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Ghironzo

Exterior

Ghironzo is a remarkable property that sleeps six people in four bedrooms with the option for one additional person.  The property is positioned on a small plateau right on top of a little hill in southern Umbria that it shares with its own 12th century chapel and an ancient ruined castle.  There are spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. (No children)

Exterior

The whole style of Ghironzo with its distinctive layout, eclectic furnishings and dramatically sited swimming pool makes this an unique property and a truly memorable place in which to stay

Archway   Statue

The main entrance leads through an imposing loggia and archway directly into the heart of the house, whereupon you are greeted by one of the many surprises that await you at Ghironzo!

Sitting Room

You are welcomed into a castle like sitting room with minstrel's gallery and a huge baronial fireplace.

Sitting Room

Doors and arches lead from this extraordinary room to the rest of the house.

Sitting Area

A stone archway leads into a further spacious sitting area.  Both these two reception rooms have comfortable sofas, easy chairs and an array of furnishings.

Dining Room

Stone steps lead up to the dining room with a long solid wooden table that can seat 8 people and an open fireplace with wood burning stove.

Kitchen

A further archway from the dining room leads into the spacious kitchen which is well equipped with double sink, electric oven, 4 ring gas hob, dishwasher and a small breakfast table.

Gallery

A stone staircase leads to the upper floor and onto the minstrel’s gallery that encircles the sitting room below.  Three of the bedrooms lead off from this lovely gallery.

Bedroom

The spacious master bedroom has a double bed and an interesting painting!

Bathroom

The beautifully tiled ensuite bathroom has a large walk in shower and a basin with an ornate mirror.

Robes   Painting

It is the thoughtful and unexpected surprises such as these in this bedroom, but also throughout Ghironzo, that makes this such a lovely place in which to stay.

patio
 
Patio

One of the delights of this master bedroom is the huge terrace that leads directly from the bedroom via French widows.  This private terrace makes the master bedroom a very special room.

View

This is your early morning view from the terrace.

Bedroom

The other bedrooms are around the other side of the gallery from the master bedroom.  This bedroom has two single beds.

Bedroom

The small third bedroom has one single bed tucked in under the wooden beams of the roof.

Bathroom

These two latter bedrooms share this large bathroom with bathtub, loo and basin.

Gallery   Statue

Watched over by this anonymous and meditative figure the gallery continues around to the front of the house.

Sitting Area

Here a sun drenched sitting area with arched windows affords great views over the garden and surrounding area.  This is a really magical and romantic part of the house that allows guests to quietly while away the time and revel in the fact that they came to Ghironzo!

Corridor  

Back downstairs a door from the kitchen leads to a cloakroom with loo, basin and washing machine.

A small corridor and steps bring you back to the main sitting room.

There is access from the end of this corridor to the garden at the rear of the house.

Exterior

The entrance to the fourth bedroom at Ghironzo is just outside this backdoor at the rear of the house.  It has its own external access and provides a very private and secluded haven.

Garden

Moreover, it is has these attentive guardians to ensure that your privacy here is well protected!

Bedroom

The fourth bedroom has a small and very cosy double bed.  We recognise that this bed might just be a touch too cosy for some couples.  For this reason we have set the total number of people that Ghironzo can accommodate at six people.  However, if cosy is exactly what you are looking for then this bed provides the additional space for one additional person in total.  Whatever your choice this bedroom is probably better suited to adults, because as you will have appreciated there is no internal access to the rest of the house.

The ensuite bathroom with basin and loo has a large walk in shower that incorporates the bare rock of the house as a feature of its design.

 

Bathroom

Mirror  

Throughout the house furnishings such as this lovely mirror in the bathroom reflect the taste and style of Ghironzo.

 

Loggia

There is a large rambling, mature garden with trees, shrub and sheltered glades surrounding the property.  Close to the back of the house you will find this delightful tiled covered loggia with table and chairs which provides much needed shade for your al fresco meals and lazy, hazy afternoons.

Chapel

On the other side of the knoll and away from the house is this 12th century chapel which has revealed many ancient, fascinating and slightly ghoulish secrets during its restoration!  It will be closed and locked while you are staying here in order to prevent any of these secrets being revealed.

Garden

Dominating the grounds are the ruins of the castle that lie perched right on the summit of the hill, up and behind the house.  Care really does need to be taken when exploring this area and the ruins (hence the caveat on the suitability of the property for children), but this part of the garden does provide some enchanting private and shaded spots for picnics and afternoon dozes.  This is a magical part of the property and makes Ghironzo unique among all our villas.

View

This is an autumnal view from the ruins of the castle overlooking the main house to the Morra valley below.

Pool

The dramatically sited swimming pool is located a few metres in front of the house.  This is really a pool for plunging in and lazing around rather than for energetic lengths and will therefore appeal more to those guests seeking a peaceful and romantic vacation than the hyperactive types!  There are sun loungers, but no umbrellas as the neighbouring trees provide a natural alternative.

Pool

There are stunning panoramic views from the pool ~ this has be the ultimate pool with a view.

View

Ghironzo is a very special and remarkable place.  A stay here is the very stuff of dreams!

Summary

Property Name:  Ghironzo

Item Detail  Remarks
Location    
Region of Italy
Umbria 
In the Morra valley, close to Citta di Castello and the Tuscany border.
Accommodation
 
Max Numbers of People
6+1
One additional person can be accommodated.  See details about the double bed
Bedrooms
4
 
Bedroom 1
1 double bed, ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 2
2 single beds
Bedroom 3
1 single bed
Bedroom 4
1 small (cosy) double bed
Bathrooms
3
 
Bathroom 1
Ensuite. Large walk in shower, basin, bidet, loo
Bathroom 2
Bath tub with shower, basin, loo
Bathroom 3
Ensuite. Large walk in shower, basin, loo
Cloakroom
1
Downstairs. Basin, loo
Sitting Rooms
3
Open fireplace/wood burning stove
Kitchen / Appliances
1
4 ring gas hob, electric oven, fridge, double sink, dishwasher, breakfast table
Dining Area
1
Table for 8 people
Other Rooms
1
Utility room
Additional Sofa / Fold Up Beds
No
 
Cots
No
 
Suitability for disabled access
No
 
Facilities & Supplementary Information    
Interior    
Heating
Yes
Not applicable as property only available during summer
Open Fireplace 
2
1 with wood burning stove
Air Conditioning
No
 
Fans
Yes

3 free standing and 1 table

Mosquito Nets / Screens
2
Over double beds
Linen & Towels
Yes 
Changed at the end of each week
Additional Towels for Pool
Yes
Changed at the end of each week
Washing Machine
Yes
 
Spin Dryer
No
 
Iron
Yes
 
Dishwasher
Yes
 
Hairdryer
Yes
 
TV
No
 
DVD player
No
 
Video player
No
 
Radio / CD Player
Yes
 
Telephone
No
 
Fax
No
 
Mobile Telephone Reception
Yes
Moderate
Internet access 
No
 
SKYPE/VOIP facilities
No
 
High Chair for Children
No
 
Toys for Children
No
 
Safe Box for Valuables
No
 
First Evening Meal
Yes
By arrangement with key holder at cost
Other Meals
Yes
By arrangement with key holder at cost
Welcome Food Pack
Yes
By arrangement with key holder at cost
Reading Books & Board Games
Yes
 
Extra Cleaning
Yes
By arrangement with key holder at cost
Smoking Policy 
The owner has requested no smoking
House Book
Yes
 
Reception on arrival
Yes
Provided estimated arrival time is known and confirmed
Assistance
Yes
 
Exterior    
Swimming Pool
Yes
Approximate size in mts. Breadth: 4, Length: 7, Shallow: 1.25, Deep: 2.5 (Kidney Shape)
Access: Small corner steps & metal ladder
Cleaning System: Chlorine
Open: July & August only
Usage:
Exclusive use
Facilities:
Loungers. No sun umbrellas (nearby trees provide shade)
Garden
Yes 
Approximately 3 acres.  Parents of small children will want to note the safety issues that the ruined castle and some steep banks provide.
Terrace
Yes
Covered loggia
Sporting Facilities
No
 
BBQ
Yes
 
Pizza Oven
No
 
Nearest Neighbouring Property
1 km ~ out of sight
Animals Close to Premises
No
 
Approach Drive  

2 mile gravel drive way from the asphalt surface public road to the entrance of the property.
It is steep and quite rutted in parts, but is quite manageable with care.  It is definitely not recommended for low slung sports cars and a 4x4 car would certainly make the journey easier.
This distance makes Ghironzo great for those who want a quite secluded haven, but it is not particularly suited to those eager to be out and about sight seeing every day.

Garden Security
Yes
Limited. Metal gate at entrance to property
Covered Car Port
No
 
Car Parking
Yes
Space for cars
Water Source   Private well, drinking not advisable for guests
Rental Facts    
Rental Basis   Self catering
Rental Options  
The normal rental option is for 6 people, but it is possible for one extra person to be accommodated at an additional cost.  See details about the double bed.
Breakage/Security/Deposit
No
Breakages are to be reported to the key holder before departure
Rental Restrictions
Yes

1.  The safety issues associated with the ruined castle and steep garden banks for small children must be noted and acknowledged by parents
2.  No pets

Rental Periods   Available in July & August for a min of 7 nights with changeover on Sat
Included in the Rental Price   Local taxes
Electricity, gas and water (for normal general usage)
Use and laundry of bed linen & towels, final cleaning
Not Included in the Rental Price (Payment Locally)   Excessive use of utilities
First evening meal
Extra cleaning

Approximate Driving Times in Minutes/Hours
These driving times, which are based on local knowledge, provide a more pertinent indicator than merely distances

Airports
Perugia (Ryanair) 40
Florence (Meridiana) 1.5 - 2 hours
Ancona, Forli (Ryanair) 2 - 2.5 hours
Rome Ciampino (Ryanair, EasyJet), Rome Fiumicino (World airlines), Pescara (Ryanair), Bologna (BA), Rimini (Easy Jet) 2.5 - 3 hours
Pisa (BA, Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, Thomson) 3 hours
Milan (World airlines) 4 - 5 hours

Main Line Rail Station
Cortona Terontola (Rome - Florence line) 40

Nearest Villages with Food Shops
Morra 6
Trestina 8
Citta di Castello 15

Restaurants
Trestina 8

Motorways
Citta di Castello exit of E45 (Orte-Cesena dual carriageway) 14
Bettolle exit of A1 (Roma-Firenze autostrada) 50

Cultural Sights
Cortona, Citta di Castello, Sansepolcro. 15 - 40 mins
Gubbio, Perugia, Deruta, Assisi, Arezzo, Spello, Pienza, Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto. 40 - 60 mins
Siena, Florence. 1.5 hours
Rome 2.5. hours

Wine Centres
Montefalco 55
Montepulciano 60
Montalcino 1.20 hours

Sporting Locations
Canoeing & Tennis Citta di Castello 15
Golf. Antognola 30
Boating/Sailing. Lago Trasimeno 35
Fishing. Umbertide 20
Horse Riding. San Pietro a Monte 20

Beaches
Passignano. 35
West Coast. 2.5 hours
East Coast. 3.0 hours


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