Following the success of their luxury farm stay destination Il Fontanaro the owners have transformed a rural farmhouse 'Sunflower Springs' nearby into a haven of rural relaxation with laid back luxe apartments, a stunning infinity pool and handy location within walking distance of Pacino village.
Where Umbria and Tuscany blur into the Room With a View landscapes of rolling hills, vivid sunflower fields and glowing sunsets, Sunflower Springs is as quintessentially Italian as they come. A far cry from the busy urban streets of home, parents will find it impossible not to give into their tranquil new surroundings, whiling away the days poolside soaking up the views or relaxing with a glass of chilled local wine, taking in the sunset from their private terrace. For those still struggling to truly relax the owner can arrange a visiting spa therapist to offer poolside treats or in cottage treatments so even the most pent up new parents can truly indulge and unwind.
Those able to tear themselves away from their own slice of country bliss are welcome to explore the owners nearby Il Fontanaro farm just 2kms away where guests can sample their delicious home grown olive oil, try a tutored wine tastings or pick up some new skills with authentic Italian cookery classes suitable for both adults and children.
Sunflower Springs itself is a small cluster of family friendly apartments set within extensive grounds, fragrant with lavender sharing a 15 metre infinity pool with far reaching country views. The apartments have been recently redecorated to provide luxurious yet relaxed interiors brimming with characters thanks to the owners keen eye for detail and eclectic finishing touches. Perfect for families the house provides a wealth of mod cons including an LCD TV, DVD player, iPod speakers, full air conditioning, free internet, a washing machine and dishwasher not to mention a handy supply of baby gear ( see grey 'fast facts' box for details). The owners provide a 24 hour concierge service and can arrange anything from private chef hire to guided tours, spa treatments to airport transfers.
Accommodation Overview - Sassicaia (sleeps 4+cot)
Sunflower Springs is surrounded by iconic Umbrian scenery and there’s plenty for families to see and do, both on the doorstep and for days out. The nearby medieval walled village of Paciano (20 minutes walk away) is acclaimed as one of the top ten villages in Italy for its idyllic setting and quality of life. The village has two grocery stores, three restaurants, two bars, an ATM, pharmacy and post office. The owners have arranged 10% discount in many of the superb local restaurants, including the family favourite for pizza and pasta, L’Oca Braciata. There are more shops in the small town of Chiusi Chianciano (7 miles) and Cortona (16 miles) plus the buzzing Umbrian capital, Perugia is only half an hour’s drive (22 miles). Montepulciano (19 miles) has a fab market on the second weekend of the month and this historic hill town is also world famous for its fine red wines.
Assisi (29 miles) is one of the region’s biggest tourist destinations, thanks to the magnificent basilica, but families might prefer to escape the hoards and head for the beaches, watersports and cruises at Lake Trasimeno (6 miles). Children will have fun exploring the countryside on donkey rides for 4+ year olds or on horse riding trails. There is also a ‘Go-Ape’ style forest adventure park at Rapolano Terme, under an hour’s drive away and dinosaur fanatics will enjoy the Paleontological Museum at Pietrafitta, near Lake Trasimeno.
Besides experiencing all that Umbria has to boast about, Sunflower Springs is within easy reach of Tuscany highlights too including fairytale Sienna (50 miles) and the Renaissance treasure house of Florence (80 miles). Even Rome is only a one-hour train ride from Chiusi.
Getting There: Perugia Airport is 45 minutes from Paciano, with regular Ryanair services from London Stansted. Alternative airports include Florence (1hr, 45 minutes) and Pisa or Rome (2 hours). Nearest medical services: Paciano, 1km.
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Check-in time: 14:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 30 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 14:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 30 days prior to arrival
COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities/Equipment remain largely as described. The playroom is closed. Instead, toys are available on loan and kept in the cottages for the duration. Toys and baby kit are fully disinfected between guests A 25% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place in the area local to the rental property. Balance payable 28 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance ,such as that provided by Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point.
10% discount will be applied to full weeks after the first week
Check-in time: 14:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 30 days prior to arrival
COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities/Equipment remain largely as described. The playroom is closed. Instead, toys are available on loan and kept in the cottages for the duration. Toys and baby kit are fully disinfected between guests A 25% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place in the area local to the rental property. Balance payable 28 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance ,such as that provided by Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point.
10% discount will be applied to full weeks after the first week
ALINA PINELLI
Profile
Wine & Food Expert PR Expert
OLIVE OIL AND WINE SOMMELIER PROFESSIONAL DEGREED
I have a daughter 2 years old (sept 2016) that is my sue chef at the cooking classes sometimes!
Experience
2010/2019: Il Fontanaro Ecological and Organic Farm House, Owner. Specialized in Wine and food, wine and food tours around Tuscany and Umbria.
Education
2015 - from January - Health School of Food, Univerisity dei Sapori, Perugia
2011 Professional Sommelier AIS – Italian Association of Sommelier And Maestro dell’Olio 2012 - Scuola di cucina, Profession Chef, il Gambero Rosso
2000 Degree in Sociology of the Mass Communications, University La Sapienza of Rome
INFO:
Alina Pinelli
countryslowliving@gmail.com
+393387408884
+ Lucia Pinelli
lucia@fontanaro.it
+393387408884
vocabolo Montanaro 64
06060 Paciano, Perugia FOR GOOGLE MAP WE ARE ON VOCABOLO POGGIO 64, PACIANO
We own and run Il Fontanaro, villa Tartagli and Sunflower Spring place, and here, every guest is treated like a visiting friend.
sharing our slow living and country heritage of food, wine and olive oil is our passion
We provide the type of service that big hotels and guidebooks cannot: booking a table at a little country restaurant, detailing directions to the ruined abbey at the end of an old footpath, and arranging lunch with the small winemaker who will personally walk you through his vineyard.
You can read some examples on our blog: www.umbriatuscanyreview.com
Il Fontanaro offers the perfect base from which to explore the stunning Val di Chiana, Val d’Orcia and the hill towns of southern Tuscany, around Siena, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano…. and all Umbria (Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Deruta, Spello, Todi…).
At fontanaro there are a lot of activities for kids.
Before your arrival you can ask for the kids welcome pack: colors, papers, toys & Co.
We also have crab toys at the pools and ping pong for kids.
We also hav degred babysitter, horse riding, donkey riding, cocolate museum and more :)
http://umbriatuscanyreview.com/4-kids/
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Sleeps 4+ in 1 x king size double room and one twin bedroom. |
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![]() | 15 minutes drive from Lake Trasimeno |
![]() | The local village with recommended restaurants is within a 20 minute walk ( a little longer for little legs) |
![]() | There is a shared swimming pool. |
![]() | Private chef/catering can be arranged on request. |
![]() | A fully qualified and trained babysitter is available on request. |
![]() | Baby gear available includes; 1 baby bath, 1 baby bouncer, 1 baby monitor, 1 steriliser, potties, socket covers, plastic cutlery and sippy cups. |
![]() | For indoor play there are bath toys, kids books, general toys and U-rated kids DVDs. |
![]() | Outdoor toys and games include bowls, ping pong, baby cricket set. |
![]() | A beauty therapist can be arranged to come to the villa. |
![]() | The property is on one level. |
![]() | There is a private terrace area. |
![]() | WIFI is available. |
![]() | The owners actively compost and recycle all organic materials for fertilizer and use solar cell technology for a substantial portion of their energy |
![]() | There is a golf course just 5 miles away. |
![]() | Up to 3 travel cots, 3 highchairs are available. |
Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
Alina and Lucia are exceptional hosts and made our first trip abroad with our three month old as comfortable as possible. The villa was made to feel like home and we had a lovely time taking part in their cooking course and looking around the beautiful gardens and olive press. If you want a relaxed, real italian experience then this is the place for you!Review dated 19/06/2013
We had the most fantastic holiday at Il Fontanaro. The hospitality of Lucia and her daughter Alina was outstanding - they were so welcoming and had provided some lovely homely touches in the cottage, such as honey, olive oil and wine from their estate. They have 2 gorgeous child-friendly dogs whom our daughter adored. They provided us with a baby bath, highchair, toys, travel cot, etc. to make our trip go more smoothly. The surrounding area is just beautiful and we enjoyed many fabulous day trips, all within a one hour's drive. It really was the most wonderful holiday and I cannot recommend Il Fontanaro highly enough.Review dated 22/04/2013