Background

There’s a reason Umbria has earned the title of the green heart of Italy. Bordering Tuscany, Lazio and Le Marche, Umbria is the country’s only landlocked region and is fertile ground for those looking to unwind underneath clear blue skies amid swaths of pastoral glory. Blessed by natural beauty, the landscape is characterised by sweeping hills, verdant valleys and open lakes such as Lake Trasimeno – a glistening pool in the Perugia province. Umbria is often referred to as “Tuscany without tourists” and though it may be one of the lesser-known regions of the Italian countryside, the destination still offers a sense of romance, elegance and rustic charm while remaining off the beaten path. Vineyards, wineries and olive groves bear the fruits of the vibrant vegetation, alongside quaint villages and medieval towns which preserve the historical and cultural significance of the region.

Much like the rest of central and southern Italy, the weather in Umbria is sunny and warm most of the year. Spring and autumn offer the perfect time to visit to avoid the extreme heat of the summer and rainfall in the winter. Though Florence and Rome are accessible via a four-hour train ride on either side of the regional capital of Perugia, the best way to get around Umbria is by renting a car which will allow you to explore the lesser-known enclaves – such as the modest hilltop town of Todi. Perched on a two-crested hill towering over the east bank of the River Tiber, Todi is a medieval town home to one of central Italy’s most picturesque piazzas as well as ancient spiritual sites such as the church of Santa Maria della Consolazione. Rich olive oil is produced abundantly in the Colli Assisi-Spoleto zone while the hills in the north-east produce some of the best wine around.

The villa

Newly built using recycled materials from the region, Casa Collina may just be the epitome of Umbria’s quaint beauty. Inside the country manor, old and new worlds collide. The house is elegantly furnished with vintage pictures, trinkets and antiques, while a high-tech music system and a dazzling cinema room modernise the space. Exposed cobbled walls and wooden-beamed ceilings offer a rustic, cottage-like feel.

In total, the house can sleep up to eight guests. A bedroom suite on the ground floor enjoys a private terrace, while three spacious bedrooms on the first floor boast window views overlooking endlessly rolling hills. Downstairs, the fifth bedroom is a sanctuary kitted with a shower room and private kitchenette. A large family kitchen with a dining area leads into an elegant sitting room, furnished with a fireplace, and wide French windows which open onto each side of the house. A well-equipped gym alongside a spa featuring a steam bath, plunge pool and massages by arrangement make this hideaway perfect for those seeking some much-needed R&R.

The outdoor space at Casa Collina is a showstopper that rivals the natural glory of the Umbrian landscape. Created by renowned Italian-English garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd (designer of six Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show gold medal gardens), the garden is a fortress set on two levels. The top level is an enchanting, independent garden house adorned with comfortable banquettes, armchairs and an outdoor fireplace for cooler evenings. An outdoor kitchen area contains a barbeque, pizza oven and two shaded dining areas – a space for scenic mealtimes overlooking the Italian sunset. The lower garden level houses a dramatic infinity pool, flush with flowers and greenery coating the lawn. Sun beds and amenities such as a fridge and changing room mean you can lie back and bask in the glorious atmosphere of the Italian countryside.

The details

Casa Collina is available from £15,250 per week. Visit sjvillas.co.uk for more information and to book