Overlooking a stream and waterfall and set in to a hillside, the ancient mill house has a sunny terrace next to a shaded portico with its original bread oven. The stream runs alongside - a few meters along a wooded trail, you can go down to rock pools in a glade. The house has 2 main levels, which you can use together - or choose a degree of independence. Each has its own entrance, bathroom and living areas; they are connected by a short internal stair. Youâll have the entire house.
Twenty minutes walk to San Giustino - a small town with bars, shops, bank, pharmacy, pizzerias and a good restaurant. Walking a little further takes you to a great restaurant in the next valley at Cospaia, or up the hill to pizzeria at Corposano.The walled medieval towns of Sansepolcro (5km) and Citta di Castello (20 mins drive) offer more great restaurants, markets, concerts , festivals and traditions. Hilltowns Anghiari, Citerna and Monterchi are a short drive or ride, so it is a great base from which to enjoy their traditional life and cuisine - and also to visit other fantastic cities like Urbino, Gubbio, Arezzo, Assisi, Perugia and Firenze.
Located where the foothills of Alpe de la Luna meet the Upper Tiber Valley, it's a perfect base for walking, painting or cycling - mountains, hills and broad valley are all within easy reach, with well-connected paths and routes.
Itâs a traditional area where old skills are kept alive. The mill building reminds us how people coexisted with nature, farming and preparing food.
Renovations began in 1990, and have kept its rustic character and simplicity, while providing all that you need for a comfortable stay in an intriguing part of history.
Itâs well equipped for cooking, playing, exploring, relaxing. It has WIFi, woodstove, guitar, books, outdoor furniture on the terrace and portico. The ancient building - with its thick stone walls, chestnut beams and terracotta floors - was built robustly, to work with the water to make power. Restoring this purpose is our goal.
The original mill equipment sits in its original place at the base of the building, awaiting restoration.
An adventurous and absorbing location for children - with abundant fauna and flora. Please note that there are steep drops, so smaller children always need supervision.
The rockpools are just as nature provides: the riverâs character and flow responds to rainfall so varies seasonally; the last 30 summers they have remained watery.
The mill is located on an access lane which leads up the hill to a handful of houses, a farm and a few fields; it is not a through-road, but is tuned in to the rhythm of local farming life -mostly very quiet, but not remote. A friendly, tranquil rural location - cypresses and sunflowers, vineyards and olive groves. Beautiful walks, great views - just by walking up the hill from the house.
Local agents live 5 mins away should anything need attention.
The terrain is fantastic for cyclists as well as for walking.
For bike rental, guided walks and rides: see www.hikeandbikeitaly.com. They can tailor a personalised custom service to individual needs - including organisation, local guides and transfers.
Outside:
Upper (portico) level: portico with bread oven, table and chairs. Sundeck shaded by trees, parasol and supplied with loungers. Overlooks wooded trail, and path to rockpools.
Between the house and the stream is a steep drop; this is separated from the terrace (down 4 stone steps) by a thick wall approx 80cm high.
Lower (pergola) level has paved pergola with table and chairs outside kitchen.
A waterfall lies beneath the road bridge, near the approach to the house.
Inside the house, please note that 3 of the steps are a bit steep: between living area and kitchen. The original old wooden steps connect the upper and lower floors, and there is a short flight of wooden steps up to the top bedroom.
Inside:
Upper (Portico) Level:
* Living room, with windows opening to the view and sound of the little waterfall below. In this spacious room is a large dining table seating 8 comfortably, a wood burning stove, and a lounge area including sofa bed.
Games, guitar, speaker, CD player, and books provided.
* 3 bedrooms: one double bedroom, 1 family bedroom with 1 double and 1 single bed; 1 bedroom having 2 single beds,
* small but well - equipped kitchen - with door accessing the portico.
* generously sized bathroom with shower (no bath) and bidet
Lower (pergola) Level:
*Living room with dining table seating 4, a wood stove and easy chairs.
*double bedroom with klng size bed
*kitchen, opening to pergola
* generously sized bathroom with wide shower (no bath) and bidet
* two additional folding beds are available if required
* separate laundry room
* supply of firewood for wood stoves.
