Borgo Spante

Owner Claudia Spatola does an admirable job of single-handedly running a bed and breakfast in the complex of stone houses known as Borgo Spante, which dates back to the 15th century and has been in her family since 1752. Consisting of a main villa, connecting farmers’ houses, chapel, barns, swimming pool, and garden, it is isolated in 500 acres of woods and hills, the true heart of Umbria, yet is located only 16 kilometers from Orvieto and not far from Assisi, Todi, and Perugia. Guests stay in a combination of rooms or apartments in the former farmers’ quarters with their irregular-sized rooms, sloping worn-brick floors, and rustic country furnishings—very charming in its way. Authentic Umbrian meals (half-board required), prepared by local women, are served in the dining room with long wooden tables and fireplace. A larger dining area has been added in the former barn, along with four additional mini-apartments, simply and characteristically decorated. Memorable evenings are spent in the garden or poolside conversing with other guests or listening to an impromptu concert or lecture.