The Hazelnut Harvest

The Hazelnut Harvest: Umbria

It’s all about peace and seclusion at this Umbrian villa. On all sides, you’ve got a patchwork of rolling fields and acres of olive groves. Should you wish to discover a bit of Umbria on a day trip, the beautiful city of Orvieto is a short drive away – a shamble of ancient, ochre buildings sitting on a hilltop. However, days here can easily be spent without leaving the grounds.

The saline swimming pool is an inviting shade of turquoise, sitting against the Umbrian hills and surrounded by greenery. Beneath ancient olive and oak trees, you’ll find wooden tables for rustic lunches outdoors – perhaps cooked in the little stone building that’s been converted into a barbecue shed with a wood-fired oven.

Beyond this villa's stone and wood-shuttered facade, you’ll find an ode to Umbrian tradition. An arched fireplace in the main living room harks back to days gone by while the worn terracotta bricks underfoot keep things cool. Wrought iron candelabra and wooden ceilings give a medieval feel to the huge sitting room in the annexe and there’s a small, book-lined living room for a quiet moment alone. Double wooden doors open up from the kitchen to the patio, so the shuttling of salads and sauces to the barbecue area is a breeze. In the bedrooms, dark wood and wrought-iron furniture keep the traditional feel going.

Home truths:
*Weekly linen change is included with a stay here
*All the bedrooms are upstairs, so this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*At capacity, one guest will be on a single bed, sharing a room with one of the double beds
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended and there is private parking for up to four cars at this home
*The pool is only open from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants, just ask
*You'll have your own private entrance here