Casa Tanaquilla

Umbria Rental: CASA TANAQUILLA

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Description:

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 into a farmhouse and expanded, with the latest additions dating from the 17th century. 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. The top floor apartment has views over the garden, olive groves and vineyards from both its bedrooms. It comfortably sleeps 4 people.

Tanaquilla was the wife of Rome's 5th king, Tarquinio Prisco. They were Etruscans, and thought to have brought the refinement of Corinthian and Etruscan ceramics to Rome. The name of the house reflects your hosts' passion for ancient ceramic techniques. They are Stefania, a well known artist working with pottery and clay creations and Marco, her husband.It is possible to take pottery courses with them (see information below).

They live in the ground floor apartment (US 1st floor). The top floor apartment 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 if you would like to have a go. 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.

ACTIVITIES:

Pottery courses: Building Clay Vases with the Colombino Technique
Price: 60 Euro per person per day
Duration: 1 day Introduction or 5 days comprehensive course
Dates: Given on demand with a minimum of three participants by Stefania in her ceramic studio

Cooking classes: A complete Italian dinner, Making Pasta, Deserts in the art of Umbrian-Tuscan cuisine
Price: 100 Euro per person per day
Duration: 1 - 5 days
Dates: Given on demand with a minimum of three participants by a local chef in his restaurant.

Italian Lessons: From basic speaking and listening skills for short stay students to formal reading, speaking and writing for non-local residents
Price: 22 Euro per lesson for one person, 26 Euro per lesson for groups of five or less
Duration: A minimum of five lessons are recommended, but not required
Dates: Given on demand throughout the year in the English Studio in Paciano

Summary:
Number of bedrooms:	2
Beds:	2 double beds
Bathroom(s):	1
Washing Machine:	Yes
Garden:	Yes
Views:	Yes
Outdoor Oven:	Yes

Location:

Distance to the small village of Panicale:
10 minutes' walk (2 minutes' drive)

2005 PRICES (weekly prices, from Saturday to Saturday)	High Season	Low Season
	April 19th – October 11th Christmas/New Year/Easter	October 12th – April 18th
	EURO	EURO
	550	440
To convert Euro prices into US Dollars, please visit: http://www.xe.com/pca/
CONDITIONS
Prices include hot water, gas and electricity costs. They also include cleaning prior to and after your departure, as well as all local and state taxes. What is not included are heating costs, needed between mid November and mid April. They will be charged at the nominal rate based on consumption. The accommodations are equipped with everything you need, including linen, towels, and kitchen utensils.

Nbr. of people:	4
Nbr. of extra people possible:	1
Cost per extra person (in Euros):	on request