Bisenzio Tower

The villa

This lavishly renovated tower - turned - villa in Umbria has luxurious touches at every turn. Each guest will find their own pleasure; fitness lovers will hit the sauna and gym and the media room will enchant movie buffs. Bookworms will bury themselves in the extensive English library, while the chef of the family will perfect their pizza at the outdoor stone oven. All this, set above rolling hills at the border of Tuscany and Lazio. This holiday villa is split between two buildings, with a courtyard between. The original 13th century tower spreads over four floors - to avoid the stairs, choose one of the ground floor bedrooms in the other building. The grounds were designed by a famous Italian landscape artist. Here, beneath a pergola dripping with leaves, you'll gaze out past the infinity pool to mountains beyond. Imagine breakfast on the stone terrace beside the sunroom - perfezione ! Overlooking the national park of Monte Rufeno, this holiday villa is set on a vast estate and is world apart from city life. Still, it's accessible - just 9 km from the A1 Autostrada connecting Rome and Florence. The nearest town is a precious medieval village above the Tiber whilst other idyllic places to visit include Città della Pieve, Orvieto and the wonderful waters of Lago di Bolsena. Those wishing to explore a little further afield have Montepulciano, Cortona and Siena just over an hour away or take the train to Arezzo or Rome for the day.

Situated close to the Umbrian border with Lazio and Tuscany, Bisenzio Tower overlooks the stunning scenery of the Monte Rufeno national park in Umbria, the green heart of Italy. It's set in a large estate with vineyards, olive groves and an ancient breed of cattle who graze on the land. The on - site farm produces excellent wine, olive oil and high - quality beef, all organically certified. Indeed, the whole area is a food lover’s paradise. Umbria is home to the world famous salty Pecorino cheese, chestnuts, truffles and crisp dry Orvieto wine. Some of Italy’s finest wine areas are on the doorstep and there are many small family - run vineyards which welcome visitors. A haven of peace and tranquillity, yet you are also conveniently located just 9km from the A1 Autostrada between Rome and Florence. This means easy access to fascinating places including Orvieto, Arrezzo, Assisi, Cetona, Montepulciano, Perugia, Siena and Spoleto as well as the lakes of Bolsena and Trasimeno. Rome is two hours away on the Autostrada, and served by regular trains from the local town, which is just a 10 - minute drive from Torre. Highlights include the Vatican City, Roman Forum, Colosseum and Spanish Steps.

Florence is about an hour and a half drive away and is also on the train line from the local town. Highlights include the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vechio, Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace.

Siena is an hour and twenty minutes drive away, and again reachable by train. Visit the beautiful Campo square where twice a year (2nd July, 16th August) the world famous Palio takes place - a horse race dating back to the 1600s.