Untouched and authentic Umbria
Review Submitted: July 9, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
We really enjoyed our one week stay at Il Castello and loved the untouched (by tourism) atmosphere of the village with fabulous views from many rooms - my 2-year old daugher also made good friends with Dora, a local who took the time to show us through the 500-odd year old church, and enjoyed several cake and biscuit sessions with her in subsequent days!! If you want remote and authentic, this is a great place to find it. But be aware that it is a bit of a drive to shops, restaurants and the sights down quite windy roads, so a car is essential!!
The house was amazingly well equipped, with everything from bandaids to dried herbs, cling wrap to kids toys. No having to go out and buy everything from scratch like the other places we stayed in. We also managed to get a good signal with our roaming internet connection (none provided at the house).
Norma and Laurie were very helpful whenever we needed advice on anthing from car hire to restaurants, and there was a wealth of information provided at the house also. In the area, we loved Assisi and Todi, and also found great local produce in Spoleto to try our hand at Italian cooking.
Owner's Response: Il Castello in the 10C tiny walled village of San Mamiliano, the oldest inhabited village in Umbria, was our 1st home in Italy.
As the reviewer indicates, there are amazing panoramic mountain views from all the windows at the back of the house and from the terrace.
The front of the house opens directly onto a quaint, tunnelled and cobbled street. As one guest put it, "It's straight out of National Geographic magazine ! "
It is 2 miles to Ferentillo, where you will find every facility....banks, post-office, a chemist, supermarket, furniture shops, markets and the most amazing restaurant, set in glorious parkland, called Piermarini's.
And, in the summer months, a fabulous pool opens, where there are also tennis courts, bars and a baby pool. It is set into the mountains at the mouth of Ferentillo.
There are many year round activities too eg horse-riding, white water rafting, canoeing and fishing.
But, for the less active types, it's wonderful to just sit on the terrace with a good book and a glass of chilled wine in a state of meditative contemplation, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, cattle bells tinkling out of tune and everything just so in the world.
People have stayed here without a car but we really do not recommend it, unless you are in training for a marathon or cycling event. Or, you live in New Zealand and are used to toughing it. As you can guess, this describes the guests, who were exceptions to the rule, and, who insisted, against every protestation, that they would enjoy the car-free experience in San Mamiliano. And, they did !
Otherwise, if you prefer to be without a car and/or enjoy strolling to nearby bars, shops and restaurants, you should stay in central Spoleto in one of our many beautiful apartments there.
For more photos of Il Castello and San Mamiliano, please click on the link re "owners website" on this page or, if you can't find it, ask me for the link.
Ciao, ciao, Norma
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