8023575 Le Vigne

Description

Relax by the private pool, take one of many scenic walks through the wooded countryside, absorb Italian culture, savour Umbria's food laced with truffles and its wines, attend cultural festivals, admire the paintings of Il Perugino and other masters, learn the language - or just lose yourself in the local village feasts known as sagre. You can do it all at Le Vigne.

This well-appointed villa, converted from a disused stable and tobacco-drying shed, stands on an acre of land on a quiet wooded hillside, with a gorgeous vista of the Tiber valley, the Monti Martani and the ancient town of Todi, one of central Italy's loveliest spots. It has its own enclosed garden, swimming pool and olive grove. It is furnished with period pieces and equipped with modern facilities and wifi. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, and the windows are fitted with mosquito nets and shutters.

The only other house in shouting distance is a 15th-century tower that is home to the discreet owners.

Cleaning once a week (Saturdays) is included in the rent.

There is excellent country walking along quiet gravel roads or woodland paths. The land is dotted with towns and villages that are architectural gems. The cities or Orvieto and Perugia, the pilgrimage shrine of Assisi, the Roman ruins of Carsulae and much more are within easy reach.

Italian language and cooking courses are available in Todi.

Le Vigne is half an hour away from Perugia's San Francesco d'Assisi airport, which is now served by Alitalia (from Rome), Ryanair (from London, Brussels and Dusseldorf) and by Lufthansa (from Munich).