Stylish Umbrian Farmhouse with Private Pool, Beautiful Gardens & Stunning Views.

Set in a quiet little valley, not too far from a seldom used narrow country road, La Padronale sits halfway up the hillside facing out over beautiful gardens and private pool surrounded by beautiful breathtaking views. It is a treat and unlike most other traditional Tuscan or Umbria farmhouses and a truly magical place to relax.

The house is a large old traditional Italian stone farmhouse dating back to 1600. The kind of place you imagine in the heart of the Umbrian countryside, with cypresses, undulating hills, fragrant herbs, gravel paths, bird song, including a nightingale that serenades in the garden at dusk.

The house looks out onto the view of a far off ancient hill town, once upon a time famed for dueling contests, where you can visit for an aperitif or a 'gelato' on a warm evening or a meal. Watching the fireflies flash drowsily about the garden is truly magical and mesmerizing.

The rooms you will stay in are airy and tastefully designed, each giving a wonderful view and comfort. The beautiful kitchen will appeal especially to anyone with a passion for cooking, the grey marble surfaces quarried in Carrara in western Tuscany, adding to the authenticity of the 'Italian Experience', cool to the touch in the warmth of summer and perfect for making gnocchi .

There is a long list of things for you to do in the area and beyond. The local markets are piled high with irresistible organic fruit and vegetables grown locally by 'contadini' that you can bring back and feast on, plus home made salami and cheese which taste exquisite. Everything you bite into is so delicious! Not forgetting the famous Italian Vino! Umbrian Grechetto white and Montalcino rosso.

La Padronale is right in the middle of a renown beauty spot which is protected. From here you can day trip to a radius of jewel like towns from Perugia, Spello, Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, Cortona, Siena,Florence... visit art and seek out great restaurants. The delight you can gain from just glancing down an ancient alleyway or peering through wrought iron gates into a private courtyard in town, are all special spontaneous moments, always remembered.

Children love the freedom of these small towns, where traffic is seldom allowed into the centre apart from the inhabitants who skillfully wedge their minute cinquecento's down the side of a narrow street. Citta di Castello has a lovely play ground up in the park under the shade of the towering holm oaks and a statue of Garibaldi! After a session on the swings, a stroll round the Thursday market followed by a cold beer in the piazza goes down well! There is a free WiFi bar very near the park that also serves very good coffee and brioche. Clothes shopping can be dangerous but the market offers good prices. Italian fashions are extremely 'must have'.

Not far off in Anghiari is a shoe Outlet with acres of fabulous Italian shoes for men, women and children with an enormous choice and extremely reasonable prices. Once a week each local town has a market where one can pick up beautiful large pure linen table cloths, unusually stylish clothes and hand threaded affordable natural pearls of stunning beauty, just like the women wear in those Renaissance portraits and 'The girl with the Pearl Earing'.

On the home front, sitting by the private pool with a chilled glass of Prosecco and a good book or magazine is a simple and yet ultimate treat you can indulge in on holiday. Wandering past the lavender and rosemary, ending up under the cool vine encrusted pergola for lunch or dinner, you'll want to savour every moment.

Far off, a 17th century bronze bell sounds in the tower at Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, calling inhabitants to Mass. Wild life come to the garden and enhance the beauty of nature that abounds. The house is stocked with books, games and cds. You can go riding near by and lessons can be given to any novices.

The villa is surrounded by many marked paths and bridleways, ideal for walking, running or mountain biking. The road running past the foot of the garden and woods is used by pilgrims as a Camino and is also on the 'Sentieri Storici' Route 3b (Historical Routes); a network of walking, driving and cycling routes set up by the local 'commune' town council to highlight the best routes in this part of Umbria. But don't worry about privacy, the road is well away from the villa down the hillside gardens and you are unlikely to see anyone for days should you choose not to.

Also a golf course is near at hand at Fattoria Caldese which has a health spa aswell. Bike hire is possible too; a hire bicycle to your specifications can be delivered to you. A superb gifted masseur called Bruno, who can heal you of aches and pains, lives at near-by Monte Santa Maria Tiberina and is available to come to La Padronale for hourly sessions - highly recommended to put you into a zoned out state!