Where the Cypresses Sing

Out in the rolling hills of Umbria, this pretty stone villa embraces the quiet, provincial life. It’s surrounded by two hectares of forest, olive groves and fieldland and the private gardens are alive with lavender and fragrant Mediterranean herbs. Between the plant life, there are sunloungers on lawns, a children’s play park and plenty of shaded spots beneath trees to settle down with a good book. Perhaps the crowning glory of the gardens is the turquoise swimming pool, shimmering in the Umbrian sunshine. Though foodies may argue it’s the rustic summer kitchen with its brick-built grill, stone sink and prep area for long, lazy lunches in the loggia outside.

The home is split between the main villa and a separate annexe, and large groups will find myriad sitting rooms and lounges to spread out. Smoke-blackened hearths speak of the home’s history and sitting rooms beneath wooden ceilings are home to antique furniture and little libraries of holiday reads. There are two kitchens to choose from – one in the annexe and one in the main villa, and we love the annexe’s living room with its arched window looking out over the undulating Umbrian countryside.

Should you wish to explore beyond the grounds, the pretty town of Todi is around three kilometres away. It’s picture-perfect, perched on a hilltop where rambling medieval streets house local trattoria and quaint little shops. This is where you can stock up on supplies at the supermarket too.

Home truths:
*The pool is available to guests from the last Saturday in April until the first Saturday in October
*Some of the interiors are a little dated, but the surroundings are spectacular
*This home consists of a main villa and annexe with a second kitchen and dining room
*The single bedroom is accessed through one of the other bedrooms, so would be best suited to a child semi-sharing with adults
*There is air conditioning but it is only in the bedrooms, not the reception rooms
*For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants, just ask