Villa Claretta is an Umbrian villa situated in the most spectacular position North of Perugia in Umbria. The house is extremely comfortable and with separate guest cottage, allows an element of independence between generations, families, couples or ages within the same group. It has a superb infinity pool surrounded by teak decking, a beautiful landscaped garden and a lovely choice of terraces from which to enjoy its outstanding natural vantage point.
Villa Claretta
San Giovani Del Pantano, Umbria, Italy
Overview
Sleeps: 14
Main house
1 king size bedroom with ensuite
2 super king size bedrooms with ensuite
1 twin with double bunk beds
Guest House
2 king size double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
Rent per week
€17,500 – €18,000 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.
Key features
Beautifully restored house
Separate guest house
Spectacular position with magnificent terraces
Infinity pool
Extensive gardens and grounds
Easy access to a superb 18 hole golf course
Air conditioning in all the bedrooms
The Main House and Accommodation
The Kitchen: Extremely well equipped with superb snaidero cabinetry, an Amana fridge freezer, a Miel oven and cooker, microwave and coffee making facilities leading to the dining room.
Dining Room: with a large dining table which seats 14.
Sitting Room: with a grand fireplace. French windows open generously onto the terrace and the magnificent views beyond.
Second Sitting Room: with a large flat screen TV and a sectional sofa and seating to enable a full group to relax in comfort. Doors from this room lead onto another spectacular terrace enjoying superb views to the West.
Main House Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Bedroom 1 – The Master Bedroom: on the upper level of the house is a spectacular room with a magnificent four poster bed and a generous seating area leading through to its Ensuite Bathroom 1 with shower bath and WC.
Bedroom 2: Another very large and double room with a writing desk and comfortable chairs for relaxing and reading and access to its own patio and the gardens on the Southern end of the house. With its ensuite bathroom with large walk in shower, wash basin and WC.
Bedroom 3: a double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower and WC.
Children’s bedroom: Adjoining the second sitting room is the Children’s Bedroom which can sleep four in two double bunk beds. This bedroom also uses bedroom 3’s bathroom.
Guest House Accommodation
A short walk across the garden, past the swimming pool to a superb elevated position, is The Guest House with most attractive pagoda running the full length of its south westerly facing frontage with seating perfectly arranged to enjoy the view over the whole property and for miles to the South West. Each room of the guest house opens individually onto the terrace.
Sitting Room: In the centre of the guest house is a spacious Sitting Room with large fireplace and comfortable seating. Doors on the Northern side open onto another terrace with views over a recently planted orchard.
The Kitchen: Is an ideal size, well equipped for 4 people with two large countertops and a counter island.
Bedroom 4: A double bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom, with shower, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 5: A double bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom, with shower, washbasin and WC.
NB there is air conditioning in all the bathrooms and there are hairdryers in all the bathrooms.
Garden and Grounds
The gardens and grounds surround the main house on all sides. The main areas of garden are located on the south and western sides of the house which enjoy the spectacular views which carry for miles.
The landscaped gardens cover 2 ½ acres and are planted with a mix of mature olive trees, banks of lavender and a wonderful selection of flowering and scented shrubs. The olive trees, lit at night, provide a wonderful spectacle.
Generous terraces outside the main rooms and with natural shade provided by the pergodas are superb areas to barbecue, eat, drink, relax and absorb the fantastic position and its genus loci. There is a croquet set, Badminton Boule and plenty of lawn space for children to play safely. The garden is fenced.
Additional buildings, terraces and eating areas
Generous terraces outside the main rooms and with natural shade provided by the pergodas are superb areas to barbecue, eat, drink, relax and absorb the fantastic position and its genus loci. Terraces and pergodas surround the house, the pool and the guest house providing choice whatever time of the day for peace, privacy or shared enjoyment.
Swimming Pool
The superb infinity swimming pool is perfectly sited, high above the valley below and surrounded by wide teak decking and a beautiful shaded pagoda. The pool measures c 5m x 10m.
There are sun loungers, seats and sun umbrellas for use around the pool.
Location
Villa Claretta, situated in an incomparable position, enjoys spectacular views over a wide expanse of Umbria. Although in a totally rural, peaceful and private location it is accessible to all that this fascinating area offers though the temptation to relax in the comfort of the immediate surroundings will be strong.
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 30 minutes respectively. The nearest town/cities of size are Perugia (25 mins) to the South and Florence 2 hours to the North
How to get there
Airports
2 hours from Florence airport
2 ½ hrs from Rome airport
2 ½ hrs from Bologna
2 ½ hrs Pisa
30 minutes from Perugia airport.
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.
Umbertide, Umbria
(approx. 15 min) This local market town has a lovely old historic centre where the Wednesday morning market is held. It located on the River Tiber and has a number of good walks along the river. The town has many good restaurants and every shop that you could need, although the outskirts of the town has quite an ugly modern industrial zone.
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. 20 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. 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 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. 30 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.
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. 45 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. 50 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
(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.
Norcia, Umbria
(approx. 120 min) Said to be Umbria’s gastronomic capital and famed for its hams, salamis, wild boar and truffles. The town gives its name to the Norcineria, the pork butchers’ shops and the Norcini, the butchers themselves.
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.
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.
Urbino, Le Marche
(approx. 60 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.
Wine Tastings
Vineria del Carmine (5 mins) In the next door valley, the property just past Chiesa del Carmine (the church at the bottom of the valley) is a cellar door for the wines produced from the vineyards in the valley. This 16th century building has been restored to provide the perfect area for the sommelier, Mattia, to explain the history of the valley and talk you through the wine tastings which is accompanied by a small antipasti. Highly recommended.
Perugina Chocolate Factory
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.
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.
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.
Canoeing
on the Tiber at Citta di Castello Hire a Candadian canoe at Citta di Castello Canoe club. A great family day out.
Rafting
near Norcia Experience the thrill of a days rafting on the rivers close to Norcia. 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.
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.
Deruta - Maioliche
Visit the home of ceramics and the museum.
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.
Laguna Park Trasimeno
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.
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.
Water Sports
Villa Claretta 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.
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
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.
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 and cottage.
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 is a croquet set, Badminton Boule and plenty of lawnspace for children to play safely.
Services included: Maid Service for 6 days a week (excluding 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 clean is included once a week.
Full gardening and pool cleaning service is included within the rental.
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.
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 as part of 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 Caldaro 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 a Laundry Room with washer and dryer.
Air conditioning and heating: This is an all year round property and is centrally heated throughout (on request and at additional cost during the low season). There is air conditioning in all the bedrooms.
Children: there is a travel cot and a high chair.
Car Parking: There is parking outside. The villa is reached from a winding 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.
Rents
2024
| Period | Rent per week |
| 8th Jan – 22nd March (mid) | €17,500 |
| 23rd March – 5th April (high) | €17,800 |
| 6th April – 24th May (mid) | €17,500 |
| 25th May – 21st June (high) | €17,800 |
| 22nd June – 30th August (peak) | €18,000 |
| 31st August – 5th October (high) | €17,800 |
| 6th October – 13th December (mid) | €17,500 |
For Christmas/New Year weeks and for Easter the rates are the same as for High Season.
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 cancelled 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 week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
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 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 and shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.
Heating costs: This is an all year round property and is centrally heated throughout (on request and at additional cost during the low season)
Pool Heating: Pool heating included at a standard temperature in July and August on request. At other times it is not included and a charge is based on consumption. Prices in high season can vary between €80 and €180/day depending on outside temperatures. Pool heating is not available in mid season.
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 allowed: 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.