the Macchione farmhouse

This red brick farmhouse dating from 1777 is set in the peaceful countryside, surrounded by sunflower fields. Its four apartments can be combined to accommodate up to twenty people and has been ideal for family reunions and large groups of friends who want the privacy of their own apartment, yet be close to their travel partners. The Macchione farmhouse's renaissance features include a loggia and portico, wooden beams, and cotto floors. The view over the village of Montepulciano and its lake is best enjoyed at sunset.

Amenities:

4 Double Beds|9 Single Beds|3 Bed Sofas| 4 Bathrooms|Washing Machine|Fireplaces|Garden| Views| Outdoor Oven

Short Term Prices

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High Season: April 8th – October 15th, Christmas, New Years and Easter included.
Low Season: October 15th – March 31st (2007).

Additional discounts

Podere Macchione is the name of this farmhouse, meaning the property (Podere) of the large forest (Macchione). A plaque on its wall dates its construction to 1777. It is an exceptionally fine example of Umbrian architecture set in the peaceful countryside, neighbour only to Tuscany. The farmhouse is constructed of hand made bricks typical of the area, and enriched with a lovely arched loggia. It stands on its own, surrounded by sunflower fields above the small lake of Montepulciano. The villages of Porto and Gioiella are at a ten-minute walk or a three-minute drive, and the sand beaches of the lake Trasimeno can be reached after a 10-minute drive.

Many of these farmhouses where once owned by a feudal lord, which leased them out to a family of serfs. The serfs would pay rent by giving the feudal lord half of their agricultural produce. The family lived on the top floor, while their cattle were kept in the bottom one. This was a common practice that helped heat the top floor. Podere Macchione is owned and managed by Anna-Maria Marchetti and her sons Gianni and Enrico Romizi. Being a family ahead of its time, they have opted to exchange the feudal system with a simpler short term rentals. If you are staying downstairs these days, there is no need to worry. The cows and pigs are gone, and two charming apartments have replaced the stables

The Romizi are a family of architects, and designed these apartments themselves. Nothing was spared when they, in the early 90s, set forth with the restoration process. Graceful old features including red brick arches, wooden beams, the portico and the loggia were carefully preserved. Many of the authentic red brick floors could be saved, and where it was not possible, cotto tiles were instead placed. The typical outdoor wood oven was cleaned out, and can still be used today to cook or bake bread and pizzas.

The result was four rustic apartments with all comforts, where the atmosphere from the 17th century can still be felt. Each apartment has two bedrooms and comfortably sleeps four people, leaving plenty of space for a fifth person in the living room. Furniture varies from antique to rustic, with the odd modern piece fitted in. During the winter months, heating is provided through radiators, with independent thermostats placed in all apartments. Animals, fires and ovens are no longer needed, unless you want to keep the costs to a minimum. And for longer stays, a shared washing machine has been placed in a shed outside.

The grounds of the Macchione farmhouse are ideal for children. Not only are swings and a sandpit available, but as its only neighbour is another farmhouse over one hundred meters away, and the asphalt road an additional 500 meters down the road, there is no traffic to be worried about. You are surrounded by the views of the Montepulciano lake and the sunflower fields. The large garden has made this the choice of groups of six or more friends travelling together, but still interested in their privacy by renting their own apartment. It is worth noting that the Scaletta and Loggiato apartments are connected through a door usually kept locked. Many family reunions have also been held here, and there are discounts for renting more than one apartment for more than a week, which rise with the length of the stay and the number of apartments that you rent. So what are you waiting for? Get all your friends and family together, and come on by for an unforgettable vacation.