Casa Dina was the perfect base for my family and I to explore Umbria and Tuscany. Set off the quiet village of Terontola, close to where Hannibal's famous battle of Lake Trasimene was fought, the place is steeped in history and immersed in the suggestive Tuscan landscape. My two sons, 2 and 7, were as happy going out on excursions as coming back 'home' to Casa Dina, where they could play safely in her ample lawn decked with swings, slide, little house and small pool.
Dina is a most wonderful host (who makes you feel so much at home), cook and also very knowledgeable trip advisor. She knows every nook and cranny of the Tuscany and Umbria and thanks to her, we visited many out-of-the-way places such as the secluded village of Monticchiello, that seemed to pop out of a medieval novel.
Dina pampered us to addiction with her frequent treats and for breakfast cooked the most mouthwatering cakes; rigorously following Tuscan and Umbrian traditional recipes. Her 'crostate' were divine. She also barbecued for us T-bone steaks made from the famous Chianina beef and a mouth watering stew of wild boar washed down with a good vintage of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The wing of her house in which we lodged was very clean, spacious and extremely comfortable, and every evening, after a long and enjoyable excursion we would sit in the terrace to watch sunset. The darkwood Tuscan farmhouse decor provided a romantic and at the same time nostalgic touch.
And when we yearned for a break from driving the car, we simply took the train from the nearby Terontola train station to visit cities such as Florence, Arezzo, Perugia and Orvieto in complete comfort.
My family and I look forward to our next stay at Casa Dina - there are still many wonderful places for us to explore. Besides, we want to taste many more of her mouthwatering Tuscan and Umbrian dishes.
I would certainly recommend this place especially for travellers who like embarking on exploratory excursions and then retiring in the evening to a quiet, secluded country house, where a warm welcome is always waiting.
You can read a more detailed account of Casa Dina at: http://richardzahra.weebly.com/casa-dina.html
I hope you find this review useful.
Wishing you serene travelling,
Richard