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La Torre di Santa Giuliana

La Torre di Santa Giuliana is an enchanting country home located in a secluded and tranquil setting among the verdant green hills of Umbria. There is a mesmerising medieval history to this lovely property that makes it a truly memorable place for your Italian holiday. The inspired and sympathetic restoration of this listed historical monument has created gracious accommodation for six people in 3 double bedrooms with space for an additional two people. This is a really special place for those seeking comfort and tranquillity and it is ideally placed for discovering the unspoilt beauty and charm of this magical part of Umbria.

There is a small terrace with table and chairs immediately outside the main entrance. Any shade that might be needed for this al fresco dining room is provided naturally by the imposing tower.

As with many old Umbrian properties the front entrance leads directly into the kitchen which has traditionally always been at the heart of Italian homes. This kitchen is extremely well equipped with a 6-burner gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge and a breakfast table.

Double doors from here open into a hallway and then onto the sitting room and the rest of the house.
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In the hallway there are stone stairs that lead up to the first floor. |

The sitting room is elegantly furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas and has a large open fireplace at its centre. This room, like the rest of the property, is beautifully decorated with wooden beams and local handmade terracotta tiles.

A glass panelled corridor leads on from this room and into what was originally a small separate priest’s dwelling which is now linked by this passageway to the main house. There is a ground floor bathroom here with bath, bidet and loo and also a utility room with washing machine. An internal stair case leads up to the first floor and directly into one of the bedrooms.

Not many properties can boast of having such a spacious additional sitting room as this deconsecrated church which lies at the other end of the house. A door from the kitchen leads into this room which now forms an integral part of the whole property. This aspect of the property makes Santa Giuliana uniquely different from any other property you will ever have stayed in!

On a raised dais at one end there is a very special dining area with antique refectory table. With the walls emblazoned with a fresco of the Madonna and Child, Santa Giuliana and Santa Lucia this is an amazing area in which to dine, entertain and relax.

Large sofa beds provide the additional accommodation for 2 extra people in this extraordinary room. A 14th century fresco of The Madonna and Child adorns one of the side walls. This is a truly exceptional overflow bedroom with constant care being exercised by your very own guardian angel!

Large double doors at the other end lead out into the garden and a paved terrace with a large stone table that provides another al fresco dining area.

The stairs from the hallway in the main part of the house lead to the first floor where the bedrooms are located. The spacious master bedroom has a double bed that be configured into two single beds if required.
There is a large en suite bathroom with separate shower, bathtub, loo and bidet. |
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There are lovely views from all parts of the house. This is the scene from the master bedroom window looking out past the Tower and Church to the wooded hills in the distance. |
A corridor runs the length of the top floor and leads from the master bedroom to the other bedrooms. |
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The 2nd bedroom has two single beds that can be configured into a double if required.
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The adjacent bathroom has a bath tub with shower, loo and bidet. |

From the 2nd bedroom there is an external door that opens to the outside and onto a bridge that links the house to the first floor of the original priest’s dwelling. Steps from here also lead down to the garden. At the other end of the bridge a door opens into this 3rd bedroom with two single beds. Internal stairs lead down to the ground floor and the bathroom, described earlier, and then onto the sitting room.

This is the view from the end window in the 3rd bedroom which looks out over the garden and the swimming pool

A pathway winds its way to the stunning pool which is surrounded by banks of lavender. The 5 acres of informal garden that surround Santa Giuliana contain a mass of wild flowers and olive trees and there are spectacular walks directly into the surrounding countryside.

There are plenty of sun loungers, chairs and tables for use on the large paved terrace around the pool. Roman steps allow easy and gentle access into the pool. The trees around the pool provide shade from the summer sun.
The 120 foot high tower that dominates the whole property and the surrounding countryside was originally a fortified watch tower which formed part of the defence system for the neighbouring borgo of Santa Giuliana. The earliest mention of this borgo is found in the monastic annals of the Carmodolite Order in 1143. This was a time when medieval Italy was in turmoil and the incessant fighting between the Guelph & Ghibelline factions was rife. Every self respecting hamlet built towers like this to warn and protect themselves! |
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This lovely property is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and has views in every direction. The location is perfect for visiting some of Umbria’s most sought after sights ~ Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio, Spello, Spoleto, Sanselpocro are all close by. Tuscany is only a few minutes drive away as well, so you really are spoilt for magical places to explore.

This superb 18 hole Robert Trent designed golf course based on Castello di Antognolla is a 10 minute drive away and is a haven for golf enthusiasts.

La Torre di Santa Giuliana is a very special place for those seeking total tranquillity as well as for discovering the cultural gems and unspoilt beauty of Umbria. You could not seek a more entrancing spot for your Italian holiday.


This floor plan of La Torre di Santa Giuliana will help explain the unusual layout of the property.
Summary
Property Name:La Torre di Santa Giuliana
| Item | Detail |
Remarks |
| Location | ||
| Region of Italy | Umbria |
Close to Umbertide, north of Perugia and just north east of Lago Trasimeno |
| Accommodation | ||
| Max Numbers of People | 6 + 2 |
|
| Bedrooms | 3 |
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| Bedroom 1 | 1 double bed, can configure into 2 singles, ensuite bathroom |
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| Bedroom 2 | 2 single beds, can configure into double |
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| Bedroom 3 | 2 single beds | |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
Bathroom 1 | Ensuite, large walk-in shower, bath, basin, loo, bidet |
| Bathroom 2 | Bath with shower, basin, loo, bidet |
|
| Bathroom 3 | Ground floor. Bath, basin, loo, bidet | |
| Sitting Rooms | 1 |
Open fireplace, TV |
| Kitchen / Appliances | 1 |
Electric oven, 6 ring gas hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, double sink, table for 8 |
| Dining area | 1 |
Table for 10 people |
| Other Rooms | 2 |
Utility room with washing machine |
| Sofa Beds | 2 |
On request. The use of these will attract extra cost |
| Cots | 2 |
On request. Bedding is not provided. The use of these may attract extra cost |
| Suitability for disabled access | No |
| Facilities & Supplementary Information |
| Interior | ||
| Heating | Yes |
Gas fired central heating |
| Open Fireplace | Yes |
|
| Air Conditioning | No |
|
| Fans | Yes |
In all bedrooms |
| Mosquito Nets / Screens | No |
|
| 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 | Yes |
Local national channels |
| DVD player | Yes |
|
| 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 | Yes |
2 |
| Toys for Children | No |
|
| Safe Box for Valuables | No |
|
| First Evening Meal | Yes |
A meal for the evening of your arrival can be prepared on request at cost |
| Other Meals | Yes |
On request at cost |
| Welcome Food Pack | Yes |
On request at cost |
| Reading Books | Yes |
|
| Extra Cleaning | Yes |
On request at cost |
| Smoking Policy | Smoking is permitted. As with commonly accepted polite practice this should be restricted to reception rooms and outside the property |
|
| House Book | Yes |
Very comprehensive. Extensive details of local information |
| Reception on arrival | Yes |
Provided estimated arrival time is known and confirmed |
| Assistance | Yes |
The caretaker lives in the neighbouring village and is on call to help for those unusual events and circumstances that cannot be resolved by reading the House Book |
| Exterior | ||
| Swimming Pool | Yes |
Size in mts. Breadth: 6, Length: 10, Shallow: 1.25, Deep: 2.5 Access: Roman steps Cleaning System: Chlorine Open: June to Sep. Open in May only on special request Usage: Exclusive use Facilities: Shower, loungers, table and chairs. Shade provided by nearby trees |
| Garden | Yes |
Approximately 5 acres, some slopes, partially fenced |
| Terraces | 2 |
Tables & chairs on paved terraces outside the church and also the kitchen |
| Sporting Facilities | No |
|
| BBQ | Yes |
Umbrian style fixed BBQ at pool |
| Pizza Oven | No |
|
| Nearest Neighbour | There is cottage at the entrance gates. This is not available for rent and is rarely
if ever used by the owners while guests are in the main house. The Borgo of Santa Giuliana is 1 km away. |
|
| Animals Close to Premises | No |
Nearest farm animals 1 km away |
| Approach Drive | 2 kms of public gravel road leads from the main road which is not suitable for low slung cars. 400 meters of private gravel road in good condition. | |
| Garden Security | No |
|
| Covered Car Port | No |
|
| Car Parking | Yes |
Space for 6 cars |
| Water Source | Mains Water | |
| Rental Facts | ||
| Rental Basis | Self catering | |
| Rental Options | 1. Three double bedrooms in Main House |
|
| Breakage/Security/Deposit | No |
Breakages are to be reported to the caretaker before departure |
| Rental Restrictions | Yes |
No Pets |
| Rental Periods | Available from May - September for a minimum of 7 nights with a changeover on a Saturday |
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| Included in the Rental Price | Local taxes Electricity, gas and water (for normal general usage) Use and laundry of bed linen & towels, Final cleaning |
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| Not Included in the Rental Price (Payment to be made locally) |
Excessive use of utilities Central heating Telephone. Charges determined by metre readings Firewood 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) 20
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
Pierantonio 10
Umbertide 13
Restaurants
Pierantonio 10
Plenty more in Umbertide 13
Motorways
Pierantonio exit of E45 (Orte-Cesena dual carriageway) 10
Bettolle exit of A1 (Roma-Firenze autostrada) 45
Cultural Sights
Perugia, Citta di Castello, Sansepolcro. 20 - 30 mins
Cortona, Gubbio, Deruta, Assisi, Arezzo, Spello, Pienza, Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto. 30 - 60 mins
Siena. 1 hour
Florence. 1.5 hours
Rome 2.5. hours
Wine Centres
Wine Tasting @ Molino Vitelli 15 & Umbertide 1
Montefalco 1 hour
Montepulciano 1.15
Montalcino 1.30 hours
Sporting Locations
Golf. Antognola 10
Canoeing. Citta di Castello 25
Boating/Sailing. Lago Trasimeno 30
Fishing. Umbertide 13
Tennis. Umbertide 13
Horse Riding. San Pietro a Monte 25
Beaches
Passignano 30
West Coast. 2.5 hours
East Coast. 3.0 hours
Some Comments From Previous Guests
“ …. we couldn't have been happier with the villa. The location was idyllic, and the accommodation excellent, by far the most unusual villa we've ever stayed in. .……………. As far as dealing with Italian Encounters, it has been first class from the first e-mail you sent. Your booking process was easy, and your various pointers and guides were invaluable.” DT Herts