Spoleto By The Pool consists of two 16C stone cottages, beautifully converted into 2-bdrm apts with large pool, Jacuzzi and expansive gardens. Atop a hill, outside the city walls, amidst resplendent grounds, immersed in acres of wondrous countryside, a romantic and glamorous setting, these 6 self catering apts, all with internet, are 0.75 of a mile to the historic center of Spoleto (10 min walk) - same distance to the train station, from where you can get to practically anywhere in Italy. For the car-free, Umbria's most up-market supermarket, where you can sit at the bar and spot famous faces from all over the world, is just 5 min walk down the lane. Staying here, you want for nothing ! Yet, lounging in the landscaped grounds, you are unaware that the local facilities are so close. There is no traffic on the lane leading to the apts, except for the cars belonging to the owners of the other 2 villas along this lane. Here is tranquility, a choice of town or country, at the same time.
PERFECT SITUATION: A mellow, beautiful and tranquil place, the waterfall, the jacuzzi, the manicured grounds, the BBQ area and the infinity pool, all ensure that, here, you will lie back and totally relax. A car is advisable. But, if you are the fit type, used to walking up and down hills, and, not committed to stiletto heels, you can stay here without a car. So, one moment you are floating in the pool and the next you are wandering in the fairy-tale city of Spoleto, through arched, cobbled streets, exploring alleyways and byways, admiring frescoes, browsing museums, visiting churches and indulging your senses in the many shops, bars and restaurants, sampling the finest that Italy can offer and, far more cheaply than touristy places such as Venice, Todi or Florence. From all of the apartments, there are magnificent views across swathes of crop fields, distant dwellings, and, mountains fringing the horizons. Here is a place to just be, to allow yourself to be mesmorised and to submit to an inner calm.
THE COTTAGES: Once upon a time, both these 15C cottages were inhabited by farm workers; and, the whole of Il Pincio, the hill that Spoleto By The Pool stands on and is locally known as, was owned by the next door neighbours. Delicate negotiations, taking several years, enabled a local builder to buy and develop the land, with an aim to selling on both cottages to passing millionaires. However, financial challenges resulted in this wonderful development falling into our hands and, instead of being privately owned by yet more rich people, you can enjoy what it is like to live in a sought after area, so close to historic Spoleto. While all the original features have been preserved eg beams, arches and cubby holes, neither of the cottages has lost its traditional appeal. Simply and practically furnished, both cottages are child-friendly and equipped fully with everything you could need on a holiday. If you like heights, then APT 2 is the best. If you have babies, then, APTs 5 and 6 open onto a lawn.
TRADITIONS: Spoleto is one the most un-touristy places you will find. Extremely popular with Italians because, not only is it beauitful, but, the Spoletini have remained faithful to their traditions. Here you will find live theatre, operas, concerts, ballets and plays, all year round. But, be prepared to hear only Italian spoken. Unlike, tourist traps, the indigenous Italian has never bothered to learn English. Nonetheless, foreigners are welcomed. Sign language still prevails. And, the language of food, wine and clothes is universal. Further, in Spoleto, as well as the surrounding villages and hill-top towns, sagras take place throughout the year, celebrating the harvesting of truffle, asparagus, olives, grapes, maize, tomatoes....... Halloween and various saints' days. Big spreads are provided, free of charge (or almost), as a kind of offering to the gods, a thanksgiving of good fortune, except that you will be the recipients and not the gods ! Indeed, any excuse will do for a celebration !
