Villa

In the rolling hills and dramatic calanchi of the tranquil Umbrian countryside, down a dirt road, beyond a picket gate, you will find a welcoming country house sitting serenely on a hill, surrounded by 10 very private acres (3 hectares), with sweeping views and enchanting sunsets.

You have reached a peaceful retreat where the summer nights are cooled by light breezes and swallows play in the evening air. A rustic garden surrounds the house with fruit trees and quiet places to sit and relax, and the olive grove slopes up gently behind the wysteria arbour.

Let the leisurely days unfold around shared meals and day trips. Breakfast under the cherry tree or picnic at the top of the olive grove. Enjoy aperitivo by the large pool framed by lavender and rosemary bushes. The simple act of setting the table in the loggia on the western side of the house brings a harmony that lasts well beyond the meal.

Turning in through the gate after a day touring some of most enchanting hill towns in Italy is a truly special feeling. It may have been Gubbio or Spello, Orvieto or Todi, Assisi or Spoleto, or perhaps just a morning at the local market in nearby Guardea or Amelia, but it’s hard not to look forward to “coming home” and the simple pleasures that await you there.

On the main floor is the comfortable open-concept living space, with mod cons like a 55-inch smart TV and WIFI, but without forgetting the cosiness of a wood-burning fireplace. There is a very well-equipped kitchen with dining table, that quickly becomes a hub of activity throughout the day. And of course there is the gas barbecue outside the loggia.

When you are ready to say goodnight, antique oak doors lead to 3 bedrooms (2 queen beds and 1 with two large twins) and 3 bathrooms. While one of the bedrooms opens on the wisteria arbour and a quiet sitting area, from another you step out to the “sunset side” and a perfect spot for morning tea or coffee, or an afternoon glass of wine. On the second floor is a double bedroom, with a separate living area and bathroom with Jacuzzi – and a bonus spectacular view out the window. The warm atmosphere of the house is further enhanced by the traditional terracotta floors and antiques thoughtfully placed throughout.

And now for some practical information: you will find a grocery store, small food shops, cafés, bank, and post office 5 minutes away by car in nearby Guardea. It is a 20-minute drive to Orvieto, Todi, and Amelia. The hill towns of Gubbio, Spello, Todi, Spoleto, Montefalco (to name just a few) are a little further away, but make perfect day trips. Not to be missed throughout the summer and fall are the sagre in almost all the surrounding towns: local fairs celebrating gnocchi or truffles or wild boar or focaccia and pasta .....: there is food and wine and fun for all! There is an easy train to Rome (1 hour) and Florence (2.5 hours). The drive to the station is 10 minutes down the hill.

Personal chef, cooking classes, custom food & wine and olive oil tastings, massages under an olive tree, daily cleaning service, butler, personal shopper, babysitting are all available upon request and for a fee. Please contact me with any special requests you may have.