THE POOL AND TERRACES

Our guest consistently say that our swimming pool is truly stunning!

We have a very large south facing swimming pool that has uninterrupted views of the Apennine mountains. The south side of the pool is on the edge of a steep hillside, which gives the feeling you are swimming off into the countryside...

Our pool is a very Olympian 16m x 8m and is 1.4 m in depth throughout and has roman steps that are perfect for relaxing on and taking in the views.

There are several large terraces with a range of pool furniture, and a covered loggia that beautifully shades the east end of the terrace. The pool is south facing and set into the hillside, in a sheltered location with excellent views of the surrounding area.

There is a shaded paddling pool with toys for small children and babies. (The pool area is fully fenced)

The pool is normally open from May through to the end of September.


DAILY BAKERY DELIVERIES – FRESH BREAD AND CROSSIANTS

We offer a fresh bread and croissant delivery to your villa 6 days a week in season. You may choose to order for delivery the next each evening – or order for the week in advance – our local baker delivers a range of fresh bread and Italian croissants delivered your door each morning in time for breakfast.


OUR ORGANIC RASPBERRY FARM

In season (roughly end of May-August) we offer daily deliveries of delicious raspberries – freshly picked from our fruit farm. You can even double the fun and pick your own – delicious for breakfast or served with creamy Italian gelato as a dessert!


LOCAL PRODUCE BASKET

For your convenience, each property is stocked with a local produce basket which you are welcome to purchase from if you wish.
We offer a few basics to tide you over if you don’t manage to shop before you arrive.
Our baskets include locally sourced produce where possible. Baskets typically include English tea, coffee, juice, milk, cereal, snacks, wine and beer. We also include our own homemade jam and marmalade, organic olive oil and honey. (Bread can also be ordered for your arrival.)


MAID SERVICE

Weekly cleaning and linen changes are included in the price of your villa rental. If you require additional maid service or cleaning – this can be arranged and booked in advance of your arrival.
Maid service can be provided for laundry, ironing, cleaning and bed and linen changes.


LINEN SERVICE

A weekly change of towels, pool towels and linen are included in the cost of your rental. Additional towels and linen can be requested as often as you wish for a small fee.


BABYSITTING SERVICE

Trusted, tried and tested local ladies are available for babysitting. (They babysit our own children). Advanced booking required.
You may also book a team of babysitters to entertain a group of children during a special celebration, party or event you have booked at the villa.


YOUR PRIVATE TERRACE

All accommodation has its own private terrace with shade, furniture and a gas barbeque grill. The larger terraces also have sun loungers.

The east terrace is a large sunken terrace, surrounded by flowers and has been specially designed for group celebrations. The terrace is shaded by a wooden pergola, there are handmade wooden seats and tables and fantastic views to the south and east. The east terrace comfortably seats 30 for celebration meals and special events. The terrace is the perfect location for an informal candle-lit supper followed by an evening of star gazing or it can be transformed into a magical candle-lined, intimate outdoor restaurant for a gourmet celebration.


LA TAVERNETTA

La Tavernetta, our small family run restaurant is available exclusively to guests of the villa. At La Tavernetta, you can enjoy home-cooked traditional Italian meals made with delicious organic ingredients grown on our farm. We produce our own olive oil, organic fruit and vegetables. (La Tavernetta is normally open on Sunday and Friday evenings in high season (advanced booking required) and on other occasions by arrangement.)


ITALIAN COOKING LESSONS AT PIAN DI CASCINA

By popular request we now offer tutored cooking lessons at the villa. Menus can be tailored to suit your tastes and interests or provided for you. Lesson are in English – so language isn’t a problem!

All menus use seasonal ingredients (from our garden when available), our own hand-picked olive oil and fresh herbs from the organic herb gardens that surround the villa.

Cooking lessons are fun, sociable and very hands- on – there is a short demonstration of dish – then it’ s up to you to create- with the guidance of our tutor if needed!

Most menus, are based on traditional Italian/Umbrian cuisine, feature regional recipes and offer you the chance to try your hand at making real Italian food like’ Nonna ‘used to make.

A typical lesson starts in the morning and you spend around 3 hours cooking a variety of dishes. We then all sit down for a relaxed lunch, enjoy the fruits of our labour and discuss the menu and the food – all with a glass or 2 of local of vino!

A typical menu includes lessons on a traditional antipasti, such as bruschetta 3 ways – with tomato, basil and oil, pea and pecorino and roasted aubergine.

We always make a primi - nearly always this involves hand making a pasta dish (ravioli or tagliatelle are the most popular) or potato gnocchi – and a sauce to go with. Alternatively, we may make a local risotto dish –the traditional way – no short cuts here!

We also make a traditional meat course such as veal saltimbocca, stuffed pork, spezzatinio di manzo or pollo ripieno. If side dishes are needed, we may also make a simple salad or vegetable accompaniment.

Lesson for 2 people €80 per person including lunch and take home recipe sheets.
Lesson for 3 or 4 persons €70 per person including lunch and take home recipe sheets.

(Vegetarian or special dietary requirements can be catered for. Advanced booking required for cookery lessons, minimum 2 persons, maximum 4)


THE GROUNDS & ORGANIC GARDENS

There are 20 acres of farm, woodland and countryside to enjoy while staying with us. The unspoilt countryside is abundant with wildlife. Deer, wild boar, porcupines, hares, eagles, lizards and a wide variety of birds frequently roam the land. We are in a rural setting. In the summer, you can expect to see lizards and small harmless scorpions basking in the sun on your terrace. In spring there are wild cherries and an abundance of wild flowers including several varieties of wild orchid. There are also many species of butterfly that that inhabit the local area.

There are various view points set in remote corners of the land, where there is secluded seating, so you can paint, bird watch or simply drink in the stunning views!

In season there are organic gardens growing a range of vegetables such as artichokes, rocket, basil, peppers, aubergines, courgettes, green beans, pumpkins and squashes.

There mature grounds planted with a range of fragrant herbs such as thyme, lemon thyme, wild rosemary, bay, sage, purple sage, marjoram, mint, borage and basil.

The farm has over 350 olive trees, some as old as 400 years. We produce a small amount of delicious extra virgin oil each year. The olives are harvested by hand and single pressed to produce a spicy fresh vibrant 100% natural oil.

We also have over 400 organic raspberry plants - delicious fresh fruit is available from May to September and delicious homemade jam and sorbet is available all year round.

There are two enormous fig trees on the land - if you are lucky enough to be here in September, you can have the joy of sampling our delicious black figs - they are sweet and succulent...


GAMES

We provide a range of outdoor games for all to enjoy. There is badminton, boule, volley ball, a sand pit, climbing frame with slide, swing, table tennis, a mini football pitch and goal and several toys for use in play area and the pool.


GROUPS

We can accommodate group bookings of up to 30 people. We are a perfect location for family reunions, Birthdays, celebrations and weddings. We are able to offer full gourmet catering services and a planner for group events. We have organised many successful weddings, birthday parties and wedding anniversary celebrations.


INTERNET ACCESS

Wireless broad band access to the internet is available to guests free of charge.


COMPLEMENTARY DVD LIBRARY

We have an extensive range of films, documentaries and popular TV series box sets - there is something for all tastes and ages. The library is avaialble to all guests of the villa free of charge.


TOUR GUIDE

We can put you in touch with a well known tour guide who will happily provide bespoke tours of the local towns and villages. (Tours are in English or Italian language)


TAXI –MINIBUS-COACH SERVICE

We are happy to help arrange a local taxi, mini bus or for larger groups, a coach service to take you to restaurants, local events or sightseeing – if you do not wish to drive. Airport transfers can also be booked with a local taxi firm if you wish.


RESTAURANT RESERVATION SERVICE
If you are a large group, or wish to book a special restaurant or simply enjoy an evening out locally, we are happy to call ahead and make your reservation for you. We also offer a comprehensive restaurant guide with information, directions and reviews of local establishments.


FAMILY REUNIONS, WEDDINGS AND GROUP HOLIDAYS

Pian Di Cascina is the ideal location for a family re-union or group holiday – we often host family events such as significant Birthdays and anniversaries. We can arrange celebration cakes, festive meals and even firework displays – why not celebrate with your friends and family in style?


4 day breaks are available
October – May.


GUEST LOCAL INFORMATION GUIDE

Every villa has a comprehensive guide book to local facilities, restaurants, days out in Umbria and walks. The guide also features information regarding local festivals, shopping and events. There is also a map, and selection of sightseeing leaflets.


CHILDREN
In the summer, we have a paddling pool and a range of outdoor toys, including a climbing frame and swing, sandpit and play lawn for younger children.

We provide cots and high chairs for babies and children. We have a baby monitor and a food/bottle warmer, stair guards, booster seat, steriliser and hand blender available to borrow.


LAUNDRY FACILITIES

There is a washing machine available for guests' use. (Additional charges apply.) For families with small children we offer one complementary wash per week. These facilities may not be available if there is a water shortage.


PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

We currently have apartments that are equipped for people with disabilities. Some of the access paths to the apartment are suitable for wheelchairs. Pool access for wheelchair users is by vehicle only, via a private drive. The pool is 1.4m in depth throughout, for safety. Please contact us should you have any special requirements. Where possible we will do our best to accommodate your needs.