeped in centuries of fascinating history. Despite being one of the smallest regions in Italy, Umbria has a wealth of attractions, with enchanting towns and beautiful countryside. Those seeking relaxation will find it in abundance amid the tranquillity of Umbrias rolling hills, covered with vines and olives, cypresses and Aleppo pines, oaks and chestnut trees. Painters in particular will relish the seasonal splashes of colour – the brilliant red of poppies or rich yellow of sunflowers in summer, and the browns and golds of autumn. Walkers can enjoy the splendours of Umbrias mountain and hill scenery. Few summer visitors will want to miss a visit to Lake Trasimeno, central Italys largest lake. They may choose to relax on the beaches, enjoy the restaurants of the lakeside towns, or take a ferry to one of the lakes islands. Throughout the year, Lake Trasimeno offers particular delights to naturalists, who may observe at leisure grebe and duck or catch a glimpse of osprey. Even those with a more casual interest in wildlife may see hoopoes, or buzzards and hawks wheeling in the clear blue skies. At night, guests may enjoy occasional sightings of wild boar or porcupine and in early summer, the magic of fireflies and the song of the nightingale. For those wishing to combine relaxation with more active pursuits, Umbria offers a fascinating history. From Etruscan through Roman, medieval and Renaissance times, the region contains a wealth of evidence of its varied past. Assisi, Perugia and Orvieto are artistic centres renowned worldwide, but the discerning visitor may find much to enjoy in a host of smaller towns and villages, such as Gubbio, Todi, Bevagna, Spello, Citta di Castello and many more. Home to St. Francis, Umbria holds many reminders of the saints presence, from the great basilica at Assisi, with its frescoes by Giotto, to the colourful fresco cycle by Benozzo Gozzoli in Montefalco. In the regions arts and crafts, past meets present, seen in the centuries-old pottery centres of Deruta, Gubbio and Gualdo Tadino, or in summer music festivals presenting symphonic or chamber concerts, opera and jazz. A chance to meet local people and share in their love of good food and wine is provided by the numerous festivals, or sagre, held in small villages throughout the region each summer. Besides its wealth of attractions, Umbria is the ideal base for a wider exploration of central Italy. Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, and Rome are easily accessible by road or rail a couple of hours away. The area where Borgo Bastia Creti is situated is called the Niccone Valley. The Tiber River runs through the entire length of the valley for 50 km, bestowing fertility on the soil. The Niccone Valley is named for the stream that flows through it, spilling into the Tiber River at its eastern terminus near Umbertide. Part of the valley is in Umbria and part is in Tuscany. At either end are the Umbrian towns of Lisciano Niccone and plain Niccone. A small section from Mercatale to La Mita is in Tuscany. The valley was a much traveled route throughout Italys history, and evidence of its strategic position can be seen in the castles that dot the hilltops, facing off from both sides across the border. It is in the northern-most Umbrian territory, a border zone between Umbria and Tuscany repeatedly crossed by cultural and artistic influences that have determined its particular development in comparison to the neighbouring regions. The entire district teems with splendid works of art and a happy balance has been achieved between ancient and modern, traditional and progressive. Citerna, Montone, Pietralunga and Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, all deeply imbued with ancient civilization, combine the panoramic beauty of their position with sober medieval town planning. In Umbertide, S. Giustino and Lisciano Niccone, the many castles, parish churches, and abbeys bear witness to a past history of intense social upheaval and artistic and religious lifestyles. Citta di Castello is a rare Umbrian example of Renaissance art and culture which harmonises perfectly with the events of national importance organised through the year. The area is also considered a great gastronomic point, with specialties that can be tasted in the typical restaurants and trattorias of the Umbria region. Staying in La Rustica will give guests the opportunity to visit Tuscany and its beautiful towns such as Cortona, Montepulciano, Siena, Arezzo or Sansepolcro.