Ghironzo

Ghironzois an exceptional and most unusual property that sleeps six people.  It is positioned on a small plateau right on top of a little hill in southern Umbria, which it shares with a 12th century chapel and ancient ruined castle, and has stunning panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.  The whole style of Ghironzo with its distinctive layout and dramatically sited swimming pool makes this a unique property and a truly memorable place in which to stay.

There is a medieval castle feeling about Ghironzo and this fascinating property almost replicates its neighbouring ruined castle with which it shares the hilltop.

The main entrance to Ghironzo leads through an imposing archway directly into the heart of the house.

You are welcomed into a castle like sitting room with minstrel's gallery and a huge open baronial fireplace as its focal point.

Another striking stone archway leads into a further spacious sitting area. Both these rooms have comfortable sofas and easy chairs throughout.

From the kitchen a door leads to a utility room with loo, basin and washing machine and steps then bring you round and back to the main galleried sitting room. There is also access from here to the garden at the rear of the house.

Stone steps lead up to the dining room with a long solid wooden table, which has its own open fireplace with wood burning stove. The modern and spacious kitchen is accessed through an open archway from this dining room. The kitchen is equipped with double sink, electric oven 4 ring gas hob and dishwasher.

The ancient stone staircase leads to the upper floor and onto the gallery that dominates the sitting room below. Located at one end of the gallery and at the front of the house there is sun drenched sitting area with arched windows from which there are 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! Three of the bedrooms and two of the bathrooms are accessed from other parts of this lovely gallery.

The master ensuite bedroom has a double bed and interesting paintings!

The beautifully tiled ensuite bathroom has a large shower, bidet, loo and basin

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

The other bedrooms on this floor are around the other side of the gallery from the master bedroom. One has a single bed and the other has two single beds. There is also a bathroom here with bath, loo and basin.

The entrance to the fourth bedroom at Ghironzo is on the ground floor at the rear of the house. It has its own external access and provides a very private and secluded haven. The bedroom has a small double bed and its own ensuite bathroom with basin, loo and a remarkable shower that incorporates the bare rock of the hillside as a feature of its design!

The dramatically sited swimming pool in front of the house has stunning views of the valley below.  This is more a pool for plunging and lazing than for energetic lengths and will appeal to those guests that are seeking a peaceful and possibly romantic sojourn, rather than the hyperactive types!

There is a mature garden with trees, shrubs and sheltered glades surrounding the property.  Close to the back of the house you will find this delightful covered loggia which provides much needed shade for your al fresco meals.

On the other side of the knoll and away from the house is this 12th century chapel which has revealed many ancient and fascinating secrets during its restoration!

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 the ruins (hence one of the caveats on the suitability of the property for small children), but the area does provide 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.

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

Summary.
Location
In north western Umbria north of Lago Trasimeno in the Morra valley, close to Citta di Castello and the Tuscany border.

Accommodation
Maximum Accommodation Numbers: Total of 6.
Bedrooms: 4. One master bedroom with double bed, one with two single beds, one with small double bed, one with a single bed.
Bathrooms: 3. Two ensuite with bedrooms with shower, basin & loo. One with bath, loo and basin.
Cloakroom. 1 with loo and basin.
Kitchen: 4 ring gas hob, electric oven, fridge, double sink and dishwasher.
Heating: Central heating and open fireplace.
Laundry Facilities: Washing machine.

Facilities & Supplementary Information
Swimming Pool: Approx measurements. Length 7 metres. Breadth 4 metres. Shallow End 1.0 metres. Deep End 2.0 metres. Corner steps at one end. Exclusive use. Open for months of July & August.
Mobile Phone Reception: Moderate.
Radio/CD Player: Yes.
BBQ: Yes.
Books & Games. There is good selection of books, card and board games.
Approach Drive: There is a 2 mile gravel drive way from the asphalt surface public road to the entrance of the property. It is steep in parts, but quite manageable, but is not recommended for low slung sports cars.
Parking: There is plenty of space for cars to park on the premises.
Animals / Pets on or near Premises: No
Linen & Towels: Linen and towels are provided and these will be changed for clean ones at the end of each week.
Towels for Swimming Pool Use: Yes.
House Book: A house book is provided.
Assistance: The key holder lives close-by and is on call to help for those unusual events and circumstances that cannot be resolved by reading the house book.
Extra Cleaning Available: By arrangement with key holder at extra cost.

Rental Facts
Currency for Payment: GBP sterling.
Weekly Rental Price: Detailed prices are available on request from Italian Encounters.
Price Grading: Medium. Please see Properties Home Page for the definition of this grading.
Rental Basis: Self-catering.
Rental Periods: Available only during the months of July & August for a minimum of 7 nights with changeover on Saturday.
Rental Restrictions: No Pets. The owner has requested no smoking. The position of the pool, the open stairway and the garden do not make the property suitable for small children.
Included in the Rental Price: The rental price includes all taxes, the consumption of electricity, gas and water (for normal general usage), the use and laundry of bed linen & towels and final cleaning.
Not Included in the Rental Price: Central heating, firewood, meals or any other requested services.
Breakage/Cleaning/Security Charges. None. All breakages should be reported to the key holder.
Extra Costs:
Heating: Central heating and wood burning stove.

Distances
Approx Driving Time in hour / minutes from Local Airports: 3 from Pisa. 2.5 from Rome, Pescara, & Bologna. 2 from Ancona & Forli. 1.5 from Florence. 40 minutes from Perugia.
Approx Distance in kms to Nearest Town or Village with Shops: 6 to Morra. 8 to Trestina,
Approx Distance in kms to Closest Restaurant: 8 to Trestina.
Approx Distance in kms to Nearest Motorway Exit: 14 to Citta di Castello exit of E45.
Approx Distance in kms to Major Local Towns: 16 to Citta di Castello, 25 to Cortona, 32 to Gubbio. 38 to Perugia. 42 to Assisi, 90 to Siena. 120 to Florence. 200 to Rome.

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