Italy - Umbria

Casa Branca

A Karen Brown Recommended B & B

Karen's Review Of This Property:

Emanuela and Paolo left behind advertising careers and a period of time living in Mexico and returned to their native Italy with the idea of changing lifestyles and opening a B&B. They purchased and carefully restored Casa Branca, a hilltop stone house surrounded by woods and a soothing babbling brook. Just above the house is a peaceful spot poolside which enjoys spectacular countryside views. The main house is divided between the couple’s own residence and the guest quarters which are made up of six double rooms with nice new bathrooms. Down on the main floor is a large stone-walled room with tables to one side and a sitting area to the other. A separate cottage in back has two bedrooms with adjoining bathroom. Their Latin American stay has had a definite influence on décor decisions with yellow, orange, and red prominent in sofas and wall colors, an effective contrast to traditional brick, stone and wood materials. It is well worth staying for dinner as Emanuela is an exceptional cook, preparing a four-course meal with ingredients from the vegetable garden at an impeccable table either out on the terrace or in the dining room. Besides Gubbio there is lots to explore in this area bordering the Marches.