Il Convento is a beautifully restored 16th century house in Geppa, a tiny hamlet in the mountains of the Valnerina in southern Umbria just a 15 minute drive from Spoleto. The kitchen has custom built cypress units, and sink & floor made from local marble. There is a washing machine, dishwasher, electric hob and oven, fridge and a breakfast area with antique table and chairs.
The large Living/Dining room has huge chestnut beams painted off-white, and terracotta floors. There is a dining table for up to 12, as well as a sofa, chairs, fireplace, TV\DVD and selection of films. The Main Bedroom has a large double bed and en suite bathroom with shower. The mezzanine has double sofa bed. The top floor contains one double and one twin bedroom. The main bathroom has a bath, shower & bidet.
Just down from Il Convento is a shared infinity pool with stunning views of the mountains and valley below and plenty of seating in sun and shade, as well as a hydro-massage area and outdoor solar show
Things to Do: The Valnerina and Umbria offer a wide variety of outdoor activities in all seasons. Road and mountain biking in spring and early summer, rafting from spring to autumn, horse riding and mule trekking in spring and early autumn, skiing in winter and fantastic walks at nearly all times.
Umbria heaves with cultural activity all year around and this reaches its pinnacle in the summer. Our website contains a selection of some of the highlights; however every tiny commune will have at least one festival or celebration during the long hot summer, so you are sure to stumble across something diverting on your travels.
For food lovers and antiques fans, markets abound in Umbria. Our personal favourites are the antiques market in Pissignano on the first Sunday and Spoleto on the second Sunday of the month. We have provided lots of details on all of these activities on our website and there are printed guides in the house.
Places to Visit: The best way to explore the Valnerina is to just get on the SS 209 road (also called the 'Valnerina') which runs from Ferentillo to Visso and explore, taking detours off to the many little towns hanging off the sides of the mountains. Our personal highlights include:
The ancient Abbeys of San Pietro (near Ferentillo) and San Eutizio (near Preci).
Norcia: famous both as St Benedict’s birthplace and as a food lover's paradise, with the finest salumni, prosciutto, pancetta, truffles, the famed lentils of Castelluccio and rare mountain cheeses on offer.
Piano Grande: a sublime mountain plain ringed by mountains and one of Italy's most magical landscapes. It is like a colossal natural amphitheatre and contains an incredible variety of wild flowers, which are at their most abundant and alluring in June.
Spoleto: a lovely old town, thoroughly civilised and refined, without taking itself too seriously, with one of Italy's most beautiful cathedrals.
Places to Eat: Eating in or out is always a pleasure and you will have to try very hard to have a bad meal in Umbria in general and the Valnerina in particular. In the end, it's what makes Italy our favourite country to visit: you always know that you are going to eat and drink well. Our website contains many personal recommendations and there is a printed local restaurant guide in the house.
