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.
La Molinella is charming. It was ideal with its secluded location, yet close proximity to the beautiful Umbrian and Tuscan towns and attractions. This quaint property provided the perfect escapism and tranquility. It was easy to really appreciate the simple pleasures in life while living in such a rustic and cosy abode; preparing coffee in the morning and reading a book on the day bed under the vines of the veranda, swimming in the pool as the sun went down, and eating pasta alfresco by candlelight. The perfect antidote to the bustle of daily life. A delightful romantic getaway.