The Waterfall Effect

The first thing that drew us to this beautiful villa in the Umbrian countryside was the hot tub, suspended above the swimming pool with a waterfall cascading between the two. The whole thing creates a tiered terrace effect, which is perfect for a home perched on the hillside. From the warm waters of the hot tub, you can admire the forest-clad hills unfurling for miles before you. Below, the poolside terrace is home to myriad loungers, and there’s a second wrap-around terrace in the villa’s first floor, covered by a pergola and adorned with soft furnishings. A full outdoor kitchen in rose-pink can provide lavish alfresco feasts with its gas hob and rustic pizza oven. You’ll also find a huge lawn for football or tennis, or perhaps a game of boules, within the 10,000 square metres of tree-filled grounds.

Inside you’ll find all the classic features of a traditional Umbrian home – wood-beamed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors and a rustic-style kitchen that still has serious 19th-century farmhouse vibes. Each bedroom has its own character, with wrought-iron beds and hand-painted wardrobes harking back to yesteryear. We were keen on the sunflower room in olive and forest green, and the master with its four-poster swathed with curtains. But the room with the lion tapestry really grabbed us.

Home truths:
*This villa is a short drive from shops and restaurants in Montecastelli and Umbertide, and having a car is recommended
*There is private parking for up to five cars with this villa
*The swimming pool is open from mid-May to mid-September
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants, just ask
*As is common in Italy, the villa is divided into four different apartments each with a kitchen and living area
*Two guests will be on a sofa bed in the tower at capacity