Over the nineteen years we've spent in Umbria, we've found some intriguing places that are well worth a visit. Not everyone has the same taste of course, so some will appeal more than others. We've compiled a full list which we'll send you when you book, but here are a few suggestions to give you a flavour - both culinary and cultural - of what is on offer.
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Val d'Orcia. 30 mins drive away is the Val d'Orcia where the estate of la Foce lies, overlooking the most famous postcard view of Tuscany. Renaissance and medieval gems such as Pienza, Montepulciano, Monticchiello and Montalcino are only a few miles away. The countryside abounds in lovely walks.
The esate was owned by Marchesa Iris Origo, an aristocratic Anglo-American reared in Italy. Through an early acquaintance of such luminaries as Edith Wharton and Somerset Maugham, Origo launched a writing career quite late in life - having been sidetracked by her conversion of this Tuscan valley into a thriving agricultural community. It is primarily through her biographies, memoirs and criticism that she gained renown. Origo wrote a diary of her experiences during the second world war called, 'War in the Val d'Orcia 1943-1944'. Today the estate - a combination of woods, cultivated fields and olive groves - is run by the Origo daughters, Benedetta and Donata.
The garden of La Foce was created by Cecil Pinsent and was conceived to enhance the Renaissance house and expand the spectacular view over the valley of the Orcia and the Amiata mountain. The garden is open to the public every Wednesday. For more information tel no +39 0578 69101
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Each year the estate is one of the venues for the July Chamber Music Festival. |
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La Foce restaurant used to be the school that Origo created. Delicious country food made with local produce, truffles too when in season. Tel no +39 0578 755077
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Bagno Vignoni. Thermal springs; so very warm you can bathe all the year round. The healing properties of the waters include arthritis and rheumatism. The spa waters are situated at the Hotel Posta, tel no +39 0577 887112.
It is the oldest and one of the most interesting of the many watering spas provided by the volcanic nature of Monte Amiata- and is 20 mins drive beyond La Foce.
In the vast medieval pool at the centre of the old town square, hot springs bubble up and envelope the tiny elegant village with mist on cold winter days.
After your swim you might want to have a meal in one of the traditional trattorias offering typical Tuscan fare and excellent wines.
Serenella, Citta della Pieve. A fascinating small hilltop town 20 mins away. We recommend Serenella, a colourful eating-house for the locals. Good Umbrian home cooking, even the local priest eats there.
Vecchia Osteria da Nilo, Cetona +39 0578 239040, 20 mins drive. Situated in the main square of this characterful castle topped town. Nilo serves dishes ranging from cinghiale (wild boar), to very interesting gourmet starters, and on Fridays rombo, turbot from the Adriatic. Relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
Arezzo. Exit (uscita) Arezzo, off the Autostrada del Sole (just over an hour's drive). It is well worth exploring. Principally the lengthy restoration work on, the Legend of the Cross, the famous cycle of frescoes by Piero della Francesca, in the Church of San Francesco, has at last been completed, and now this masterpiece can be admired in all its original glory.
The Antique Market of Arezzo is held the first week-end of every month on Saturday and Sunday. A must for antique seekers.
Fashion Bargains at Leccio. 15km south of Florence. Here there is a collection of designer outlets which sell surplus and out of season stock, and seconds, in what is called, The Mall'. The Gucci owned Yves St Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Loro Piana and Sergio Rossi set up their stalls there. In July 2003 a second wave of outlets arrived, Valentino, Ungaro, Zegna and Ferragamo.'The Mall' sounds like it should be an American style behemoth, but it's actually two small rows of sleek black and glass shops set against a backdrop of Tuscan hills. It is aproximately 1 1/4/1 1/2 hours from the house. Take the Autostrada del Sole and turn right at the exit, Incisa . Leccio is 15 minutes away.
Activities:
Golf Club Perugia. +39 075 5172204. The Golf Club is only 6 km from the centre of Perugia and one hour's drive from Casa del Lauro.
Round golf course. 18 holes, mt5750 Par72, sss70
Equipment and services. Bar, restaurant
Swimming pool. Golf bag/gold cart/cart rental
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Castiglione del lago.
A pretty walled medieval town on the lake 20 mins drive away.
Excellent swimming facilities round the lake, bar, restaurants serving fish and other Umbrian specialities.
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Horse riding near by. Cetona, Citta dell Pieve.
Tennis, Chiusi, 15 mins away. Covered courts. +39 0578 223069
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