Unwind in UmbriaMany of us are looking forward to travelling this summer, and more than ready for a change of scene – to a destination considered ‘safe’, but with a different landscape, history, and culture. If you’re looking for a holiday haven where you can relax and enjoy new experiences, in rural surroundings, and return home rested and inspired, one of the new villas to rent in Umbria we’ve just added to our portfolio could be a perfect choice…
Luxury villas to rent in Umbria Our seven new luxurious villas in Umbria are spread out on a huge and very exclusive country estate – with 18,000 acres of woodland, valleys, lakes, olive groves and vineyards. Originally medieval farmhouses, the villas have all been beautifully restored throughout, each retaining its character and traditional features, but with the addition of all modern creature comforts your heart desires for a relaxing holiday. Each villa is surrounded by its own very private and large mature garden, with a swimming pool (which can be heated on request) and sensational views over the Umbrian countryside.
Magical experiences on tapEven better, there’s also a friendly concierge team on site who can arrange a fabulous selection of special experiences for guests on request, ranging from in-villa spa services, yoga, Pilates, fitness, and swimming lessons, to fishing, truffle hunting, boat tours, trekking, horse riding, bicycle rental, and paddleboarding. The villas are surrounded by organic farmland, vegetable gardens, olive groves, and vineyards, and special farmhouse adventures can also be arranged for children, including milking cows or goats, shearing sheep, and picking olives and grapes. For adults, there is also an on-site Italian cookery school offering hands-on classes, and specifically tailored tutorials for food enthusiasts. A tutored tasting of wines from the estate’s vineyards, or a general tasting of Italian wines, and extra virgin olive oil tastings from the estate’s olive groves can also be arranged.
The taste of UmbriaIf you feel like dining out, delicious Umbrian dishes can also be enjoyed at the estate’s restaurant, Il Caldaro, with much of the produce sourced from the estate’s own organic gardens. The restaurant is around a 10-minute drive away, and a shuttle service to/from your villa and the restaurant can be arranged on request. The restaurant’s wine cellar showcases local labels, but also offers many other great Italian wines. Located just a few steps from the Il Caldaro, you’ll find the Orangerie bar, ideal for a morning coffee or a light lunch. In the evening, the Orangerie becomes a very atmospheric bar/cocktail lounge.
Tee-timeLast but not least, the estate also has its own 18-hole championship golf course, the Antognolla Golf Course, which is just a few minutes’ drive from each villa, and dominated by the imposing 11th-century Antognolla Castle. The magnificent golf course, designed by the famous architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, features dramatic cliff-lined fairways, beautiful lakes, and stunning views. Guests at the villas enjoy a 20% discount on green fees and 5% discount at the Golf Shop.
Day trips and toursFor those who want to explore further afield, day trips can be arranged to nearby historic hill towns, medieval villages, castles, and monasteries. The town of Assisi, known for its magnificent medieval architecture, and as the birthplace of St Francis, is a 40-minute drive, and the small medieval hill town of Deruta, a 35-minute drive away, is famous for its production of beautiful handmade ceramics. Lake Trasimeno, just 15 km away, is ideal for boat tours and water sports.
Which villa suits you? Whether you’re looking for a large villa to rent in Umbria or cosier properties for a family holiday or a romantic escape, the seven villas range in size from 3-10 bedrooms, each with its own character. For special get-togethers, the 10-bedroom villa, Castiglione Ugolino will house your group in high style. Originally an ancient castle with an adjoining church, dating back to the 11th century, it’s picture-perfect for a wedding or other special occasion, as well as a holiday choice for an extended family or group of friends.
Originally a 16th-century farmhouse, Villa Subtilia, is a beautifully restored nine-bedroom property. The accommodation comprises the main farmhouse, with six bedrooms, the adjacent two-bed Olivo apartment, and the one-bed Tiglio Cottage. The property has stunning interior design features including antiques, classic modern furnishings, and magnificent wooden ceiling beams.
Another larger villa, Villa Caminata, with six bedrooms in the main house plus a one-bedroom cottage in the garden, also features stunning gardens and a private pool. There’s also a great choice of areas for relaxing and dining outdoors, including a lovely pergola by the cottage with a dining table seating 12, a charming dining area in front of the kitchen of the main house that’s perfect for breakfast, as well as a romantic cocktail table with two armchairs, and a barbecue area.
Pretty Villa Penna offers four bedrooms located in the main house andan annex. There is also a pool cottage, facing the large infinity pool, and with a pergola furnished with a sofa and armchairs, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sunsets. There is also a shallow paddling pool, ideal for young children. Multiple outdoor dining spaces include a stone-built barbecue area and an outdoor dining area with a wood oven, perfect for pizzas.
The other four-bedroom villa on the estate,Villa San Savino, is named after Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Spoleto, to whom the little church on the estate was once dedicated. Dating back to the 14th century, it retains a senseof history with its terracotta tile floors, imposing stone walls, and original kitchen. It has delicious dining areas and a pool you will want to dive into.
One of the smaller villas, Villa Torre, offers three beautiful bedrooms. It has been rebuilt on the ruins of a medieval defense tower and sits in a wonderful, elevated position with stunning views from its gorgeous roof terrace and from the private fenced and landscaped gardens. The swimming pool also has a jacuzzi on the stairs.
The other three-bedroom property, Villa Santa Croce villa sits on the very top of Monte Santa Croce and benefits from 360-degree views over the estate. The outdoor terraces are furnished for relaxing and dining outdoors, including a separate terrace for breakfast, a pergola with a dining area, offering the perfect spot for watching the sunset, and a barbecue area.
