The Casa Tanaquilla is located in the countryside, at a 10-minute walk from the town of Panicale. It is a 12th century structure originally used as a shelter by travelling monks. In later centuries, it was converted to a farmhouse and expanded, with the latest additions dating from the 17th century. Monks waking you up at five am with Gregorian chants, chasing you out to work in the fields, or making you attend early mass are a thing of the past. Today, the top floor of this farmhouse has been transformed into a two-bedroom vacation rental ideal for those discovering the hidden jewels of Umbria and Tuscany or just perfect for those looking forward to lazy days reading in the garden.
They live on the bottom floor apartment, and rent out the top floor one. It has its own independent entrance, which with its beamed ceilings and cotto stairs, lead up to the top floor. The floor consists of a long hall, two bedrooms and a large kitchen. During the restoration process in the mid 1990s, original features such as wooden beams and tiled red brick floors where preserved. They were complemented with modern conveniences such as central heating and hot water.
Both bedrooms are furnished with double beds, and there is space for an extra single bed should the need arise. The furniture is mainly modern, with a desk, bedside tables and cupboards. The views that will greet you first thing in the morning are over the valley with its olive groves, pine trees, and vineyards. The bright strong colours used in the bedrooms give the place character, and fit well with the atmosphere.
The kitchen is combined with a living room area. It is equipped with a four hub gas stove, oven, fridge & freezer. Furniture includes a dining table and a couch, and shelves with books in most languages. The view from the window is the same as from the bedrooms, over the Nestore Valley and the Umbria landscape. A wood burning stove is available for nostalgic people, as today, the radiators and central heating take care of the temperature in the winter months. The bathroom is fully tiled, and equipped with a shower. Use of a washing machine located in a garden shed is possible.
Large grounds with plenty of olive trees surround the house. Stefania and Marco produce their own olive oil, so olive-picking help is always welcome in November. The garden has outdoor furniture providing plenty of space to sit outside, and a wood burning oven is available for the master chef in you. Staying here will give you the best of both worlds. Town life, restaurants, bars and shops in the town of Panicale, located at a 10 minute walk (or a two minute drive), and the nature, peace and silence of the countryside. When walking home in the summer evenings from a night out in the town, the star lit sky and a glowing moon will guide you home.