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Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (38)
Individual Outside of Academia

Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (38)
Individual Outside of Academia
Listing Owner user icon

Escape. Historical Umbrian Countryside Rustic Colonica, Pastoral Setting

Umbertide, Umbria, Italy
Rates from EUR €330 | Weekly

House | Entire Home | House Sitting Negotiable
Available Dates:
From September 1, 2026 until September 30, 2026
Additional Dates:
From June 1, 2027 until October 1, 2027

Description

The ideal situation for an authentic rural stay, on the border of Tuscany with Umbria. A peaceful location on the edge of the woods overlooking the Pierle Valley, 1/2 hour from Cortona. Casa del Grano is a farmhouse, it has been my home for 25 years, a loved abode full of charm and character. I have been in Italy for 50 years. Immerse yourself in natural surroundings in an ancient building which was once a Roman watchtower in rural tranquility, a place to contemplate, a place to relax and be in nature. Casa del Grano is part of the Sorbello-Rainieri estate and sits on the Tuscan/Umbrian border. This can be your base for exploring central Italy, hill towns and historic places while staying in an authentic Italian ancient structure. Imagine looking at these views every day, all pictures were taken from immediately around the house. The ever-changing light creates such beautiful scenery. Although my home is part of a larger building, it does not feel like an apartment. My neighbors are discreet and keep to the other side of the building, which is very large. This structure was first a Roman watchtower then a granary, it is part of the Sorbello Rainieri Estate, the castle sits directly across the valley. This is an ideal location for reflection and study; writers, artists, art historians - it is real and has a homey welcoming feel. The house is available because I spend a great deal of time in the Greek Islands now, I started sailing at 40 and still do. Casa del Grano is not far from San Sepolcro and Gubbio, Siena is an hour away, Cortona, a half hour's drive. Mercatale di Cortona is the closest village. Plentiful shopping choices and a weekly market are to be found in Umbertide which has an ancient historical center. The countryside here is just too beautiful to describe; here you are also surrounded by history and nature. Many small hill towns such as Assisi or Perugia are less than 40 minutes away. As my home is located on the Tuscan-Umbrian border, you get the best of both worlds for touring the hill towns. While I think that my home is fascinating, it is rustic. This is not a remodeled Tuscan villa. My husband and I have done a lot of the work here everything is original and unique. Casa del Grano is comfortably furnished with antiques, original artwork and period pieces; I am an artist, world traveller, and a yacht skipper, my enviornment reflects my life. If you struggle with the things that go with being in the country, bugs (!) dust (!) you may not adapt well here, this is country life! Water is an issue in the summer and care must be taken to conserve water at all times. We are on a limited water supply from a slow running spring, you must be mindful of water use and I recommend not using the washing machine more than twice a week. This is a wonderful place but I would not want prospective guests to have a wrong impression, this is not "The Under the Tuscan Sun" fairytale, still it is the perfect place to come and live for the right kind of people. For internet connection I have a WIFI wireless "cube". (this works in a similare way to your phone) This is not highspeed internet but I find it suffices, I don't get frustrated with it. I also use my iPhone as a "hotspot" and it works very well. I have a person to help with maintenance and problems. If something goes wrong, you have to be patient. They are people with full time jobs. I am always reachable. My home is possibly available at other times than listed, please inquire. August is generally available. I reserve the right to ask for references. A rental contract will be required along with a damage deposit and in the case of longer rentals, a deposit equal to one month's rent to secure the booking, and kept as a damage deposit until you have departed the property and the house has been checked.

Bedrooms
1

Bathrooms
1

Offices
0

Size
700 ft2

Suited For
2

Property Type
House

Availability

From September 1, 2026 until September 30, 2026

Additional Dates

From June 1, 2027 until October 1, 2027

Minimum Stay

3 Weeks | Dates are flexible for this listing

Comments: All inquiries welcome. For the right kind of people, this is an excellent location, and very interesting peaceful country retreat. Transportation weekly or possibly more often, may be possible.

Location

House in Umbertide, Umbria, Italy

Closest University

Perugia

Nearby Universities
University of Perugia | Arezzo
Neighborhood

Rural

Nearby Cities

Cortona | Umbertide | Perugia | Gubbio

Comments: Rural, pastoral, hillside, woods & farmland, nature, hiking, mountain biking. not touristy, ancient, authentic colonica. Water restrictions: We request that you be very mindful of water use.

Explore the Area

Surroundings

  • Off Campus
  • Countryside
  • Writer's Sanctuary
  • Historic Home
  • Architectural Gem
  • Near Mountains
  • Near Woods
  • Near Restaurants

Rental Rates and Terms

Rates from EUR €330 Weekly | Negotiable

Utilities are included

A cleaning service can be discussed

Comments: 3 weeks 750 one month 970

Considerations

The home is not suitable for young kids

Ask about bringing pets

Ask about smoking in the home

A car is not available

Comments: we are 15k from Umbertide with all major services. 1K of white (dirt) road. Limited transportation assistance can be arranged for pick up and shopping in Umbertide, cost depends on time there. Rides to the station near Cortona,(50 minutes) 60 euro.

House Sitting

I may need help while I am away

I may need help with mail and deliveries

We have mail delivery, no pick up.

I may need help with plants or garden

minor maintenance, small area needs occasional mowing, some pruning of the wisteria over the patio, and general house, cleaning (longer stays)

Comments: somewhat negotiable terms for rent/housecaring duties. I do not require housecaring per se.

Features

Interior

Furnished

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Exterior

Balcony or Patio

Garden

Dedicated Parking

Accessibility

Stairs

Temperature Control

Fireplace

Appliances

Oven

Stove

Microwave

Refrigerator

Washer

Comments: A Wifi "cube" is available for your use. I do fine with this, not ultra-fast (no wired connection available) but it is sufficient for general use and zoom. I could consider installing Skylink with a reservation of 3 months or more.

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Listing Owner user icon

Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (38)
Individual Outside of Academia

Listing Owner

Member Since 2008

Trust Score (38)
Individual Outside of Academia
Listing Owner user icon