While relatively plain externally, the interior instantly captured our hearts, or emotions … and our imagination. An unspoiled ‘time-capsule’ of 19th Century rural Umbria we were, on entry, immediately transported back in time to an age when the large open fireplace formed the focus of family life. Dominating the classic ‘cucina contadina’ (farmhouse kitchen) the walk-in fireplace with original wrought iron accessories provides an instant ‘Kodak moment’, its proportions perfectly counterbalancing the magnificent beamed ceiling proudly displaying the smoke of ages in its every nook and cranny.
Of the many properties seen over two years this open fire, high beamed ceilings, spacious rooms, thick stone walls, exposed oak lintels and waxed clay floor tiles captured the very essence of the Umbrian farmhouse we had been looking for! It more than fulfilled the long harbored dream and almost at once … felt like home!
We began to image our next family Christmas with stockings hanging from the mantlepiece … the taste of hot mince pies, aroma of a roasting turkey and sounds of excited grandchildren perfectly blending with the snap, crackle and pop of our own logs burning on the open fire, a picture perfect recreation of the classic Christmas card.
No surprise then that we fell in love with Casa sul Monte!
