Casa Amica

Casa Amica makes you feel welcome the minute you arrive. Set on a hilltop, with views over the surrounding vineyards and across the rolling green hills of Umbria, this lovely stone farmhouse offers the best of both worlds - a peaceful, rural setting that is just minutes from the marvelous hill town of Orvieto. An unpaved road (1.3 km) leads to the house. A charming key holder who speaks fluent English will greet you when you arrive and is available to help with information and reservations to make your Italian villa vacation unforgettable.

Casa Amica has been carefully restored to balance the integrity of traditional elements, such as chestnut-beamed ceilings and whitewashed walls, with modern comforts, including some air-conditioned bedrooms and a private pool. Sunny interiors are furnished with comfortable seating and an interesting collection of local antiques and eclectic artwork, painted by the artist-owner or acquired by the owners on their travels across the globe.

The kitchen is the true heart of any Italian home, and Casa Amica’s kitchen is exceptional. One of the owners was editor in chief of Food & Wine magazine and loves to cook. She furnished her kitchen to delight anyone who cooks. Even if you never do more than make your morning coffee in this beautiful kitchen, the inspiring view from its windows makes something as mundane preparing your morning cappucino, a delightful way to start your day.

In Casa Amica you will feel welcome from the first moment. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding vineyards and rolling green hills of Umbria, this pretty stone farmhouse offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, rural setting and proximity to the beautiful hilltop town of Orvieto. A dirt road (1.3 km) leads to the house.

Casa Amica has been carefully restored. The ceiling beams are made of chestnut wood and the rooms are whitewashed. The bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning and there is a beautiful pool. The sun-drenched interiors have comfortable seating, and there's an interesting collection of local antiques and eclectic artwork, painted by the owner or brought back from trips around the world.

The kitchen is the true heart of any Italian home and Casa Amica's cuisine is exceptional. The owner was editor-in-chief of Food & Wine magazine and loves to cook. She has set up her kitchen to please anyone who loves to cook. Although you will never do more in this beautiful kitchen than preparing your morning coffee, the inspiring view from the windows while preparing your morning cappuccino is a wonderful way to start the day.

Outside, there are three separate terraces by the pool area, giving you plenty of space to dine under the stars or find a quiet corner to curl up with a book. Each terrace is lined with large flower pots and offers a beautiful view of the countryside. Flower beds surround the house and you are welcome to help yourself to the fruit trees and the vegetable and herb gardens. Wild fennel grows right outside the front door. The pool is on its own terrace with a pergola for relaxation. Large white umbrellas provide shade, and a fountain flows into an antique stone basin next to the pool.

Everything is so charming and pleasant that you might find it difficult to venture out to see the sights. But start with Orvieto. The Gothic cathedral is considered the most beautiful in Italy. A renowned market takes place twice a week in Orvieto. There are picturesque squares and nice shops, wine bars and restaurants. Explore Etruscan tombs and underground caves. The vedute range from views of small, old lanes to far-reaching views over the city walls into the valley below.

The geographic location is splendid for exploring Tuscany, Latia and Umbria. Thanks to excellent fast trains, you can reach Rome in less than an hour or Florence in two hours. Orvieto train station is only 15 minutes from the house and offers ample parking. You will realize that Umbria is a hidden treasure, lesser known and less touristy than neighboring Tuscany. There are charming mountain towns, great art, glorious scenery - without the crowds.

Casa Amica is comfortable in all seasons. It's one of our favorite places to spend the Christmas holidays because of the heating that works well, the big fireplaces and the famous jazz festival that takes place in Orvieto at the end of December.

Please note: when you rent your car, be sure to get a car with a high carriage rather than a low-slung car.