Welcome
Experience Italy as it was meant to be enjoyed. In the fishing village of San Feliciano on the east side of the lake, Casa Susanna is a serene respite away from the tourist trail, yet close to everything central Italy has to offer in the way of culture, art, nature.
Just on the border with Tuscany, Lake Trasimeno is Umbria’s hidden treasure. The 4th largest lake in Italy, it is surrounded by ancient castles, miles of olive orchards and vineyards, charming hills towns to explore devoid of souvenirs shops or overcrowded restaurants. Here you can find the real Italy, where the locals are friendly, the food and wine are authentic and fresh, the olive oil organic and the gelato homemade. Everywhere there is history woven into the land;
it’s where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 217 BC, the Etruscans settled 7 centuries before the Christian era and Italian city states battled for supremacy. Today fishing and farming are still carried on in the traditional way. Everywhere you look there is natural beauty; the landscape changing with the seasons, and the sky a natural wonder as it is reflected in the water. San Feliciano carries the name Paese del Tramonto, which means Town of the Sunset, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Within a half hours drive are Perugia, Cortona, Chiusi, and slightly beyond are Assisi, Montepulciano, Arezzo and Spoleto. Florence is 1 1/2 hour by train, Rome 2 hours.
The lake is ringed with a walking/biking trail around its 54 kilometer shore. Ferries leave from the pier in San Feliciano to Isola Polvese and from nearby Passignano one can ferry to Isola Maggiore, where Saint Frances spent time in retreat and meditation. There are beaches for swimming, windsurfing and kayak rentals, and sailing school among the many outdoor activities. Rent a Vespa or an e-bike and visit the bird sanctuary. Tour a traditional olive oil mill for a tasting and lunch or a medieval castle that once protected from invasion. You can never run out of things to do and places to explore.
Overview of the house
You arrive at Casa Susanna from the driveway shaded by oak and viburnum which opens up to the grand vista of the lake. An expansive porch wraps around 2 sides of the house where you can stretch out with a book, enjoy your coffee or aperitif with friends enjoying the sunset, dine al fresco.
Old farm and garden tools found on the property decorate the entrance with its quirky pink door.
Inside
You enter into a foyer with an old school desk filled with travel maps and tourist brochures. The great room encompasses the kitchen, dining and living room featuring a 2 sided wood fireplace, ( an abundance of oak firewood is stacked outside). The ceilings are beamed and the floor tiled with traditional handmade cotto brick. Rustic antiques collected at regional markets, original art by the owner and finds from her extensive
travels adorn the interior. Every detail of the house has been carefully thought out and designed by the owner and her arquitetta during the COVID era renovation.
The well-appointed kitchen features travertine counter tops, a SMEG stove, porcelain farm sink, dishwasher, and fridge. The cabinets were custom made by a Tuscan artisan. The old chestnut farm table accommodates 6 people with ease, with its mismatched painted chairs and custom designed cushions.
The living room has huge glass atrium doors to take in the western lake view, along with windows facing east and north. A comfortable L shaped couch and various club chairs create a cozy conversation area in front of the fireplace.
Off the kitchen is a guest bathroom and hall which lead to the 2 en-suite bedrooms, each with French doors opening onto the porch, and shutters for a good nights sleep. Comfortable mattresses top the beds, which are queen, king or 2 singles, according to your needs. Each room features cotton bed linens and antique furnishings, with original art by the owner. Each bathroom is furnished with sink, toilet, shower, and one with bidet.
There are screens on all the windows and doors. Splits keep each room warm on chilly nights and cool in summer. The internet works well in the great room and porch. Every room faces the lake with its stunning, ever changing view.
Outside
The Mediterranean garden flowers with roses, perennials and culinary herbs.
On the north side of the house is a large pergola with table and hammock for an enjoyable retreat in the shade. At the entry gate is parking for 4 cars.
The Upstairs can be rented separately or with the downstairs apartment.
The Downstairs apartment has a full kitchen, 1 bedroom and full bathroom, tile and brick floors, wood stove in the huge, 50 square meter great room.
This living room/activity area has been used by the owner as an art studio as it is very bright with natural light from the 2 expansive sets of atrium doors. The eat-in kitchen has a washer dryer, convection stove top and electric oven, refrigerator table and chairs for 2, while the great room has a long antique table for a bigger gathering. This level looks out to the garden of Mediterranean plants and the lake and hills beyond.
Contact me for prices and availability: susannaturino@gmail.com