Ok, so we’re all looking longingly towards longer, lighter days and (fingers crossed) the heady heat of summer as we, yet again, multilayer for the morning school run this dark, damp January. Anywhere that promises a short flight, the arms of warm, welcoming locals on arrival, guaranteed sunshine and delicious local fare in which to indulge will always grab my attention. So, when the Chiesa del Carmine in Italy’s Umbria region crossed my desk recently, my ears pricked with delight.
Chiesa del Carmine is an estate on which resides a recently restored 11th century church, alongside an 18th century farmhouse. Sleeping up to 14 people, there is a spacious kitchen (where you can prepare your fare with the Carmine Estate extra virgin olive oil produced on site). Additionally, you can enjoy a large dining room with panoramic views across the grounds in winter months or the outdoor BBQ in summer months, an organic vegetable garden (which you are free to pick from), and a gorgeous, child-friendly pool replete with a shady pergola.
A courtyard separates the dining area from the bedrooms in the adjacent, gorgeously restored farmhouse. The master bedroom, known as Monte Corona, has a large open fireplace and a private terrace. All of the bedrooms lead onto a centrally-located living room, made all the cosier for a wood-burner and requisite satellite television for when you want to totally flop out as you do when at home. If the weather isn’t on side, kids will be kept happy with the array of games, extensive DVDs, books and paints available. And if the weather is on board? The choices are endless.
From pizza and pasta making at nearby Casa Padronale or Can San Gabriel, to vegetable picking and foraging in the local grounds for truffles, this is ideal for those wanting to throw themselves whole-heartedly into authentic, rural Italian life. There is a nearby Alpaca farm (adored by children), Lake Trasimeno is just 20 minutes away (it boasts three islands that can be explored by ferry or private boat) and the nearby medieval city of Gubbio has a glorious amphitheatre and neighbouring adventure playground. Back at home, babysitters and a housekeeper, a chef, a personal trainer and even a masseuse can be arranged for you, so this will delight parents as much as children.
And if you really can’t wait until the summer holidays to get away, this is an excellent option for the earlier months of 2014 because it is then, and only then, that you can truffle hunt for white Bianchetti truffles. From January until the end of March, these decadent beauties can be found with the help of a charming local truffle hunter who leads private tours for those staying at Chiesa del Carmine. Out in the woodlands surrounding the hilltop town of Montone, you’ll forage with dogs before heading into the picturesque town to sample local delights topped dutifully with truffle shavings at L’Antica Osteria.
But fear not. If a vacation during the first quarter is impossible, black summer truffles can be sought in the exact same area from June to September.
*from January 2014 to March for Bianchetti (small white truffles), followed by black summer truffles from June through to September.
The truffle hunting package is priced at €60 per person and includes the truffle hunt and truffle degustation at L’Antica Osteria restaurant in Montone. Travel to and from Montone and the truffle hunting grounds is not included. However, this can be arranged through Chiesa del Carmine at an additional cost.
Chiesa del Carmine sits just a 25 minute drive from Perugia airport. Standard weekly rates start from €4,000 (villa only). A fully-catered stay can be arranged.
Visit www.chiesadelcarmine.com or call +39 075 9414219 for further information.
See our other kodomo.com recommended accommodation in Italy.