Tetti Marquet’s traditional ‘tufa’ cottages are situated in the lovely countryside just 10km north of Lake Bolsena; at the crossroads of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.
Bordered to the north by Tuscany and to the east by Umbria, the area is a land of gently rolling countryside, volcanic craters that gave rise to the beautiful freshwater lakes of Bolsena and Vico, thermal pools popular in the treatment of various ailments and medieval hilltop villages that include; Pitigliano, Sorano, Civita di Bagnoregio, Orvieto, Montefiasone and Tarquinia, to name but a few.
Within 10 to 15 minutes drive is the Lake of Bolsena (Italian: Lago di Bolsena). Lying within the northern part of the province of Viterbo that is called Alto Lazio (“Upper Latium”) or Tuscia, the lake has a long historic tradition as well as providing beaches for lazing and picnics, a wide range of water sports, spectacular scenery and three thriving little towns; Bolsena, Marta and Capodimonte. Bolsena, on the northern shore, has a museum full of Etruscan relics, a fine medieval castle, picturesque alleys and two early churches. Marta and Capodimonte, on the southern shores, are pretty little towns with beaches, and from where you can organise boat trips around Isola Bisentina.
To the south is Viterbo, with its papal palace from the middle ages, and the Tarquinian necropolis. To the west, Sorano and Pitigliano, of medieval importance and interest, are picturesquely striking up on their hills. The approach to Pitigliano in particular, especially from the road coming up from Manciano and Rome, is one of the most spectacular sights anywhere in Italy. Rounding the last curve you are confronted by a wall of medieval stone houses that seem carved out of the tufa rock cliffs on which the town rests. Although red roofs, turrets and towers mark Pitigliano as medieval, the many primitive burial caves hollowed out of its underlying cliffs make clear that man has made his home here since prehistoric times.
For gastronomic delights you are offered the chance to sample the local specialities: various lake fish in the villages around lake Bolsena, mushrooms at Vetralla, chestnuts at Soriano al Cimino, beef steak at Monteromano, wine at Montefiascone and many, many more! The beaches of the Maremma can be reached in under an hour and Rome, Siena and Florence are all accessible for day trips.
A holiday at Tetti Marquet is to experience a taste of the old Italy and an extremely laid-back way of life whilst having some of the finest old towns and a wealth of history and culture on your doorstep. The owner, who lives in a separate cottage in the grounds with her two small dogs and a couple of cats, is very welcoming and particularly knowledgeable about the region. Also in the grounds is a well stocked vegetable garden where guests can help themselves to seasonal produce. Fig trees around the property produce a bountiful supply of sweet ripe fruits in July and September, they are especially good to eat along with the local wines and delicious pecorino cheeses.
Tetti Marquet near Lake Bolsena http://www.traditionaltuscany.co.uk/properties/37
