Privacy and silence are the distinct features of Villa Uccella, a restored stone farmhouse built eight centuries ago, surrounded by delightful gardens and facing a picturesque valley. This spacious villa offers extensive views of the Umbrian countryside. There are numerous important art sites nearby, such as Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Orvieto, Lago di Bolsena, Todi, Perugia, Chiusi, San Quirico d’Orcia, and San Casciano dei Bagni. The blessed location of Villa Uccella, on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, makes it a great starting point to explore both regions. The farmhouse, decorated with great individuality, has its own special charm and the estate captures the richness of the Umbrian landscape. Uccella grows its own organic vegetables and produces organic extra virgin olive oil.
On the ground floor there are several comfortable sitting areas and a magnificent eat-in kitchen/dining room with an open fireplace and a large dining table. The villa features a cozy winter garden completely furnished for lounging and a sitting/TV room with fireplace, game table and extensive library in English opens onto outdoor patio/dining area.
The garden, overlooking a fabulous 360-degree vista, is furnished with tables and chairs, featuring a large covered patio for dining “al fresco” and “a lume di candela”, or just relaxing under the trees. The pool is easily reachable both through a short staircase, by car within the garden, or by car through a small road within the property. The pool (7 x 18 meters) was converted from an old water basin and is circled by a low wall where there are comfortable sun mats and sun beds. In the annexed living room there is also a sauna and a bathroom with shower. From the pergola that opens in front of the lounge room, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the valley. Have a Martini by the pool at sunset or, during the Autumn months, a glass of Tintoretto (prosecco with grenadine).
ACCOMMODATION:
Ground Floor:
Bedroom 1: Queen bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower
First Floor:
Bedroom 2: Master bedroom with 2 French beds and spacious en-suite bathroom with shower and separate bath
Bedroom 3: Bedroom suite with 2 French beds and small reading/lounge room with a single bed, en-suite bathroom with shower
Second Floor:
Bedroom 4: Queen bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower
Bedroom 5: Queen/twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bath
Bedroom 6: Queen/twin bedroom suite and small reading/lounge room with a single bed, en-suite bathroom with shower
Annex:
Bedroom 7: Queen bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower
Apartment:
Bedroom 8: Queen bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower
All bedrooms in the main villa have air conditioning while the annex and the apartment are provided with ceiling fans; and all bathrooms are provided with hair dryers.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The décor of the house is unique with art and crafts from all over the world offering an informal and relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The farmhouse grows its own organic vegetables and produces organic extra virgin olive oil.
FEATURES & AMENITIES:
Sleeps 16: 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms & WC
A/C in bedrooms & heating
Screened windows
Ceiling Fan
Hair Dryer
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine etc …
Satellite TV with Sky
CD player
Wi-Fi Internet
Workout machine
Sauna
Table tennis
Bocce court/ Boule court
Al fresco dining
Barbecue grill (on request, the best cuts of meat from the local butcher can be ordered), Wood-burning oven
Private swimming pool 16m x 8 m
Pool towels
A cellar stocked with carefully selected wines in all price ranges.
Mountain View
Dedicated Parking Space
Child Friendly
Local Interests;
Horseback Riding
Sightseeing
Walking
Woodland
Restaurants
Shops
Nature
SERVICES INCLUDED WITH RENT:
Electricity and A/C up to 300 kWt per week, water, and final cleaning
Morning housekeeping service: 3 hrs /day (except Sunday)
Complimentary welcome basket
Gardener and pool maintenance service
Wireless Internet access
EXTRAX NOT INCLUDED WITH RENT:
Additional electricity over 300 kWt/wk, at €0.55/kWt
Heating in colder months and wood for fireplace: €250/wk
Extra housekeeping service or extra table serving: €10/hr
Personal laundry and ironing service: €15/hr
Babysitting service, subject to availability: €15/hr
Cook service
Food and beverages cost
PLEASE NOTE:
Security deposit: €2,000 held with agency + €250 to be paid upon arrival in cash
No smoking villa, smoking permitted only in the garden
Pets allowed
Check-in: 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
Check-out: by 10:00 am
All of the extra services must be paid locally, unless otherwise arranged
LOCATION:
Nearest Airport: Florence Peretola 1 h 38 min; Roma 1 h 53 min
Nearest serviced town: 4 min
Nearest major city: Siena 1 h
Driving time estimated by Google Maps
Due to its proximity to Tuscany, any traveler who goes from Florence to Rome by land should pass through Umbria. This region is worth a visit of its own for the beautiful landscapes and enchanting lakes. Several filmmakers found it to be the perfect location for movies such as The English Patient, Life is Beautiful and Under the Tuscan Sun (despite its namesake). Perugia is the capital city and is renowned for hosting the annual Umbria Jazz Festival, held in July, and the Eurochocolate Festival at the Perugina Chocolate Factory, in October.
There are several notable tourist attractions throughout the region. Lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest lake in Italy, offers a plethora of activities for the sporty vacationers. The medieval town of Deruta has been producing hand-made majolica ceramics for centuries and it is the ideal place to buy some home decor to bring home. Check the Ceramics Museum on the hilltop main piazza. Spoleto is arguably one of Umbria's most beautiful hill towns, and renowned host of the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of the Two Worlds), annual summer music and opera festival held each June to early July. You may also want to sample the Umbrian wine along the Sagrantino Wine Road near Spoleto and Moltefalco, which is lined with wineries, many of them open for tastings.
Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, where you can enjoy a visit to the Basilica di San Francesco which is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Last, but not least, is Orvieto known for its wine (Orvieto Classico, a dry fine white wine) and because is one of the main centres of Italy's Slow Food. Do not miss to visit its magnificent Duomo, considered the most glorious example of Italian Gothic style.
WHERE TO EAT;
Ristorante Apollinare - A 12th century church near the Roman theatre. A fun, warm place to enjoy good food and international wines. Via S. Agata 14, Spoleto - +39 074 322 3256
Il Duca d' Orvieto - Traditional Umbrian cuisine based on regional products, reinterpreted by its owner. Do not miss the home-made desserts! Via della Pace 5, Orvieto - +39 076 334 4663
Le Melograne at Le Tre Vaselle Hotel - The restaurant of this 5-star hotel is high-end but worth the splurge. Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 48, Torgiano - +39 075 988 0447
I Sette Frati If you do prefer an authentic homey atmosphere, (if you cannot find it, ask around for Signora Marisa's restaurant). Fantastic (yet very simple!) trattoria, local cuisine with a very reasonable prix-fix menu. Do not be discouraged by the decor, come with a big appetite and be ready to eat the dishes of the day (there is no menu). Relax, enjoy, and Signor Mario will take care of the rest. Via Assisi 15, Torgiano - +39 075 985147
Ristorante Buca di San Francesco - A family run restaurant where the menu features classic dishes of Umbrian cuisine, paying special attention to meat and mushroom dishes. Try the beef with truffles or the tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms – In summer, outdoor seating is available. Via E. Brizi, Assisi - +39 075 812 204
WHERE TO SHOP;
Food – a street market is held every Thursday and Saturday in Orvieto’s Piazza del Popolo. Buy some lentils, one of the local food specialties to bring home. This legume with its characteristic thin and tender skin, is the flagship product of the country par excellence.
Clothing - for women, check Luisa Spagnoli's Outlet, acclaimed brand and a symbol of Italian elegance and quality in the world. Via del Cashmere 13, Perugia - +39 075 401 58
Ceramics - Ceramiche Torretti - besides the large selection of products to buy at factory prices, if you have 40 minutes to spare you may want to take the tour of the factory, which includes watching the artisans at work. S.S. E/45 Km. 55,600, Deruta Sud - +39 075 971 1342
Chocolate - Pasticceria Sandri - The oldest pastry shop in Umbria, opened in 1860 and located in the historical center of Perugia. Free the chocoholic in you and go wild...the choices are endless! Outdoor seating available in summer. Corso Vannucci 32, Perugia - +39 075 572 4112
House linens Mastro Raphael's, high quality artisanal Italian linens. Via dei Duchi 5-7, Spoleto or check its outlet in Via delle Industrie 21, Loc. Santo Chiodo, Spoleto - +39 0743 23081
BOOKING POLICIES: Minimum stay 7 nights
DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS. 50% at time of booking
Deposits are NON REFUNDABLE
BALANCE DUE: 3 months prior to arrival.
Security deposit: €2,000 to be held at agency
Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended !