Sunflowers & Olives

Sunflowers & Olives: Umbria

Out in the rolling Umbrian countryside, this stone villa sits on the ancient border between the Umbrians and Etruscans. You can feel the history of the area in the lookout tower, baring the family's coat of arms and dating back to the 14th century. The tower and villa have been lovingly restored, and still retain their terracotta floors and wooden ceilings inside.

Stretching out on the terrace in front of the home, a turquoise swimming pool invites you for a dip in the heat of the day. Ancient trees shade loungers and hide the grounds from view, not that there are any neighbours to speak of – it’s all fields and hills as far as the eye can see. Alfresco dining is on offer beneath parasols at sociable round tables – perfect to gather the whole group together. The grounds stretch across twelve hectares of olive groves and sunflower fields as well as your private garden.

The interior is set between the farmhouse and the annexe. At the heart of the farmhouse, you’ll find a traditional sitting room with low, timber-beamed ceilings and an exposed brick fireplace that can brighten up any evening. The kitchen feels like it’s been frozen in time, as wicker brackets and pots and pans hang from dark-wood beams overhead. If you don’t fancy cooking, it’s a five-minute drive to the medieval town of Todi, where there are plenty of family-run trattoria to choose from. Or, drive forty minutes to the pretty city of Perugia, perched on a hilltop.

Home truths:
*Private covered parking is available for up to four cars, and there's additional uncovered parking too
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants, just ask
*Three of the bedrooms have single beds in them in addition to double beds, so would be suited to families
*The swimming pool is available for guests to use between April and October