Settimo Cielo

This 200-year-old farmhouse made of tuff stone, a sand-colored porous rock of volcanic origin, is one of many concentrated in this scenic area south of Orvieto. Gracious hostess Francesca bought and gradually put back the pieces of the home using all local materials to create a natural ambiance in harmony with the country setting. Warm earth tones as well as stronger provincial hues have been chosen for the interiors which include ten spacious, beamed bedrooms on the two upper floors, each with a different color theme. The furnishings in the bedrooms (from wrought-iron or wood beds and natural linen bedspreads to curtains and woven rugs) and common areas compliment the ambiance of the home. The two luminous guest rooms open to both sides of the house, each with an enormous stone fireplace and sofas or tables for sitting and enjoying a country breakfast. In fine weather this pleasant moment of the day is passed on the front portico overlooking hills, fruit orchards and woods. A small pool surrounded by a deck is steps away. Easily reached are interesting naturalistic or cultural excursions to neighboring towns, such as Orvieto, Civita Bagnoreggio (accessed by a pedestrian bridge), the thermal spa at Viterbo, Lake Bolsena and others of Etruscan origins.