'La
casetta degli angeli’, the Angels house, is a country house in
a romantic private park of 2ha., locally known as al settimo cielo
(in seventh heaven). It is located in the south of Umbria, known as
Italy’s green heart.
Al settimo cielo is the place to be for
people in search of rest and peacefulness, e.g. for those who want to
renew family ties. After all, they sometimes threaten to come under
pressure in the hectic everyday life. Peace seekers who want nothing
more than 'dolce far niente' (doing nothing) will find their place
here, as well as nature lovers. Are you a musician and do you want to
study a piece in peace with a small group, then you've come to the
right place. No neighbors who will complain about false notes... This
is also the place 2 be for writing a book or piece of music. Visual
artists can be inspired by nature, tranquility and space. Think of
the delicious Italian cuisine with its heavenly dishes, the local
wines as if Bacchus poured them himself and you imagine yourself in
seventh heaven.
Since
spring 2017 you can dive into the cristal clear water of the natural
swimming pond.
The
owners are living on the property and they are happy to help you with
all kinds of questions.
It
is up to you: living in perfect isolation or meeting these celestials
every now and then.
Nature
lovers, writers, composers, readers, musicians, parents with (small)
children will feel at ease
al
settimo cielo. It is too beautiful to just stay one night! Therefore
3 nights is the minimum stay.
The
spaces
The
'angel's house' consists of two independent units, Da
Nonna (4 beds) and
Vista
sul mare (4 beds plus 2 mattresses if desired).
It
can be rented as a whole under the name La casetta degli angeli for
-preferably- 6 persons, 8 will do or as separated units:
Vista
sul mare (4 persons)
or
Da
Nonna (ideal for 2 persons, but enough beds for 4).
As
a whole it is ideal for 6-8 people; it makes a perfect fit for for
families, but also for a couple of friends with or without children.
There
are 8 single beds which can be pushed together as desired. 6 of them
are 90x200 cm and 2 beds measure 80x200cm. The latter are located on
a loft of Da Nonna, which is in open connection with one of the two
living rooms and can be reached via a rather steep staircase. No
problem at all for young adults and older children, but perhaps not
very easy for some elderly people.
The
cottages are furnished with an eye for detail: a mix of
modern&vintage furniture. There is some art on the walls. Also in
the park you will see some pieces of art and some kitsch as well.
If
you might have a larger group, we can offer you also 'Il
Serafino', elsewhere in the park.
It
is a 2-person's modest studio with a double bed (140x200 cm),
kitchenette, shower, separate bathroom with toilet and washbasin and
large terrace with a stunning view over the swimming pond, vista sul
lago actually. The kitchenett is good for making coffee,tea or a
simple pasta, for more extensive meals you can use the Etruscan
kitchen cave. The renovation is just ready. Photo's are not yet
available.
Costs
400 E(midseason), 550 E (highseason) and 630 E (July and August) per
week.
Amenities
The
2 kitchens are well equipped with plenty of crockery, good cutting
knives, a functioning pepper mill, garlic press, etc. We have tried
to avoid all annoyance about houses that we have ever rented
ourselves to enable you to perform your culinary delights. Kitchen
linen is provided.
You will feel no need to start shopping
immediately after your arrival, since a basket with surprises to
satisfy your first hunger and thurst is provided. Basic ingredients
like pepper, salt, oil and vinegar are on hand.
Naturally,
there are sufficient duvets and bed linen (1 set per person per
week). The same applies to towels: a set of 2 towels of per person
per week. We do not want to burden the environment with unnecessary
laundry. After all, your body is clean when you dry yourself or get
into bed.
If you nevertheless need more bed and/or bath linen, we
will make that available at an additional cost. You will need to
bring a beach towel.
There
are three bathrooms. The bathrooms are simple, but functional.
Everything you need is in it: shower, sink, bidet, toilet. One
bathroom has no bidet.
There
is central heating, 2 wood stoves.
Although
it seems superfluous to say, the house has been thoroughly cleaned
and sanitized before your arrival. The last guests have left at least
24 hours before your arrival. We provide extra cleaning supplies, so
you can clean as you stay. We comply with local laws, including any
additional safety or cleaning guidelines.
Angel's
house's garden
A
private garden belongs to the building. You will find plenty of
garden furniture and a play equipment.
Of course you are free to
change the setup of the (garden) furniture and other equipment, we
ask you to handle it with care and put it back where you found it at
the end of your stay.
You will have no visible neighbours. The
deafening silence is impressive.The only sounds that you will hear,
are the sounds of nature. If you are lucky (and quiet enough) you
will have a chance to see some wildlife like squirrels, porcupines,
wild boars, fox and even badger (we think several families are living
on the property).
There is internet (wifi), but better enjoy
this heavenly place un-plugged.
There is parking on site.
Because of the risks of bushfire, barbecueing is not allowed.
If you cannot do without, please contact us. We will find a solution.
The
park
The
entire park is at your disposal. Feel free to stroll around, sit down
where you like it. We only ask you to respect the privacy of eventual
other guests and the owners, whose private garden is on another
level. And of course we expect you to respect the wildlife and
nature.
The
enchanting park with its looks and fragrances is very inspiring for
as well old and young people. The pure, natural spot is highly
challenging to children's fantasy.
Materials for hut building are
available. There is a big swing with a rope ladder and furtheron the
kids will bring their fantasy, that will keep them busy. The
jeu-de-boule or boccia-court is a joy for oldies and youngsters.
The
site is perfect for relaxation, reading, thinking, dwelling around,
playing and cooking together.
From spring 2017 you can dive
into the cristal clear water of the natural swimming pond. No bleach,
no salt is used. The water gets purified by plants, which are planted
in a separate part, so no need to worry about waterplants in between
your toes. It's a real treat for your skin.
The swimming pond is
at your disposal from 10.30-18.00 hrs. Sometimes you might find our
(grand)children there as well. We hope that this doesn't bother you.
We urgently ask you to close the gates every time you enter/leave the
swimming pond area to avoid that children go in without their
parents.
Furthermore
When
fruit is ready for picking, you can make cakes, jams and chutneys.
On request we can provide for some basic art materials. Price
depends of your wishes and has to be agreed in advance.
Interaction
between hosts an guests
We
'celestials', the owners, are living on the site. So if you might
have a problem, we are very near to help you to find a solution.
For
many guests, our personal approach and flexibility forms a compelling
reason to choose their stay with us. Our offer is extremely flexible:
you can choose a stay in splendid isolation, maximizing your privacy,
but you can also choose to enjoy some extra services and care. It is
totally up to you.
On request we provide for fresh bread in the
morning. Twice a week you can subscribe to join our ‘tavola per
ospiti’. We will prepare you a heavenly, home cooked Italian meal
and regional wines, that seem to come directly out of the barrels of
Bacchus (30 euro per person). You choose this place – also –
because of our personal approach and flexibility.
We
can provide fine arts materials and upon request, an art teacher, if
available. In case you might be interested, please ask us at your
booking. We have to know that a month or two before arrival.
If
desired, we can also organize a cooking workshop. Local 'pasta
mama's' teach you how to make a fresh pasta and other things. They
are willing to share their kitchen secrets with you. If you would
fancy that, we would like to hear this one month before arrival.
A
day-activity like pottery painting, mosaics and felting we can
organize on shorter notice.
We
are also most willing to take you to secret places which you would
not have found by yourself. If you prefer to go on your own, there
are many small towns and villages in the very vicinity, just like
Etruscan excavations, musea, churches, sculpture parcs etc.
Last
but not least, on request we can make you a tailormade program for
your entire stay with creative, cultural, historical and
culinary/gastronomic elements.
All
prices depend on what exactly we agree on and have to be agreed in
advance.
Other
items to take into account
We
try to live as sustainable as possible. In the day time we produceour
own electricity by fotovoltaics. We compost our green waste (from the
garden, left-overs of vegetables
and fruits). We save the peels of
citrus fruits for the town compost. The town of Ficulle has a policy
of separated garbage collection.We'll point out where to leave your
waste.
Please be aware that Umbria can be very hot and dry in
summer. So don't be surprised when the grass is not green and many
plants are suffering. Water is the new gold of Umbria:-)
Therefore
we ask you to be frugal with water, to take short showers, preferably
only once a day or even less. We also ask you to collect the cold
water, that comes out of the shower before warm water comes, in a
bucket. The plants will be grateful for that.
In
all seasons we charge gas and electricity according to consumption!
Gas is very expensive in Italy; according to our contract we have to
pay 5 euro per m3. So we charge you that as well. In summer a group
of 6 persons uses generally spoken not more than 5m3 per week for
-preferably short- showering and cooking. Using the central heating
will make your stay more expensive. If desired we provide wood for 17
euro per 100 kg.
For
the use of electricity we have to charge 2,65 per day. We do the
billing at the end of your stay.
NB.1
Since it is a
heavenly spot, perfect for writing a book, composing music,
concentrating on creative work like sculpture, ceramics, painting
etc, you might like to stay longer than just a holiday. In that case
please get in touch
The surroundings
The paradise of
al settimo cielo ( in seventh heaven) is in Umbria, a region in
Central Italy, which is known as Italy's green heart. The location in
the south of Umbria makes alsettimocielo a perfect
starting point
to discover central Italy. This part of Umbria borders with both
Tuscany and Lazio.
Alsettimocielo is 100 km north from Rome (55
minutes by train from Orvieto) and 150km south from Florence (2 hours
by train from Orvieto). From Fabro and Orvieto you can reach almost
every place in Italy by train.
Al
settimo cielo lies in between three big lakes. Besides that there are
swimming pools and several thermal bathes in the vicinity; so apart
from our own swimming pond, you may find plenty of swimming
possibilities. You can find loads of culture and art. And don't
forget the famous food and wines.
Umbria is also well known
by the quality of the food. Italians say: ' si mangia bene in
Umbria'
(it is good eating in Umbria).
This area is a
highlight in historical, artistic and culinary sense. It is also
Etruscan area, a people that predecessed the Romans. They have left
seceral necropolis and archeological sites.
For
artlovers there are sculpture parcs, museums, galeries, workshops
etc.
For culi's or foodies: wine, olive oil, delicious regional
traditionalfood in abundance.
There
is an overload of options for sightseeing&shopping. Historical
towns within 100 km's: Orvieto,Todi, Città delle Pieve, Perugia,
Assisi, Sienna, Cetona, Montepulciano, San Casciano dei Bagni,
Pienza, Bolsena, (Cività di)Bagnoreggio, Sorana, Sovana, Saturnia,
Tarquinia
etc. etc.
Both
coasts are at reach in appr. 2hrs. by car.
It
is difficult to choose what to see, a year will not be enough to see
everything interesting. We will gladly show you your way to hidden
places that you might not easily find on your own. If you would wish,
we may accompany you to these places.
Other
things to do in the vicinity of al settimo cielo
La
Scarzuola, the famous Milanese architect, Tomaso Buzzi, realised his
ideal city at the site of a monastery founded by St.Francis, 45
minutes drive from al settimo cielo. Buzzi found his inspiration in
the hermeneutic philosophy. The number 7 is leading in his city with
7 theatres of which some are in use once or twice a year.
Il
giardino di Daniel Spoerri in Seggiano, where the famous Swiss
sculpture exhibits an enormous collection of sculptures and landscape
art, made by various artists is a 2 hours drive.
Il
giardino dei Tarocchi, where the French artist Nikki de St.Phalle
realized her dream: the imagination of the tarot cards in big
sculptures, appr. 1,5 to 2 hours drive. On the way you may visit
Saturnia, where even the Roman emperors had their health
resorts.
Parco Bomarzo, the famous 16-th century monsters
collection about 1 hour by car.
Andrea
Roggi's Parco della Creatività in Manciano, appr. 2 hours.
Wellness
and horsebackriding: our neighbours run a manege and sort of
spa
Trekkings and shorter walks are possible, right starting from
the property. For
the tough ones biking and cycling are possible
as well.
Transport
Public
transport from Orvieto or Fabro is perfect. From these stations you
can get anywhere in Italy by train. For visits to the big cities,
like Rome and Florence, you'd better go by train.
Yet, having a
car at disposal makes you most flexible, e.g to get in Orvieto.
Strong walkers can walk of course. The nearest village is 6 km's from
the property.
Of
our many positive reviews, we cite only these:
“ Dear Edith and
Willem,
We had been very much anticipating our return to
Alsettimocielo (and this time we brought friends with us), and we
were not disappointed. The accommodations were as comfortable and
well-designed as we remembered. We all loved having Easter pranzo
with you and Willem at Paesemio da Matteo in Ficulle, and introducing
our friends to the beauty of the city.
Our first week was
fun-filled as we took advantage of your proximity to Orvieto to visit
that beautiful, historic city. Then we were off to Firenze for an
overnight adventure visiting the Uffizi galleries, the Duomo, Santa
Maria Novella, Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, and the Ponte
Vecchio.
After so much activity, we were happy to return to the
peace and quiet of Alsettimocielo. Our friends left to visit other
sites in Italy, and Gerry and I, blessedly, had a week to ourselves
to do nothing but relax. The weather wasn’t great that week which
gave us an excuse to huddle with a glass of wine before the roaring
fireplace. Wireless access to the Internet allowed us to keep in
touch with family and friends while we were away.
As always, you
were gracious hosts, and we enjoyed our last dinner at the restaurant
that wasn’t a restaurant.
We had a great time, and look forward
to returning.
Best regards,
Ron Roberson and Gerry
Schoffelen
Arnhem”
“ We enjoyed our stay with Edith and
Willem, who were very hospitable and welcoming. We enjoyed a meal
with them and the food was delicious and traditional. Our hosts were
very friendly, and helpful. Our accommodation was comfortable, with
comfy beds and good showers. The house is in isolated location which
meant we needed to cook each night but would be perfect to write a
book or draw as suggested in the (*CONTENT HIDDEN*).
Jeryn
Zwart, Australia”
“ Very good
Wonderful place for
everyone who seeks rest. Beautiful nature and garden and well
equipped house. Owners are very fine people, who wants to feel you at
home. A lot of privacy. It has been our second time here.
Cyrille
T Roermond.”
