Bel Poggiolo
Stone farmhouse and pool, panorama of Umbria (sleeps 8-11)
This property, seemingly a balcony on the whole of Umbria, is the observatory of one of the great secret legends of Europe The Legend of Lazarus, Faroaldo and the Anima Mundi
THE PANORAMA. Standing on a crest of a hill, with breathtaking views in all directions, particularly across the valley towards Spoleto and the mountains witnessing the extraordinary Dark Ages tale of the Pillar saint from Syria, Lazarus, and of the genetically modified barbarian, Faroaldo.
THE PROPERTY. This noble 18th century farmhouse, entirely of stone, is set in its own farmland, surrounded by lawn, olive groves and arable fields. At the opposite headland of the property looms the ruin of an ancient fortress. The garden, here, IS the landscape, seemingly a balcony over the whole of Umbria. In keeping with its open spirit, the property has been kept entirely without fencing or walls. Indeed locus a-moenus signifies exactly ideal space without limits (*) with trees, lawn and water, representing regeneration and a refuge from the cares of time and mortality. You lie in the pool, shaped like a long drinking font, and gaze at the world beneath you; at valleys and mountains, from the veranda, or the rose gazebo. There are good walks from right outside the front door, which even take you past one great restaurant. The hill is well ventilated and offers welcome relief in the hot Italian summers. The house is comfortably and elegantly furnished as a home, not as a rental accommodation.
THE FAMILY. This farmhouse and land belongs to the Monini family, one of the most famous producers of high quality extra-virgin olive oil - found it in many delicatessen around the world. Here is where the Monini family began their olive oil production in the 19th century.
(*) compare locus amoenus with the Persian word pairidaeza - from which we derive our word paradise - which is an ideal, but enclosed space.
The air was effervescent on the Solemn Mount and manifested in the spiritual eye ....
