Tucked away within the valley of Murlo, alongside the picturesque stream of Gorga Nera lies Villa Molinella. Molinella is the ultimate retreat for those looking to live in splendid seclusion, taking pleasure from the wonders of nature. Guests can bask in the morning sunshine surrounded by the peaceful sound of the river whilst enjoying their morning espresso. Within walking distance, there are a few nearby natural pools and at the Villa itself there is a private underground jacuzzi within the ancient vault of this restored XIII century mill. The restoration has remained faithful to the original footprint of Molinella’s structure, whilst resurrecting the ruins and restoring them to the highest standards.
Molinella
La Bruna, Perugia, Umbria, Italy
Overview
The House: Sleeps 4
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
2 ensuite king size bedrooms
Rent per week
€1,700 per night
Key features
Indoor underground jacuzzi
Sauna
Outdoor pool
Outdoor hot tub overlooking the river
Air conditioning throughout the villa
All bedrooms are ensuite
Spectacular terrace by the stream
The House and Accommodation
Living room
The first room you enter is a charming and welcoming room with exposed beams and exposed brick walls. The seating, 2 arm chairs and a long sofa, is centred around a large log burner. There are two panels of walk on glass that look down on the underground vault.
Underground Jacuzzi
Accessed from the living room, by lifting a panel of walk on glass. It has an intimate view of the stream through a wall to wall window at the end of the jacuzzi vault.
Kitchen and Dining room
Adjoining the living room through an open doorway is the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is well equipped with a fridge/freezer, microwave, washing machine, coffee machine, electric hobs and two ovens. The kitchen dining table seats 4 around a round table. From the kitchen there is access straight outside onto the pergola covered terrace.
Bedrooms & bathrooms
Bedroom 1
A large bedroom with a kingsize bed and its own ensuite bathroom. This bathroom has a shower, a bath, a double basin and WC. Bedroom 1 has a lovely fireplace and access out onto a terrace and into the garden
Bedroom 2
Accessed by going up a few more steps, bedroom 2 has a king-sized double bed and its own ensuite bathroom with a shower, double basin and WC.
NB: both bathrooms are air conditioned and have hair dryers.
Garden, Grounds & Terraces
The Garden and Grounds of Villa Molinella are particularly interesting given their position alongside the stream of Gorga Nera.
There are several outdoor seating areas around the Villa, with terraces on multiple levels. The “upper level” terraces include that with the pool as well as a pergola covered terrace, accessible from the kitchen, with a rectangular table seating 4. The “lower level” terrace, made from a combination of gravel and stone, is formed on the stream bank. It has an outdoor sofa as well as several outdoor chairs. The wooden outdoor hot tub is on this “lower level” terrace.
Swimming Pool
The pool is in a teardrop shape leading away from a patioed terrace. It is 1,5m deep with built in steps and is surrounded by sun loungers. Pool heating is available on request (at extra cost). Please note the pool is not fenced or alarmed.
Sauna
The Sauna is located in a small room adjoining the Villa, it is accessed from outside up a small number of stairs.
Location
The property is located along the stream of Gorga Nera, in a rural and remote valley within a private country estate in Umbria. It is positioned in an extraordinarily beautiful natural setting, wild and isolated, but with every comfort and luxury and accessible to all that this lovely area offers. The access road to the property is a long and occasionally steep white gravel road not suitable for sports cars or any other low-height car.
There are local shopping facilities at Pierantonio, (15 mins), including a bakery, butcher, grocer, pharmacy, post office, bank, and a couple of bars.
The nearest supermarket is in Umbertide (20 mins), located on the river Tiber with a number of good walks and an excellent choice of restaurants. There is a market once a week at Umbertide, as well as many other local market towns notably Arezzo (1 hr 10 mins), Gubbio (40 mins), and Camucia (55 minutes).
Gubbio, (35 mins) is one of Umbria’s most perfect medieval hill towns. There is a Basilica high above Gubbio which is worth walking to.
The nearest town / cities of size are Perugia (45mins) to the South and Florence (1 hr 55 mins) to the North.
How to get there
Airports
Perugia (45 mins)
Siena (2hr 10 mins)
Florence (2hr 16 mins)
Pisa (3hrs 13 mins)
Rome (2 hr 25 mins).
Things to see and do nearby
Food and Cooking
Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine is appreciated the world over for its fine natural and flavoursome ingredients thanks to the local olive oil, pasta, vegetables and meats. The food is typified by its simplicity, championong the fine quality and abundance of local produce.
Wine and Wine Tasting
The wine is also very good thanks to the siting of the vineyards, the long hours of sunshine and temperature. It is worth trying fine wines such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Sassicaia and Nobile di Montepulciano.
Wine tasting can be arranged at the Il Caldero cellar/wineshop or can be arranged at the villa on request.
The tours trace the ancient Roman roads and follow any of the following routes:
Perugia, Trasimeno and Altotiberini Hills
Montefalco and the Martani Hills
Orvieto and the Amerini Hills
Spoleto and the Valnerina
Eating Out
There are many local restaurants, ranging from fine dining experiences to comforting and convivial Italian family food. There is an extensive list of restaurants, with descriptions, available in the Villa.
Cooking Classes
Cooking Classes are also provided for Pasta and Pizza making.
Markets Nearby
There are several weekly markets on in the area in Arezzo, Perugia, Gubbio, Umbertide and Camucia.
Perugia
The region’s capital city Perugia is just 25 minutes away and offers a wealth of cultural activities that include opera, the famous Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate festivals. Other spectacular hilltop towns include Cortona and Preggio the latter with its annual classical music festival.
Montone
(approx. 20 min) This town is one of the unspoilt gems of Umbria and the perfect place for a wonderful night out. Best to arrive in time to enjoy the sunset from the top of the town and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The town often hosts events including a film festival, an archery tournament between the different quarters, and dancing in the town square.
Cortona, Tuscany
(approx. 50 min) Despite featuring in a film and book titled ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, this beautiful Tuscan hilltop town hasn’t lost the charm for which it is famous. With a wonderful square, lovely restaurants and wine shops and a great walk to the monastery at the top of the town, there is much to enjoy and appreciate. From above the town, there are magnificent views across the countryside in every direction.
Assisi
(approx. 30 min) The birthplace of St Francis, Assisi is a must for any trip to Umbria and Italy. It is hard not to be awestruck by the magnificence and grandeur of the Basilica. Above Assisi is the Eremo di Carcere (Hermitage), which is an old monastery built near the caves that were used by St Francis and contains the tree where he preached to the birds.
Spello
(approx. 40 min) A beautiful hill top town at the base of Monte Subasio just a few kms from Assisi. It has wonderful little streets to wander around, many gourmet restaurants and stunning views. This can be visited at the same time as Assisi.
Florence, Tuscany
(approx. 120 min) Day trips to Florence are easily manageable, either by car or train. It takes c 2 hours to drive to Florence. Alternatively, it is possible to take a train from Terontola station, where you can take advantage of free parking and cheap train travel to take a relaxing journey into the city, arriving 5 minutes walk from the Duomo.
Shopping
The Mall in Florence has the following brand outlets: Agnona, Bottega Veneta, Emmanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hogan, La Perla, Loro Piana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Tod’s, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent.
Lago Trasimeno
(20 mintues away) In addition to offering various water sport activities, towns such as Passignano and Castiglione del Lago are the most appealing and the islands of Maggiore and Polvese can be accessed by short and enjoyable boat rides. Isola Maggiore features the ruins of a castle and church which people always enjoy visiting.
Walking and Trekking
There are a variety of local paths and routes to suit all ages and states of fitness and these can be guided. Guided treks end up on Monte Tezio , the second highest mountain in Umbria.
Golf
The Antognolla Golf Course is set amidst the 600 hectare Antognolla Estate. This championship golf course offers golfers of all abilities the opportunity to play on an expertly designed course, giving a true test of skill and judgement. The driving range is the perfect place to warm up before a round or just for working on your short game. The driving range is available for keen golfers seven days a week from 9am to 8pm. Guests of the Villa receive a 20% discount on green fees to play on the course.
Horse riding, truffle hunting, massages, yoga, pilates, fitness classes, spa treatments, guided tours, truffle hunting, bike rental, quad trips, hot air balloon rides and wine tasting amongst other activities are all available and are detailed in the Local Services and Activities book in the villa.
Additional Information
Arrival, welcome and departure: Tenants will be met on arrival, and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out.
Wifi and Broadband: There is unlimited use and access to High speed Wi-Fi internet throughout the whole villa, garden and pool area.
Housebook: There is a very helpful information folder with details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes maps, brochures and important local contact details.
Music and TV: smart LCD TV with Sky satellite television and sports channels. Bluetooth sound systems operate in the villa.
Services included: Maid Service everyday (including Sundays and public holidays). Maid service includes: tidying of bedrooms, bathroom and quick cleaning of the kitchen. If guests stay more than one week a deeper cleaning is included once a week. A weekly change of linen and towels (both pool and bathroom) is provided if guests stay for 2 consecutive weeks or more. There is a mid-week change of bathroom towels.
Full gardening and pool cleaning service is included within the rental.
A welcome hamper is provided on arrival. The villa is self-catered but includes an initial provision of bottled water, coffee powder, tea, sugar, cooking and table salt, olive oil and coffee capsules upon arrival.
An initial supply of dish soap, paper towels, dishwasher tablets and washing up liquid are provided.
Loo paper, kitchen sponges and garbage bags are provided throughout the stay. Garbage will be serviced by the staff during the daily maid service.
Optional / additional services available: An in-villa dining option is available for meals to be prepared by a chef at the Il Caldero Restaurant. These can be delivered to the villa or there is a take away service to be collected by guests from the restaurant. Bookings and orders need to be placed by 7pm the night before a lunch time delivery and by 5pm on the same day for dinner service. Bookings may be subject to availability and the capacity of the restaurant. Full details and menu’s can be supplied prior to your holiday.
Utilities: There is also a laundry room on the ground floor with a washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board.
Air conditioning and heating: All the bedrooms are fully airconditioned.
Children: A baby cot, child’s highchair and baby bathtub are available on request.
Cars & Car Parking: there is parking available outside. To reach the villa there is a long and occasionally steep white gravel road. Please note that the roads are occasionally steep, so they are not suitable for low-height cars or sport cars. This is worth bearing in mind when organising car rentals. Furthermore, for all UK driving license holders, a “check code” from the DVLA must be obtained within 21 days before the start of your car rental. You will need to enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode shown on your driving licence.
Other activities, such as; Horse riding, truffle hunting, massages, yoga, pilates, fitness classes, spa treatments, guided tours, truffle hunting, bike rental, quad trips, hot air balloon rides and wine tasting are all available and are detailed in the Local Services and Activities book in the villa.
Rents
2024
| Prices Per Night | €1,700 per night |
Terms & conditions and the booking process
The Booking Process: A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of €1,500 will be pre authorised by credit card (of the leading tenant) on arrival which will then be canceled following the departure of guests provided there are no deductions to be made.
Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one night.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.
Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 4 people staying in the property at any one time.
Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.
Heating costs are included: The heating costs are included in the rental price.
Pool Heating: is included in the price at a standard temperature from June to September (on request)
Linen and towels: Linen and towels, and the cleaning of the linen and towels are included in the rental price. A weekly change of linen and towels (both pool and bathroom) is provided if guests stay for 2 consecutive weeks or more. There is also a mid-week change of bathroom towels.
Smoking: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.
Internet access: yes, included in the rental price.
Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.