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 really is the perfect Italian hideaway - it restores the soul. Everything has been thought through so well; from the glorious day bed on the terrace for shady snoozing after a long lunch to the super kitchen which has clearly been stocked by a cook. La Molinella really has got everything you want while still retaining a simple Italian charm. The bed is comfy, the pool is delightful and the grounds are glorious - we could smell the scent of the peonies as we sat on the upstairs terrace. Top marks! Thank you Annie, we hope to be back.