Eat, sleep and dream in the little old watermill in the Umbrian hills – an enchanting bolthole for two. Though you can reach Perugia in under an hour it is fairly secluded; but the hiking and riding are easy. Potted lavender, herbs and tidy vines are plentiful, and apple trees and a few olives up by the cool circular pool (all yours)… the ‘shabby chic’ of the interior repeats itself outside so you barely notice where the gardens end and nature begins. Loveliest of all is the dappled veranda complete with daybed for outdoor R&R. Back inside, ceilings are low, floors are old wood or terracotta, beams are rustic, pale blue paintwork is deliberately worn, and the kitchen, with its antique marble-topped table and old-fashioned pellet stove in one corner, will surprise and delight. (It also has loads of workspace and a modern oven.) At the top is the snug bedroom with romantic wooden bed and sweet white linen, below is a sitting room with deep sofa and open fire, with views opening up to the weeping willow and fig trees. Honeymoon heaven.
A delightful and charming small villa, beautifully situated among woods and hills. Perfectly placed for trips to a range of lovely Umbrian and Tuscan towns, but also for walks in unspoiled country. Staying in was good too. A nice pool and a large and very comfortable bed!