(23 Giugno 2015)
“Un'oasi di tranquillità”
Siamo stati 4 giorni insieme ad una coppia di
amici anche loro con figlio 11 anni nella casa
archi. Avevo scelto il posto più che per le
recensioni (poche non recenti e poco esplicative)
per la vicinanza a luoghi di interesse che volevamo
visitare. Inoltre ero stata incuriosita dalla
presenza degli alpaca che non sono proprio comuni
nel nostro paese! Siamo stati accolti proprio da
questi splendidi animali e dal loro proprietario. Il
sig. Berna in modo eccellente! Abbiamo goduto di
tutti i confort che offre l'appartamento abbiamo
visitato Gubbio, Città di Castello e Montone e i
nostri figli si sono divertiti con gli alpaca e la
piccola capretta bianca. Sono certa che ritorneremo
non solo per acquistare i maglioni prodotti con lana
alpaca ma per godere ancora dello splendido
paesaggio mentre si prepara il barbecue!!!
(19 agosto 2014)
Our time at Maridiana Alpaca Farm was truly
magical, whether comfortably lounging under the
ancient trees with the alpacas, taking in a forever
view of the valley and beyond or sipping wine in the
evening, counting fireflies. We were greeted by the
gracious Berna Family and staff into a well
appointed and maintained home filled with family
treasures. We loved cooking in the kitchen with an
abundance of fresh food from the area utilizing
every utensil one could ever ask to have. We
sincerely thank them for sharing their local
knowledge of the valley, hill towns, train schedules,
directions, delivering fresh artisan bread from the
farmer's market and helping us resolve a cell phone
dilemma. As llama, alpaca & goat farmers we came
home with a wealth of new and exciting alpaca & goat
knowledge that has already been implemented, plus
absolutely gorgeous alpaca clothing from their farm
shop. Every day was a toss up of just enjoying our
immediate surroundings on this lovely farm or
venturing to the hill towns (we happily did both).
Next visit will be longer and hopefully with a
better grasp of the Italian language! Un milione di
grazie
(David's family, ospiti a agosto 2014)
Dear Gianni e Marisa, thank you once again for your
kindly hospitality in August. We have been very busy
settling Alex back into school. He has renamed his
toy cat and dogs - Lisa, Whisky and Charlie and he
misses Lisa very much. We hope you enjoy your trip
to Canada; we will see you next year and are looking
forward to it already.
“Other holidays have a lot to live up to”
Reviewed July 8, 2012for a stay in June 2012
We have just returned from our second trip to
Casa Archi with our three year old son. We had a
fantastic time on the first trip and thought this
would not be possible but it was even better this
year. The farm itself is enough to captivate small
children but the experience is enhanced by wonderful
hosts, Gianni and Marisa who go out of their way to
make you feel welcome and completely at home. We
wish our Italian was as good as their English! There
are good cooking facilities, nearby supermarkets by
car and many excellent local restaurants. Our little
boy was kept very occupied, walking around the farm,
visiting the chickens and alpacas and playing with
his very good friends Whiskey the dog and Lupida the
cat. There is also a small playground area with
slide and swing. Local day-trips are possible
although we actually spent most of our week on the
farm or in Umbertide where there is an excellent
outdoor swimming pool with waterslides for all ages.
English be warned you need to wear swimming caps.
We can't recommend this place highly enough for
families with small children and we hope to be back
soon.
“The best farming vacation in Italy. If you like
the countryside, this is for you.”
Reviewed April 11, 2012for a stay in April
2012
We have stayed at many agriturismo in Italy, but
this is by far our family's favourite spot. The
accommodations are peaceful, affordable and
comfortable, with lots of space both inside and
outdoors for a nice sense of freedom for adults to
walk or hang out and for kids to play freely. There
are many towns and small cities nearby for
sightseeing. The farm's owner Gianni is especially
loved by our children for his knowledge and patience.
Kids can have a real farming vacation here, waking
up early to get to the barn to help Gianni care for
the animals, seeing the birth of lambs or alpacas,
while the parents are able to relax. Gianni is very
knowledgable about the Umbria region and also
studied in the US, so he speaks English very well.
The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking and there
are also nice restaurants in the local area. Wi-fi
internet reception is good.
Connie Brickson review
Left on 18/06/2012
The property far exceeded our expectations. We
travel extensively and this was certainly one of the
most beautiful properties weve enjoyed. Exquisite
views, lovely home and gracious hosts. Would love to
come back.
Very friendly owners, beautiful area,
fascinating alpaca farm
Left on 02/17/2012 for a stay in September
2011
I and my family have been coming to Casa archi at
Maridiana most years since 1996.The Berna family are
exceptionally friendly and helpful. Casa archi is an
attractive conversion of a traditional farm
building, fully modernised and furnished in a style
in keeping with the house, on a lovely hillside site
in the Niccone Valley, with many beautiful towns and
villages within easy reach. Umbertide has newly
opened indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Lake
Trasimeno is nearby. Two special features: the Berna
family run an alpaca farm so although very peaceful
you are in an interesting working environment.
Marisa Berna organises a fascinating film festival
each summer in nearby Montone. Date of most recent
stay below.
The ultimate Italian vacation esperience awaits
you here
Left on 02/15/2012 for a stay in May 2010
We have stayed here on seven occasions since 1999.
The property is well maintained and is centrally
located for day trips to hill towns in Umbria and
Tuscanny. The owners are incredibly warm, friendly
and make the stay a wonderful vacation. This is
truely a piece of heaven on earth.
A True Taste of Rural Umbria
Left on 02/13/2012 for a stay in August 2011
I and my two children (now teenagers) have been
staying in archi for the last 11 years. We have come
to know the proprietor and his family as friends and
are always well looked after. Archi combines
secluded tranquility at the head of the Niccone
alley (breathtaking views from the property), with
easy accessibility to a range of excellent
restaurants, the facilities of nearby (10 min drive)
Umbertide and proximity to many sites worth visiting
in Umbria and Tuscany (delightful Perugia,Florence,
Siena and Pisa easy day trips by car or train).
Review submitted by David from London
(28 August 2009 and verified by
Villarenters.com)
Our tenth year here is a testament to how much we
enjoy returning each summer. The house is
comfortable and spacious with acres of space around
and a fantastic view down the Niccone valley. We
have got to know the owners well now and regard them
as good friends. Excellent location both for Umbria
but also easy accessibility into Tuscany.
Review submitted by Jenny from Colorado USA
(22 October 2010 and verified by VRBO.com)
Do you mind if we move in?? "Thank you" seems
inadequate to express our appreciation for the
wonderful experience Gianni and his whole family
provided for us! We stayed with our four young-ish
(11, 8, 6 and 4) on the alpaca farm with Gianni and
his wonderful family Oct 2010, and we are so anxious
to return! The accomodations are comfortable yet
elegant...the animals are entirely charming and
interesting to experience...and the entire area of
Umbria was our favorite. We were in Italy for 3
weeks and traveled through Umbria, Tuscany, Rome and
Naples/Sorrento...our week at Casa Archi in Umbria
was hands-down the best part of the trip. The towns
of Umbertide, Assisi, Gubbio (a must!), Purgia,
Cortona are so close and amazing. Gianni provided
rich, spontaneous history lessons and interesting
information about the region and the country. Our
youngest daughter celebrated her 4th birthday while
we were there, and the entire family joined us to
sing and celebrate...a real treat! If you are
considering staying, look no further...you will be
so thrilled with the decision. The Casa Archi is
clean and beautiful...Gianni and his family are warm,
friendly, amazingly helpful, interesting...the
process of setting up our stay was flawless and
Federico (Gianni's son) answered all of our
questions promptly and fully...Umbria is beautiful
and somewhat undiscovered so not as crowded... We
are anxious to return...thank you Gianni and
Federico and families for many precious experience
and memories! Our kids are begging to return to the
'alpaca farm'! -andy, jenny and kids colorado, usa