Among the Olive Stars

Tucked outside the village of Porano, near Orvieto, this villa sits within a park of 400 ancient olive trees – a fully enclosed natural retreat where you can walk or simply slow down. Cosy bedrooms span the main house and a separate external room for those who value privacy – all with terracotta floors and wooden beam ceilings lending the interiors real character. The private spa, with Finnish sauna and steam shower, and an air-conditioned gym add a layer of comfort that goes well beyond most rural villas. Orvieto Cathedral, with its Gothic façade and celebrated frescoes, is less than thirty minutes away – but we reckon you'll want to spend most of your time at home.

Home truths:
* Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay.
* The swimming pool is only available for use between April and October.
* The two living areas sit on slightly different levels within the ground floor – a few steps connect the smaller sitting room to the larger lounge below, so the layout isn't entirely flat. However, there is a ground floor bedroom and bathroom for those with reduced mobility.
* The sixth bedroom sits in a separate building in the grounds rather than in the main villa – great for guests wanting their own space, but worth bearing in mind when planning room allocation.
* Well-behaved pets are welcome to accompany you during your stay for no additional charge.