16th-century farmhouse in Umbria

The villa is a chic, cosy and exquisitely renovated 16th-century farmhouse close to Piegaro, in the green heart of Umbria within easy reach of Lake Trasimeno.

The magnetic view of soft green hills rolling towards Tuscany has changed little over the centuries. This 16th century farmhouse, however, has seen several renovations, the latest completed in 2024.

The house is a two-bedroom property with a gorgeous pool, a delightful covered terrace, a spacious garden and unrivalled views. The perfect size for a small family or a group of friends, it has two double en-suite bedrooms, one on the ground floor and the other upstairs. Designed for year-round living, it is as cosy in the cooler months as it is welcoming in the warmer ones, which makes it ideal for longer 'workations', too.

The design keeps the warmth and feel of the former farmhouse while making it fit for 21st century living. Traditional cotto floors sit alongside modern resin ones, and bleached ceiling beams and an expanse of glass bounce light around the 110sqm interior, where a careful edit of designer furniture, modern art and inviting books completes the picture.

Much of the appeal lies in the setting. The heated pool (12m x 4m) is protected on two sides by a beautiful stone wall that frames the westerly view over the garden and olive trees to the hills beyond, so guests are guaranteed front-row seats for the sunsets. A shaded porch for dining and lounging makes the most of the view, while sun loungers by the pool give another angle on the landscape.

The small medieval town of Piegaro is a short hop away and Città della Pieve, a larger hilltop town, is just 15 minutes by car, perfect for a stroll with an ice cream in hand and a good choice of restaurants and bars. Assisi, Lake Trasimeno and Perugia are all within reach, each with its own abundance of culture, cucina and unalloyed prettiness.

The property is part of a larger building, with a management office set discreetly behind the garden wall. Even so, guests keep their privacy at all times and the house feels every bit like a stand-alone property.