New Old World

New Old World: Umbria

Arriving at this Umbrian villa, you wouldn’t think it was a new build – it’s got all the character and charm of an old, Italian farmhouse with brick-lined, arched windows and a terracotta roof. It’s built with local stone and embraces organic architecture. Blending in with its bucolic surroundings, it looks out over the Oasi di Alviano nature reserve – home to protected Umbrian flora and fauna. It’s a short drive to Terni to explore ancient ruins and local cuisine in family-run restaurants and a traditional medieval hilltop town awaits at Todi nearby.

The first thing that catches the eye is the inviting, Roman-style swimming pool that looks out over the fauna-filled valley and patchwork fields to hazy hills in the distance. A loggia-style dining area houses a table for the group and a barbecue grill, all with that stunning view before you. Steal away to the olive grove and curl up in a hammock with a holiday read.

Inside, antique and vintage pieces throughout add to the old farmhouse feel of the home, alongside wooden ceilings and terracotta tiled floors. A huge double-sided fireplace sits between the dining and living room for cosy evenings in. The view from the arched window in here is simply sublime – framed like a picture on the exposed stone wall. Up on a mezzanine level, you’ll find a secluded little reading nook to hide away in.

Home truths:
*For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here
*One of the double beds is on an open mezzanine level within one of the bedrooms
*The swimming pool is open from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October and the hot tub is open year-round
*Linen is changed weekly during your stay
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants on request
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended and there is plenty of private parking
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace