Pian di Cascina is the kind of place that families return to year after year. Whether its the sense of tranquillity that comes with the stunning views over picture perfect rolling Umbrian landscapes, or the combination of pretty, well-equipped and comfortable apartments with extra services such as the daily fresh baked breakfast goods deliveries, optional delicious home-made ready meals and high summer pizza nights, it is easy to see what has them flocking back.
Here, relaxation begins before guests even arrive as a long list of baby and toddler gear, arrival night ready-meal options and a very handy pre-arrival shopping service to include essentials like nappies, wipes, cereals, bread, milk, pasta and sauce etc. All of that means there's no need to start packing a month before the holiday, arrive loaded down with excess baggage or run the gauntlet of tracking down a supermarket en route from the airport, its all there just waiting for guests to arrive. Better still, there are two villages within reasonable walking distance, or a short drive for the less energetic, and together they offer an ATM, a supermarket, a pizza pub, a couple of cafe bars and a well loved cheese shop.
Guests tend to while away time flitting between the play area and the pool by day, whilst making use of the gas BBQs provided on each apartment's private terrace or enjoying a sociable pizza night during the evenings. Some break up the day by taking a stroll to grab an ice cream or coffee by the village playground in nearby Carbonesca (10-15min walk) or making use of the fantastically well-written guides to local towns such as Gubbio, Perugia and Assisi to venture out for half-day trips, maybe a little longer if headed to the brilliant beach at Toretta di Fano. Those staying a bit longer, or with sight-seeing savvy tots may well be tempted by the handy tips on where to park, eat, drink to venture further afield to take in the sights of Rome, Florence and Siena, all three of which are within a few hours drive or handy train from nearby Perugia.
Pian di Cascina comprises of eight apartments sleeping 2-7+babies. The most charming of the apartments are found within the original 400-year old farmhouse, the most contemporary in the former converted barn and others in a modernised outbuilding just across the way. Whilst Cantina, Villeta and Cascina boast an abundance of original charm and character, Il Pinolo and L'Oliveto are the most stylish, Gubbio, Assisi and Montefalco benefit from the best views. The entire estate can be rented and is ideal for weddings, birthdays or anniversaries since guests can enjoy the privacy of their own accommodation but, subject to prior arrangement by the party organisers, enjoy delicious restaurant standard meals in the 'Tavernetta' or outside on the dining terrace, which has spectacular views over the countryside and is also an ideal spot for a ceremony.
Recent additions to the estate include a heated toddler pool, extra shade around the pool, a ready-meal service, honesty wine-cellar with great local selection and beers, and little tikes play area with sea-saws, ride-ons and other outdoor play equipment designed for babies and toddlers. Plus, a new parents relaxation zone complete with hammock, loungers etc.
Nestled in the hills outside Valfabbrica, Pian di Cascina is just 1.5kms fom the large village of Casa Castalda, which has a selection of shops and bars including a popular cheese deli and pizza pub, plus a handy ATM and supermarket.
Closer still (15mins walk) is the smaller village of Carbonesca, which boasts a couple of friendly bars and a small bakery/grocery store. There are handful of well respected restaurants within a 5-15 minute drive, whilst the scenic but lively town of Gubbio with its wide choice of eateries is only around 20 minutes from the estate. Of course, with the option to add daily breakfast pastry deliveries and home-made ready meals, guests needn't travel at all to eat well.
Each of the estate's nine apartments has its own guide book to the area stuffed with extremely useful and detailed tips and advice from owners Paul and Isabel, who have their own three young children. The suggested itineraries for week-long stays, as well as day trips to must-see towns such as Rome, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Perguia and Gubbio, are crammed with fantastic tips on what to see and do and where to eat and drink, with or without tots in tow.
For 'beach' days, the Abbott family are big fans of the beach resort at Toretta di Fano (approx 80mins drive) thanks to its easy access, free parking, shallow waters and outstanding beachside seafood restaurant. Closer still, there's the sand-fringed areas of Lake Trasimeno or scenic Adriatic coast resorts east of Ancona, are all within about 40-60 minutes drive. Whilst mini guests often enjoy the waterpark at the lake and the Citta della Domenica nature park, which also has Snow White, Pinocchio and Sleeping Beauty themed amusements. They also recommend the Monte Cucco National Park (40mins away) thanks to its walking paths, playgrounds, wild horses and ponies and traditional mountain food cooked over open fires. Plus there's tandem paragilding for adventurous types!
Getting There: Perugia airport is the closest being just 30mins away, whilst Ancona airport is only around 60 minutes drive and the airports at Pisa, Florence, Rome and Bologna are all within 2.5-3 hrs drive.
Click to enlarge
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 09:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 63 days prior to arrival
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 63 days prior to arrival
The occupancy for the Oliveto is 4 adults/children or infants. COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities/Equipment remain largely as described. A box of toys is available for each property and kept in the property for the duration. Toys and baby kit are fully disinfected between guests. The property will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and all soft furnishings washed or sanitised between stays. A 30% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place in the area local to the rental property. Balance payable 63 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance such as that provided by Rock (insurefor.com) or Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point.
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 09:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 63 days prior to arrival
The occupancy for the Oliveto is 4 adults/children or infants. COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities/Equipment remain largely as described. A box of toys is available for each property and kept in the property for the duration. Toys and baby kit are fully disinfected between guests. The property will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and all soft furnishings washed or sanitised between stays. A 30% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place in the area local to the rental property. Balance payable 63 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance such as that provided by Rock (insurefor.com) or Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point.
![]() |
An additional infant in a cot/crib may be accommodated for a 100 per week fee. (If you exceed the total capacity with is 2 adults & 2 children or infants) |
||||||
![]() | Perugia airport is the closest being just 30mins away, whilst Ancona airport is only around 60 minutes drive. |
![]() | The nearest village is 15 mins walk and has a cafe/bar and bakery/shop, whilst a larger village with ATM, supermarket and pizza pub is approx. 25mins on foot. |
![]() | There's a large gated pool (1.4m deep - unheated) with stunning views and a heated and shaded splash pool for babies/toddlers. |
![]() | Babysitting is available on request |
![]() | The long list of useful baby and toddler gear provided includes: Highchairs, cots, bed guards, booster seats, potties, changing mat, non slip bath mat,bath toys, night lights, toddler steps, mattress protectors, baby monitor, steriliser, plastic crockery and cutlery. The owners also offer an option, pre-arrival, at cost price baby supplies shopping service to include nappies, formula, jars, wipes etc. |
![]() | A selection of age appropriate toys and books are provided within the apartments |
![]() | Delicious home-made ready meals are available to pre-order both before arrival and during the stay. An honesty wine cellar allows for stocking up on local varieties and beer. |
![]() | The estate has a shady play area with Little Tikes zone for toddlers and gear for older kids too including swings (non-baby type), a slide, play fort, sand pit, badminton nets, basket ball hoop table tennis, play house, zip slide, hanging bars, swing ball, see-saw, mini football, volleyball, a catapillar tunnel and geodome climbing frame. |
![]() | Treatments from a mobile beauty/massage therapist can be prebooked on request. |
![]() | Stairgates are not needed in this single level apartment |
![]() | There is a shady and tree-lined terrace overlooking the rolling hills and Umbrian countryside. There is a gas BBQ, an umbrella, table and chairs. |
![]() | Free Wi-Fi is provided. |
![]() | Owners Paul and Isabel run an organic small-holding within the grounds and provide recycling facilities for guests. |
![]() | There's a friendly flock of chickens permanently resident on-site |
![]() | Several cots (wooden and travel), boosters and highchairs can be provided on request. |
![]() | Optional maid service available on request (extra charge) |
Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
Beautiful location and everything you could need for a holiday with a little one.
I could not say enough good things about Villa Pian Di Cascina! We stayed in the Olivetto with our five and three year old daughters and it was perfect for us. It was situated right beside the play area where the girls spent many happy hours playing while we got to relax on our terrace. We enjoyed afternoons down by the pool and loved the restaurant! Isabel is an excellent cook - the girls loved going especially for the ice cream sundae with Smarties and sprinkles! We had some lovely days out too, to Gubbio, Fano beach, the Frasassi caves and Assisi. All in all a brilliant holiday! Would definitely go back.
Had a lovely holiday staying in the Olivetto. The villa was spotless, comfortable, great outside space and had masses and masses of toys for our 2 to play with, it's also right next to the lovely shady playground which our 2 happily careered round for hours. The complex is in the middle of stunning scenery and if you have compliant children exploring the area should be easy (though everywhere is on a steep hill so endurance may be tested...). Flew from Pisa which was a bit of a trek but the flight times are much better than nearer airports.
Beautiful property and wonderful location. Fantastic week here and contemplating returning next year!
Be sure to book on st the restaurant if you stay - outstanding!
A wonderful place to relax. Wish we could have had 2 weeks here.
We stayed at Pian di Cascina for two weeks in July with our two kids aged 4 & 7. Having only ever been on UK seaside holidays with our kids, we wanted to do something a bit special for our tenth wedding anniversary and it didn't disappoint.
From start to finish we had the most relaxing and wonderful time, in a beautiful mountain top setting with nature all around us. I could gush praise for the place and its kind hosts all day long, so here's a breakdown of the things we particularly enjoyed and, as parents, enabled us to be able to relax too.
All communication before and during our stay was impeccable. Questions I had regarding child equipment, climate, food etc were all answered swiftly before arrival, and once we got there so much helpful information was offered to us that we hardly had to do any thinking for ourselves. Upon arrival we received a warm welcome from Paul who suggested we just grab our swimmers and jump s ...
Read More
Thank so you so much for such a fantastic week at your amazing house - we loved it.. rather than send you a little list of things that were wrong (there weren't any!) I thought I would send a list of things that we noticed and really appreciated as fellow holiday house owners.
1. Lots of crockery/cutlery etc - we have been to several houses where they have 4 cups/plates/knives etc - really infuriating when a large dishwasher, or wanting perhaps to serve more than one course.
2. Everything immaculately clean
3. All the outdoor toys were clean and even fresh chalk out for the blackboard
4. Tidy outdoor cupboard with balls/bats etc.
5. Great variety of toys and books including my favourite - The Paperbag Princess!
6. Bread/croissant delivery - how you have the patience to do that I will never know.
7. Nice outdoor furniture and shade - only shame was we didn't get to use it too much
8. Lots of suggestions for things to do in boo ...
Read More
*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 10 guests.