This beautiful "borgo hotel" or "albergo diffuso" is located in the Umbrian town of Scheggino, arrayed on a hill above the crystal-clear waters of the Nera river.  The medieval part of the town, parts of which date to the 12th century, had suffered tremendous damage in the earthquake that rocked the western slopes of the Appenine Mountains in 1997 and, but for the efforts of the owners who have rescued the it with an immaculately imagined and accomplished restoration, it would have remained broken and decrepit.

Sixteen of the borgo's homes have been superbly and tastefully renovated - and seismically upgraded - to provide a unique, interesting, relaxing and ultra-romantic place to stay while exploring Umbria's amazing Valdinera (Valley of the Nera).  Each "casa" - one, two and three bedrooms - features a lounge (usually with fireplace), a bright fully-equipped kitchen and open dining area.  Most of the bedrooms, with large comfortable beds, are en-suite.  Furnishings are all high quality, striking the right aesthetic balance between the modern and the antique.

The enchanting borgo is quiet except for the footfalls of other guests and of the local people who still inhabit the borgo and go about their daily business.  Tucked away in one of the ancient alleys is a wonderful little restaurant, the Osteria Baciafemmine where you can tuck into an authentic Umbrian meal, accompanied by one of several very good Umbrian wines.

There are also shops and cafes in the "new" town that has grown along the river bank below the Borgo.  Merely descend down through the very narrow, twisting alleyways of Scheggino's medieval precincts and cross the footbridge above the Nera and in no time at all you are in the "modern" world again.  Not that you will want to stay there too long.