Borgo Roncone

The pool sits among an amphitheater of trees, with the Tyrrhenian Sea in the background. We got a simple, warm welcome, and the rustic, basic accommodation had what we needed for a comfortable stay. It’s also just steps from plenty of beautiful, interesting places. I had a great time and found it a lovely spot for a relaxing holiday.

There’s a riding stable next door, with approachable horses that children can enjoy, and riding lessons are available for anyone interested. The owner was friendly and helpful, kept the beautiful pool in good shape, and gave us some valuable tips. The property is surrounded by greenery and feels like a peaceful oasis, about 7-8 minutes by car from the centre of Viterbo. I’d happily repeat the experience.

Breakfast was excellent, though the ground-floor room where it was served felt quite cold in winter. We stayed in a ground-floor apartment with a kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Some architectural details were lovely, including local stone, wooden ceilings and doors, while the furnishings were dated but functional. The main downside was a strong musty smell on entering, with damp visible on some walls. Cleaning the room and bathroom wasn’t included, which seemed unusual for a B&B. There were no Schuko outlets, so bringing an adapter is advisable. Phone reception inside was poor, likely because the farmhouse has load-bearing walls over 60 cm thick and the signal in the area is weak. The 18th-century farmhouse is a renovated place in the countryside, about a 10-minute drive from Viterbo’s centre, and worked well as a base for exploring the city and nearby area.

The owner was exceptionally kind and suggested places to eat, including one truly fabulous restaurant outside the walls of Viterbo. Our rooms were very clean. We were settled into a small ground-floor apartment overlooking the park and pool in this 19th-century building, which has been beautifully renovated inside. Getting there took a bit of effort, but once we arrived, things went well.