"La Masale" lies between Todi, a town of Etruscan origin which dominates the Tevere Valley, where the eye can see as far as Terni over fertile meadows, softly rolling hillocks and peaceful dales - a panorama unchanged over the centuries, tinged with gold by sparkling sunflowers. From Pesciano, a charming Umbrian village with its kind and convivial residents, you can set out along old tracks which lead to ancient mills and one of the most historical Roman roads, via Aurelia, which continues north into Liguria and France. In the springtime you will pass through thickets of perfumed broom, and dog rose and rock rose, while during the summer the crickets' chorus greets you from the gently swaying pastures fields. Autumn will delight you - its multi-coloured palette bursting with soft warm shades, dotted by the silver hue of olive trees heavy with fruit, ready to give up their precious nectar.

You will be overwhelmed by a sensation of peace as the evenings present their spectacle of dark, solitary cypresses standing against a backcloth of flames as the sunset emerges across the horizon, and understand the inspiration bestowed onto the brushes upon Piero della Francesca, Giotto, Cimabue's and those other great masters who loved this land. Or you may prefer to taste delicious "bruschette" (typical Umbrian savoury toasts) accompanied by a glass of excellent Umbrian wine, prepared by Christine and Max, in the Summer beside the swimming pool or before a crackling wood fire as the evenings draw in.