Self-catering exclusive boutique villa in restored tobacco tower.

Having looked at a ruin in our garden for years and years, which never did manage to become the “feature” we intended it to be, but  rather  loomed, damp and dangerous, hurling huge chunks of masonry at me in the slightest gale, crashing down from the top of the tower as I scurried ahead with my washing basket trailing wet garments over the lawn. Mamma mia! Now we gaze with wonder at our gleaming boutique farmhouse with finials on top of the tower attempting to defy the mediaeval height regulations, if there were any.

The decision was made to rebuild this cumbersome beauty and before we could say Gianni Versace, a whole year had whizzed by. The new house stuns every visitor that sees it — from the cool “made in Italy”  kitchen  to the 5 star bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and the gazebo with the view that literally takes the breath out of your Umbrian-air filled lungs and makes you forget what you’re saying.

It is a delight to offer would-be holiday-makers the use of “Il Seccatoio”  — as the new restoration is named — for their summer breaks in Umbria, Italy.

Chilled Prosecco is on the house when you arrive as you allow the beautiful peace and tranquility of this unique place to flow over you.

You can walk in the shady wooded part of the gardens, where the valley bird-life meet, and end up at the lavender and rosemary fringed pool for a dip. Play a game of bocce with an aperitif before dinner. I can cook meals for you if you like the idea of not having to think ahead about food preparation.