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Casa Archi - Maridiana Alpaca, Umbria

Country house with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom in Umbertide, Italy

From €820 per week

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Traditional two storey hillside house with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and extensive grounds to enjoy. Alpacas and Angora goats graze in the olive groves nearby.

Overview

MARIDIANA is one of the first certified agro-tourism (Farm stay), to be established in Umbria and the largest alpaca farm in Italy. It has been certified as "4 spighe" by the Umbria Region.

MARIDIANA has been running since 1983, when the Berna family decided to leave the congested city of Rome for a more rewarding life in the countryside of Umbria.

On the 30 ha of the farm (100 acres), alpacas graze freely in the olive groves, pasture lands and the woods.

They are beautiful and gentle animals whose natural coloured fibers are used to produce high quality garments and blankets that are available for sale in a small in-farm shop.

MARIDIANA offers two traditional carefully restored stone farmhouses for rental. Both spacious houses have magnificent panoramic views of the countryside. Both of the houses are decorated with traditional antique furniture of the family and are completely furnished with all modern comforts.

The stay at MARIDIANA is optimal for families who love nature and culture: children can freely play with the many friendly animals around the farm, while adults can enjoy the unique nature of the Umbrian countryside and its richness of art and history.

MARIDIANA is situated in the Northern part of Umbria just 10miles from the border with Tuscany. The historical hill towns of Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio and Cortona are all less than a 45 minutes drive from MARIDIANA.

The House (Casa Archi )
Casa degli Archi is a traditional two story farm-house, located adjacent to the Bernas home, but completely independent. The house, which dates back at 19th century, was recently renovated keeping the main characteristic of the rural traditional architecture but adding style and all modern comforts.
All the walls of the house are constructed with local stones, on the ceiling there are chestnuts beams and the roof is made of terra cotta tiles. The house is furnished with the family’s antiques that make the house particularly comfortable and elegant.

On the ground floor, you enter through the large kitchen and pass into the dining room and the large sitting room. There are many large arch-shaped windows with magnificent views of the farm and the Niccone valley below. From the dining room there are doors opening to the patio and the large private garden.

Next to the kitchen there is a cosy bedroom (2 single beds, can be put together) with its own private access to the garden.

A wooden staircase leads to the upper floor, where the other 2 bedrooms are located. The first bedroom has a spectacular view, a queen-size bed and a spacious en-suite bathroom.

Both bedrooms have plentiful closet space and large dressers.

The second bedroom has 2 single beds that can be made-up together, if requested. A bathroom with a shower is located in the hallway just next to the bedroom.

What to do
MARIDIANA is situated close to the border between Umbria and Tuscany, 30 Km north from Perugia in the Upper Tiber Valley. UMBRIA is known worldwide as the “green heart of Italy”, for the magnificent nature of its territory. The area is also renown for its historic and cultural heritage. The historic hill towns of Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, Gubbio, Siena and Cortona are only a 30-60 minute drive from Maridiana

MARIDIANA offers more than the average farm-stay, because it is the only one in Italy to combine the breeding of woollen animals with handicraft production and rural tourism.

While children freely play with the many animals on the farm, adults can have pleasant walks in the nature or… relax in the garden and enjoy the beautiful view of the valley.

Around the farm, there are well marked walking paths, of various lengths and difficulties, through the woods reaching the crest of the hills from where marvellous panoramas can be enjoyed.

Guests will also be given maps (or can be guided) for visits to traditional handicrafts laboratories, (ceramics, wood carvings, wax objects), eno-gastronomic sites (wine tasting, truffles hunting, honey processing) and undiscovered places to eat local dishes in family run "trattorias".

At MARIDIANA there is a well stocked shop where scarves, sweaters, gloves, throw blankets and bedspreads produced with the fine fibers of the alpacas and the angora goats raised in the farm are available for sale. Each of the products is unique in its style, hand made/handy crafted, natural coloured, extremely warm and with a touch of Italian design!

At the nearby Lake Trasimeno, a 70 square mile lake, the largest lake in central Italy, swimming, sailing and surfing are attractive sports activities. Modern tennis courts, both indoor and outdoor and an Olympic size swimming pool are available in Umbertide just 4 miles away from the farm.

Also at 20 minutes driving distance there are two exclusive golf clubs, one is a nine hole course, other is an 18 hole course (in a magnificent recently restored medieval castle). Two horsebackriding centres, available for private lessons or for rides in the countryside, are just at 15 minutes away.

The Berna family can assist you in organizing personalized sightseeing tours away from the most common tourist routes for the discovery of ancient castles, monasteries and art sites of unforgettable value!
Many nearby historic towns stage festive enactments of jousts and horse races, complete with music, parades, medieval costumes and colourful flag throwers.

Moreover, in the area guests can enjoy celebrated music festivals, theatrical events and art exhibitions.

Reviews

5 verified reviews

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5 out of 5 people recommend staying here

Naseem

Family from Silverton, USA Jul 2018

Our stay at Meridiana was a highlight of our first ever Italian vacation. The location is incredibly beautiful, the home we stayed in very clean and filled with all we needed for a comfortable stay, and the hosts were welcoming, and made arrangements for us to enjoy local wineries, truffles, and food. This is a place I want to return to again and again, and will likely dream about while away. The sky, the sounds of the birds, the sweet alpacas, and the tremendous warmth of the hosts made this a memorable stay.

Reply from Maridiana Srl

Dear Naseem, I am very pleased to have received your special review, for which I warmly thank you.
It was also for us a great pleasure to have met you and your family and hope to remain in contact.
I am waiting for your book!
Cari saluti to all of you
Gianni

Christy

Family from Claremont, USA Nov 2017

We wished we had more time! The farm is a beautiful location in the Italian Countryside. It is a great respite from the bustling cities and not too far from several lovely hilltop towns. We hope to return soon.

The house was exactly what you would hope for with beamed ceilings and hand made window shutters. The heater worked great and we were cozy under our alpaca blankets made from the wool of the animals. The kitchen was nice to have because Italians don’t really do breakfast, we were able to buy groceries and cook in the morning before we headed out for the day. The only down side was the water was not too hot and the shower head in the master was really useless so we had to take a bath instead. Literally the only thing that was not ideal.

The hosts are lovely people and went out of their way to accommodate us including escorting us to the farm at 11 pm because it was raining outside and a little difficult to find.

We would absolutely recommend this property to everyone.

Connie

From Lake Katonah, USA May 2012

The property far exceeded our expectations. We travel extensively and this was certainly one of the most beautiful properties weve enjoyed. Exquisite views, lovely home and gracious hosts. Would love to come back.

David

From London, United Kingdom Aug 2009

Our tenth year here is a testament to how much we enjoy returning each summer. The house is comfortable and spacious with acres of space around and a fantastic view down the Niccone valley. We have got to know the owners well now and regard them as good friends. Excellent location both for Umbria but also easy accessibility into Tuscany.

David

David from London

This was the perfect holiday for us and our 2.5 year old son. Alpaca are gentle and held his interest alongside whisky the dog a number of cats and a peacock. There are some great local restaurants and ice cream shops as well as good local supermarkets that can keep you well stocked for your stay. Our son was made to feel involved in the running of the farm, herding and feeding the animals. Any other help, directions we required were provided by our hosts who make you feel very welcome. The farmhouse was comfortable and homely. We have no hesitation in strongly recommending this property


1 other review

26 March 2002Gianni and Marisa,thank you so much for everything. Our visit with you was the highlight of our trip. We loved being able to spend time with you. I especially loved seeing your finished products and learning about all the steps in between. I am happy to help you with any advice about your designs.... I try to keep a picture in my mind of what it looks like on your farm...LoveB.k. – San Francisco 24 October 2003We wanted to send a thank you note to you both. We enjoyed our visit there to the fullest and really regretting having to leave. You have a wonderful place to live. The views are all so spectacular and all of your animals suited us to a tee. We love nature and it is certainly abundant there. Thank you for a wonderful week.Greetings,L.B. – Ohio

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Location

Distances to locations

Nearest bar 3km Nearest restaurant 5km Nearest supermarket 5km Perugia airport 20km Rome Airport 220km Rome 200km Florence 150km Milan 400km Assisi / Gubbio/Lake Trasimeno 40km

Local activities

Boat hire 20km Fishing 20km Golf 30km Horse riding 10km Swimming 5km Tennis 5km

Sights and attractions

Historic site 15km Museum 5km Shopping 5km Theatre 5km Cinema 5km

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Prices and availability

Updated 28 August 2024

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  • Your booking
  • Available start/end date
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Select your travel dates on the calendar

Changeover days and minimum stays

  • 9 October - 31 October 2024: changeover day is Saturday and the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 1 November 2024 - 17 April 2025: the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 18 April - 4 May 2025: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 5 May - 31 May 2025: the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 1 June - 17 August 2025: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 18 August 2025 - 31 May 2026: the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 1 June - 16 August 2026: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 17 August 2026 - 17 April 2027: the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 18 April - 4 May 2027: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 5 May - 31 May 2027: the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 1 June - 17 August 2027: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 18 August - 9 October 2027: the minimum stay is 3 nights.

Early booking discounts

  • Receive 20% off if the booking is made 6 months before the arrival date.

Long stay discounts

  • Receive 20% off if the booking is for 2 weeks or more.

If more than one discount matches your arrival date, please be aware that only one discount of the highest amount will be applied to your booking.

Compulsory extras

  • Security deposit - returned upon check out

    €150.00 per booking, paid with booking

Optional extras

  • During winter months the heating will be charged at cost. Payment in cash to be paid directly to the owner.

    1 January - 31 January: cubic meter of gas used, paid locally

  • During winter months the heating will be charged at cost. Payment in cash to be paid directly to the owner.

    1 February - 28 February: cubic meter of gas used, paid locally

  • During winter months the heating will be charged at cost. Payment in cash to be paid directly to the owner.

    1 March - 31 March: cubic meter of gas used, paid locally

  • During winter months the heating will be charged at cost. Payment in cash to be paid directly to the owner.

    1 November - 30 November: cubic meter of gas used, paid locally

  • During winter months the heating will be charged at cost. Payment in cash to be paid directly to the owner.

    1 December - 31 December: cubic meter of gas used, paid locally

Facilities

Bedrooms

3 bedrooms, Sleeps 6:

  • 1 double bed and en suite
  • 1 double bed
  • 2 single beds

There is also 1 cot

Bathrooms

1 bathroom including 1 en suite, 1 Separate WC

Entertainment

Computer, WiFi, Telephone, TV Languages in Local, Satellite / cable

General

Living area seats 6, Dining area seats 6, Central heating, Towels / linen, Washing machine, Car hire essential

Kitchen

Cooker, Crockery, Cutlery, Fridge, Freezer, Glassware, Kettle, Oven, Pots / pans

Outside

Barbecue, Outside lighting, Private garden

Suitable for

Infants, Pets

Extra information

The house is renovated with style and decorated with family antiques. The house is furnished with linen and towels the bathrooms have ample hot water and are beautifully tiled. Each kitchen is large and is fully equipped with crockery and utensils. The house has a washing machine and an autonomous heating system. In addition, the house has its own private garden, independent entrance and parking space

Gianni

Average rating from 7 reviews

Private Owner From Umbertide, Italy Member since Dec 2006

Gianni and Marisa Berna moved from Rome to Umbertide in 1988 where they reconstructed an old rural compound, where they created their home and other two houses for rental. Since then they were visited by many tourists from States, Australia, Europe with whom have been built strong friendship liasons. Marisa has been a teacher in the local schools, Gianni has an economist has promoted local projects in new agriculture: ecotourism, renewable energies, natural fibers.

Past bookings: 19 bookings

Last logged in: a month ago

Number of properties: 2

Gianni and Marisa Berna moved from Rome to Umbertide in 1988 where they reconstructed an old rural compound, where they created their home and other two houses for rental. Since then they were visited by many tourists from States, Australia, Europe with whom have been built strong friendship liasons. Marisa has been a teacher in the local schools, Gianni has an economist has promoted local projects in new agriculture: ecotourism, renewable energies, natural fibers.