The old farmhouse and its adjoining 11th century Church, located at the foot of Monte Tezio, in total privacy yet in reach of the delights of Umbria and, if you choose, only 20 minutes from the cosmopolitan city of Perugia. With its accompanying farmhouse and magnificent views in all directions, it provides comfortable accommodation for 14, surrounded by delightful gardens, grounds, meadows, woods, vineyards and olive groves
Villa Carlotta
La Bruna, Perugia, Umbria, Italy
Overview
Sleeps: 14
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
6 double bedrooms (4 of which can be split to be twin bedrooms instead)
2 single bedrooms
5 ensuite bathrooms and one family bathroom
Rent per week
€7,500 – €13,500 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.
Detailed break down of price per week
Key features
Farm house
Ancient church adjoining containing spacious kitchen and living areas
Heated Pool
4 acres of garden and grounds
Wine tasting from the owners vineyard
Air conditioning
Piano
Testimonials
The Farm House and Accommodation
Sitting Room: on the First floor with a comfortable sofa, stereo system, satellite TV and well stocked book case. There are also family board games and toys and a wood burning stove for cooler winter months.
Bedrooms & bathrooms
Bedroom 1: The Assisi Room. A large double bedroom with terracotta tile floor and East and West facing windows and views down the valley. French windows lead to its own terrace and seating area. It has its own ensuite bathroom with freestanding bath, shower, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 2: The Pierantonio Room. A double bedroom with its own stone terrace through North facing French windows. The double bed can be split into two singles if necessary. It has an ensuite bathroom with shower, WC and washbasin.
Bedroom 3: The Antognolla Room with westerly and Northerly facing windows. The beds can be split to form two singles and is suitable for disabled access with its own ensuite bathroom with shower, WC and wash basin
Bedroom 5: The Monte Corona Room. The Master Bedroom with large double bed, stone fireplace, terra cotta tile floors, exposed beam ceiling and generous French windows to a private terrace and outdoor with views over the gardens towards the vineyards and steps giving its own external access to the garden It has an ensuite bathroom with bath, shower, wash basin and WC.
Bedroom 4: The La Bruna room. A single bedroom which shared use of the bathroom (or whichever alternative of the others).
Bedroom 6: The Monte Acuto Room. A double room with a double bed that can be split to form two singles and its own ensuite bathroom with shower, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 7: Monte Tezio Room: Double Bedroom similar in style to The Monte Acuto Room with double bed that can be split into two singles. Shares use of a bathroom with bedroom 8. It has a shower WC and washbasin.
Bedroom 8: The Monte Subasio Room. A charming small room with full size single bed and its own wash hand basin. Shares use of a bathroom with bedroom 7. It has a shower WC and washbasin.
NB: All double bedrooms have air conditioning
The Church
Separated by only a matter of yards from the farm house the church has been beautifully restored to the exact size of the original.
The Main Sitting Room: is a superb room furnished with comfortable sofas and a grand piano. Its a wonderful entertaining and relaxing space with floor to ceiling windows giving superb views out. A large pull down screen and projector effectively turns the room into a cinema room for watching films or sport.
The Kitchen: The excellent and very well equipped kitchen includes a double oven and six gas hobs, a dishwasher, microwave and large fridge/freezer. There is also a small kitchen/breakfast table and chairs. The kitchen leads onto outdoor dining terraces with barbecue facilities, each terrace providing shade or sun during the day.
A Dining Room: with a table capable of seating 14 adjoins the main sitting room and kitchen.
Garden and Grounds
The gardens extending to some 4 acres are an outstanding pleasure of Villa Carlotta
Landscaped over several levels and planted with Olives, umbrella pines, cypress trees and a varied mix of lavender, rosemary and other colourful garden shrubs and herbs they delight the senses. Large terracotta pots filled with flowers closer to the house and church provide both scent and colour in profusion.
There is a pond area with a fountain which provides another area of interest and relaxation and above this a vegetable garden which guests can enjoy and pick vegetables and herbs from.
There is a playground area within the gardens for children.
There is a tennis court available for use on the estate by prior arrangement.
The gardens give way to vineyards on the eastern slopes of the valley and to meadow land planted with trees on the lower slopes. The wooded hills make up the longer view beyond.
The entire garden is fenced.
Additional buildings, terraces and eating areas
Terraces surround the house and a large stone terrace with wide steps join the farmhouse and the church. Here there is a round table and chairs from which to enjoy the view and appreciate the spirit of the place.
Two shady dining areas with large tables seat up to 14, one sited under a pergola adjoining the dining room and a second under a large Holly oak.
There is a poolroom and bathroom under the swimming pool terrace.
Swimming Pool
The fenced swimming pool is reached by a Roman walkway bordered by an avenue of Cypress Trees. The pool measures 16m by 6m descending from 0.5m at the shallow end to 1.5m at the deep end.
There is a poolroom and bathroom under the swimming pool terrace.
Location
Villa Carlotta is located in the heart of Umbria at the foot of Monte Tezio in a protected valley. To the South is Mount Subasio and Assissi and to the West the ancient and formidable castle of Antognolla. To the North the ancient woodlands and Apenine Mountains.
There are basic shopping facilities at Pierantonio (5 mins), including a bakery, butcher, grocer, pharmacy, post office and a couple of bars.
The nearest supermarket is at Umbertide (15 mins).
There is a large shopping centre (called Colestrada) just off the E45 before Perugia.
The market towns of Montone and Gubbio are 20 minutes and 35 minutes respectively.
The nearest town/cities of size are Perugia (30 mins) to the South and Florence 2 hours to the North
How to get there
Airports
1½ hours from Florence airport
2½ hrs from Rome airport
2½ hrs from Bologna
2½ hrs from Pisa
30 minutes from Perugia airport (BA flies London to Perugia)
TGV
Terontola (45 minutes)
Things to see and do nearby
Pierantonio, Umbria
(approx. 5 min) The local village has a good selection of local shops, including a grocers, a post office, butchers, hairdressers and a couple of good bars.
Montone, Umbria
(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. Then grab a quick drink in the delightful town square before heading to one of many good restaurants in the town. The town often hosts events including a film festival, an archery tournament between the different quarters, and dancing in the town square, to name but a few.
Perugia, Umbria
(approx. 25 min) Perugia is the capital of Umbria, and is famous for the Umbrian Jazz Festival, which is held at the end of July. The old part of town is wonderful, full of monuments to its Etruscan, Roman and medieval past.
Lago Trasimeno, Umbria
(approx. 25 min) In addition to the water sports on offer, 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 are enjoyable to visit.
Assisi, Umbria
(approx. 35 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 sheer 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.
Gubbio, Umbria
(approx. 35 min) Gubbio is one of Umbria’s most perfect medieval hill towns. Its atmospheric streets and alleys are unspoiled and often deserted, except for locals going about their daily lives. The town is set at the foot of the Apennines with spectacular views from a variety of lookout points. The main square is half-way up the town and houses the Palazzo dei Consoli, which is a vast 14th century palace. There is a great walk to the Basilica, which is high above Gubbio, which takes a good hour.
Spello, Umbria
(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 is worth visiting at the same time as a visit to Assisi.
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 attract people. From above the town, there are magnificent views across the countryside in every direction.
Spoleto, Umbria
(approx. 60 min) This rather chic hill town is known for its summer arts festival, which has plenty of artistic, historical and cultural interest. It is worth combining with nearby towns if contemplating a day trip in this direction.
Arezzo, Tuscany
(approx. 60 min) The setting for the Oscar-winning Italian film ‘A Beautiful Life’, this Tuscan city has a magnificent square surrounded by wonderful restaurants from where you can sit and enjoy the views. It is often visited by art and antique lovers for its famous frescos and antiques market held on the first Sunday of every month.
Montepulciano and Montalcino, Tuscany
(approx. 90 min) Tuscany has a rich wine heritage, especially in Montepulciano and Montalcino. Both these regions are easily accessible by day trip from Chiesa Del Carmine and visitors must sample the sublime Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.
Orvieto, Umbria
(approx. 90 min) Orvieto is home to what is said to be Italy’s finest gothic cathedral, with a façade that is truly magnificent. Inside you can visit Signorelli’s fresco cycle of ‘The Last Judgement’. It is worth the effort for the cathedral alone (one of Umbria’s key sights). A visit could be combined with a wine tour of the area.
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.
Todi, Umbria
(approx. 45 min) Todi has a magnificent position perched on top of a hill where picture-postcard views abound. It is home to a large ex-pat community and has a high tourist profile, with a main square of austere beauty, some wonderful streets and alleys and some good shops and restaurants.
Urbino, Le Marche
(approx. 75 min) The most famous hilltop town in the region of Le Marche, complete with Ducal Palace, and a must-visit for all those in this part of Italy. Urbino is a University town with a young, vibrant feel during semester time. It’s a good place from which to start exploring an area that is not yet on the regular tourist trail. Lovely food and wine abound and seafood starts to make an appearance on menus as you near the coast.
Food
Food is a quintessential part of life in Umbria and there is an enormous variety of delights available for visitors to sample. There are a variety of markets in the area for those in search of fresh produce. For example, in nearby Umbertide on Wednesday mornings, visitors have the chance to sample one of the region’s specialities: the delicious porchetta (roast suckling pig seasoned with sage or rosemary, fennel, and plenty of salt and pepper) served warm in fresh bread rolls. Also available in abundance are the fresh pecorino cheeses, wild porcini mushrooms, local wines and vegetables. The atmosphere is wonderful.
Umbria is famous for its truffles and olive oils. It produces the highest percentage of extra virgin olive oil in Italy and the quality has to be tasted to be believed. When in season, truffles are incorporated into everything from omelettes to pasta, salads and meat dishes. Lake Trasimeno yields fresh water fish, but Umbria is meat-eating territory, so game features strongly on all menus, with various birds, hare and wild boar being staples. Umbria is also famous for the tiny lentils from Castelluccio and the pork products from the southern town of Norcia. ‘Norcino’ has come to mean ‘pork butcher’, so famous are the salami, sausages and hams produced here. Salsiccia di cinghiale (wild boar sausages) and strangozzi pasta are other delicacies worth sampling.
Restaurants
The House Information Book has a superb list of recommendations for eating out with hugely helpful comment and opinions on each.
Wine
No trip to Umbria is complete without sampling some of the delicious wines from this region. Umbria is an exciting wine region with numerous grapes varieties grown only here on account of the unique climate and soils. The valley was once predominantly vineyards which were abandoned in the 1950s as people left the countryside for the cities due to the promise of subsided accommodation with full amenities and work in the booming manufacturing sector. The owners of the Estate are passionate about bringing the valley back to its former glory and have replanted a number of the areas where the best wines were produced before.
Perugina Chocolate Factory and Museum
Chocolate lovers can take a trip to the nearby Perugina chocolate factory, visit the museum and take a guided tour of the factory. The tours lasts approximately 1hr and must be booked in advance.
Golf
The Antognolla Golf Course is set amidst the 600 hectare Antognolla estate only five minutes drive away. 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.
Horse Riding
There are a number of riding stables where you can book a riding lesson or go for a ride in the countryside.
Walking
The immediate area is ideal for a leisurely one- or two-hour walk in the unspoilt countryside of the valley. There are excellent details and maps of a number of walks from the house and in the area that range in length and difficulty. Alternatively, there are local guides who arrange day walks, for example across Mount Subasio or the area around Lake Trasimeno.
Bicycling
Bike riding is a very popular sport in Italy and there are lots of cycle routes in this area. Hire bikes can be arranged for you during your stay and advice given as to where to go.
Markets
The best local market is probably Umbertide on a Wednesday. The market is in the old centre of Umbertide. The market is on every Wednesday from approx. 7am-12pm. The majority of the activity is earlier in the morning and the best time to go. All markets are morning only. Tuesday: Pierantonio, Gubbio Wednesday: Umbertide, Thursday: Citta Di Castello Saturday: Perugia
Thermal Baths
There are a number of thermal baths in Tuscany – the nearest are Rapalano Terme and San Crescentino dei Bagni
Beauty Treatments and massages
In the local village of Pierantonio there is a beauty centre that can provide treatments and massages.
Water Sports
is only 20 minutes drive from Lake Trasimeno which offers a vast array of activities. At Monte del Lago there is a sailing school – Acqua Dolce Sailing, which offers guest the chance to hire sail boats, motor boats, canoes, kayaks and bikes. They can also arrange private lessons and skippered outings. http://www.acquadolcesailing.it/
Alternatively, you can visit two of the three islands on the lake, Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese. These can be visited by ferry from a number of the towns around the lake and offer the opportunity to visit museums of local crafts and historical buildings. Or you can just enjoy wandering in the national parks, discovering the local flora and fauna. There are nine public beaches on the islands or around the lake where you can sunbathe or swim in the shallow water of the lake.
For children the best beaches are at Passignano and Tuoro, as there are lots of child facilities including playgrounds, ball pits, trampolines, etc. There are small beaches with shallow water that are perfect for little ones to splash around in.
Canoeing
on the Tiber at Citta di Castello Hire a Candadian canoe at Citta di Castello Canoe club. A great family day out. http://www.canoacastello.it/
Rafting
near Norcia Experience the thrill of a days rafting on the rivers close to Norcia. http://www.raftingumbria.com/rafting/Marmore Waterfalls These spectacular waterfalls are located close to Terni in Southern Umbria. They are 165 metres in height and are the tallest man made waterfalls in the world. The Cascata delle Marmore were created by the Romans when they diverted the Velino river over cliff into the River Nera. http://www.marmorefalls.it/
Frasassi Caves
The caves are open all year round and a visit can last approx. one hour. The caves consist of an immense cavern and a series of large chambers, tunnels, wells and labyrinths that snake for 13 km. Stalactites formed over thousands of years have entwined themselves to create stunning reflections on the surface of the water and take on bizarre shapes. See the website www.frasassi.com for more information.
Deruta - Maioliche
Visit the home of ceramics and the museum. https://www.museoceramicadideruta.it/
Tavernelle Water Park
This is an excellent water park about a 45 mins drive which is open all summer. It has 4 pools, including a very shallow child pool with acqua slides and diving boards. www.piscinetavernelle.it
Laguna Park Trasimeno – San Feliciano
Great water park for younger children only 25 mins drive which is open all summer. It has a large pool, with slides for younger and older children and a relaxing spa area. A bar is available and lots of space for relaxing. https://lagunaparktrasimeno.it/
Umbertide Swimming Pool
The swimming pool opposite the COOP in Umbertide has 2 large indoor pool and 2 large outdoor pools including a giant water slides. It has a large grass area and pizzeria.
Ramba Zamba Indoor Play Centre
A large indoor play centre located on the outskirts of Assisi in Santa Maria Degli Angeli. There is a very nice restaurant and bar and activities to keep children and adults happy for hours.
Activo Park
An outdoor activity park near Spoleto. It has obstacle courses involving zip lines and rope bridges at different levels of difficulty as well as a water slide with inflatable tubes. There are activities suitable for all age groups. http://www.activopark.com/
Pinocchio Park
This is a theme park based on the Italian fairytale Pinocchio. The park is located in the small town of Collodi near Florence. There are statues and fountains of the Pinocchio characters, a puppet show and wonderful gardens. http://www.pinocchio.it/
Festivals and Events
Umbria hosts a great variety of traditional events throughout the year. The local communities treat these events as an opportunity to confirm their roots and identity and it is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to experience genuine expressions of Umbrian culture and folklore. A list of many of the events in the area is in The House Information Book.
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 an internal telephone system, plus WIFi broadband internet access.
Housebook: There is a very helpful House Information Folder with further 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 contact details of local doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians, pool maintenance etc.
Additional entertainment: There are a number of English language books and board games for the use and enjoyment of guests
Music and TV: The Television receives Italian Sky and there is a Blu Ray player with the TV which also plays DVD’s. The television can also be connected to the internet by using TV source. The stereo/sound system can be used with ipod 4 connections, radio and CD’s.
Services included: A daily maid service (excluding Sundays and public holidays) is included in the rental, aswell as swimming pool and garden maintenance.
Optional / additional services available: Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook or babysitter can probably be found. His/her/their wage will be the tenants responsibility, and can be ascertained in advance should tenants so wish.
Air conditioning and heating: There are wood burning stoves in the dining room and in the living room of the house and is also centrally heated throughout. There is air conditioning in all the double bedrooms.
Children: there is a travel cot and a high chair.
Car Parking: There is plenty of parking
Miscellaneous & other: The guests may help themselves to fresh herbs and vegetables growing in the garden.
Rents
2024
| Period | Rent per week |
| 1st January – 28th March | €7,500 / week |
| 29th March – 16th May | €8,000 / week |
| 17th May – 27th June | €10,000 / week |
| 28th June – 29th August | €13,500 / week |
| 30th August – 26th September | €10,000 / week |
| 27th September – 31st October | €8,000 / week |
| 1st November – 12th December | €7,500 / week |
Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week, and will begin and end on a Saturday.
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 Booking and Security Deposit will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, (b) the cost of pool heating (if required) based on metred usage per week, and (c) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy.
Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 4pm 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 14 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. The electronically-operated entrance gates should also be closed whenever tenants leave the property for whatever reason.
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: The cost of pool heating (if required) based on metered usage per week will be taken from the security deposit.
Linen and towels: Linen and towels, and the cleaning of the linen and towels are included in the rental price. These will be changed on a weekly basis.
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.