General Description
La Contessa is a picture perfect hamlet a scant 15 minute drive north of Perugia. It offers luscious views, an incredibly rich history and an abundance of charm and services. Anyone seeking advice on how to restore an ancient hamlet for vacation rentals should check this one out.

Set in a quaint wooded hillside, la Contessa is built around an impressive, 12th-century Romanesque church. The place was known to both Pope Alessandro II and to the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick Barbarossa. Tempestuous Italian popes and aspiring German kings were often difficult landlords.

The present day Neapolitan family who owns this hamlet aspires only to make your stay a terrific experience. They have meticulously restored the structure to showcase its original charm. Vaulted ceilings, brick floors, large open-hearth fireplaces and archways built into stone walls are as resplendent as the day they were made centuries ago. Set against a combination of stylish antiques and contemporary furnishings of the highest quality, la Contessa achieves a tasteful balance worthy of a magazine cover.

In addition to the two, smoke free apartments offered by us, there are five smaller units rented mostly to a discerning Italian clientele. Both units have window screens in the bedrooms. Everyone shares a barbeque, a laundry room with washing machine and an in ground pool that's accessed by walking down a steep incline with stone steps.

Both Imperiale and Papale have their own outdoor furnished area by each entrance. For groups renting both units, the dining table in Papale expands to seat 15 people.

An obliging caretaker mans a reception office filled with brochures and maps for your use. Weather permitting, she can arrange nearby horseback riding and fishing at a small lake. Mid week cleaning service, one towel change and a basket of firewood are included in the price. Additional cleaning service and meals may be reserved when booking.

Within a five minute drive is Cenerente for all your basic shopping needs. From la Contessa, a winding paved road leads to the Perugia - Bettolle superstrada and to Perugia in 15 minutes by car. On the way are a number of dining options.

The superstrada links northern Umbria to southern Tuscany and passes by a cashmere outlet or two. It's only a 15 minute drive to feudal Corciano, a village owned by Italy's king of cashmere. In the shop next to the church, you're likely to find some tempting deals. A 20 minute drive away, Antognolla offers championship golf, clay tennis courts, a castle and hiking trails galore. Assisi or Spello are within 40 minutes; Spoleto or Todi: 60; Siena: 90; Florence or Rome: 120.

Technical Description
Ground floor: Living/dining room with seating for 15, fireplace, TV and CD player. Kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge and dishwasher. Half bath.

First floor: One bedroom with a queen size bed. Three bedrooms each with two single, joinable beds. One bathroom with shower and French balcony. One bathroom with hip tub and hand shower.