The villa is a restored hillside tobacco tower, situated in virtually unspoiled Umbrian countryside off the Tiber valley between Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Lippiano and Monterchi.

The villa with tower has been lovingly restored 15 years ago and is set in a very peaceful, rural spot with little passing traffic. The stone built barn with tower attached and new wing is a stunning piece of restoration work. The views across this most beautiful small valley in Umbria are breathtaking in all directions including from the pool.

The gardens are carefully maintained to preserve a fine line between a nature and managed beauty; there are a myriad of different paths to choose to walk around the gardens which is a truly magical experience early in the morning at sunrise or at sunset listening and watching nature waking up or going to bed. At night bullfrogs and nightingales go about their business in the valley below alongside deer and the rest of the valley wildlife, the fireflies dance in late June early July too - it's immensely relaxing listening to them and a wonder for children.

The villa is surrounded by many marked paths and bridleways, ideal for walking, running or mountain biking. The road running past the foot of the garden and woods is used by pilgrims as a Camino and is also on the 'Sentieri Storici' Route 3b (Historical Routes); a network of walking, driving and cycling routes set up by the local 'commune' town council to highlight the best routes in this part of Umbria. But don't worry about privacy, the road is well away from the villa down the hillside gardens and you are unlikely to see anyone for days should you choose not to.

A door leads off a gallery above the sitting room over a little bridge to the swimming pool. A pretty landscaped terrace begins just outside the dinning room/kitchen door where table and chairs are for eating al fresco under a heather clad gazebo. There is a good barbecue here too and it's the perfect spot for eating and relaxing (or even working on a laptop on the WiFi) with a stunning valley backdrop.

A magical series of paths leads you through the garden to a far flung gazebo where you can sit disturbed only by bird song on a warm Umbrian days and nights disturbed only by birdsong and the odd breath of wind.

The house is decorated with flair using Italian furnishings, preserving the character of the old building with beautiful beamed ceilings, terracotta tiles creating an extremely attractive and well equipped family house.

A bedroom is a sanctuary and so always a priority on one's list when you travel. The master bedroom is a restful green with 3 picture windows drawing the eye out to amazing scenery. A chandelier and marble topped side tables adorn the room with airy muslin blowing gently across the tall windows giving an immediate relaxing feel.

Up through double doors is the top bedroom hidden away in a private world. We call this room 'The Rossini room'. It is painted a tuscan red/orange with a traditional white margin. The bathroom is small but intimate. There is a small balcony with stairs going down to the private entrance door of this charming 'studio' bedroom.

On the ground floor is the Puccini bedroom, in charcoal, pink beige & cream. Elegant and Italian. This bedroom has french windows leading out onto a breakfast terrace, with elevated views over the mature gardens and hills beyond.

The large galleried sitting room is original and wonderful to be in, with doors leading out to the pool. A slick Italian kitchen with dinning room and garden beyond is very much an integral part of this exciting house, full of warm light with an island hob and breakfast bar with stools. Dishwasher, ample fridge freezer, large oven and second washing up sink area are just some of its features.

Directly outside the kitchen is a very attractive small terrace with garden armchairs, sofa and coffee table. A sun umbrella gives shade. Handy for dashing into the kitchen to check your cooking. From here, having finished your aperitif, one can re locate to the dining area under the gazebo. The views are stunning and second to none. It is a magical place.