Villa Francis
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Overview
Leave your worries behind at Villa Francis, a 12th century villa in Umbria near the Tuscany border, which sits amid sunflower fields and wooded hills with the feeling of being untouched by the passage of time. The grounds include beautiful gardens, a 13x5m pool with hillside views, a hot tub and a splendid courtyard perfect for relaxing in the sun. Umbria’s ruggedly beautiful landscapes and wines will amaze you.
This former monastery consists of 7 self-catered apartments containing 8 bedrooms for 17 guests. Each apartment has its own entrance and an en-suite modern bathroom, and many have original elements like stone walls, brick floors and wooden beams.
Umbria is near it all; from your location northwest of the village of San Giovanni del Pantano, medieval hill towns like Assisi, Perugia and Gubbio are within 40 km, and the art and culture of Arezzo, Siena and Florence are just 45-90 minute drives. Schedule a wine tour and go truffle hunting to enjoy the region’s gastronomic delights. You can even book a cooking class to learn how to make handmade pasta.
What you should know…
- Unfortunately, due to the old stone stairs, this villa isn’t right for those with mobility issues.
- A car is highly recommended to explore this beautiful region
- 12 more guests can be accommodated on sofa beds
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
Villa Interior
Apartment 1 - First floor (4+3 pax)
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom with shower
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom with shower and bathtub
- Living/dining area with 2 double sofa beds
- Kitchenette
Apartment 2 - External Stairs, First Floor (2+2 pax)
- Bedroom with double bed
- Living/dining area with double sofa bed
- Kitchenette
- Bathroom with shower
Apartment 3 - Ground Floor (2 pax)
- Studio apartment with kitchenette, double bed, living and dining area and bathroom with shower
Apartment 4 - External Stairs (2+2 pax)
First Floor
- Living/dining area with double sofabed
- Kitchenette
- Bathroom with shower
Second Floor
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom and sofa
Apartment 5 - External Stairs (3+2 pax)
First Floor
- Dining and living area with sofa bed
- Kitchenette
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom
Second Floor
- Loft with French bed and en-suite bathroom with shower
Apartment 6 - Ground Floor (2+2 pax)
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom with shower
- Living/dining area with sofa bed
- Kitchenette
Apartment 7 (2+1 pax)
Ground Floor
- Dining/living area with sofa bed
- Kitchenette
First Floor
- Bedroom with double bed
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (13x5m, depth: 1.5m) Open approximately May to end-September
- Poolside sun loungers
- Terraces and courtyards
- Garden and lounge furniture
- Jacuzzi
- Barbecue
- Parking space
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Table tennis
- Hairdryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa FrancisFor Art & Culture Lovers the medieval hill towns of Assisi, Perugia, and Gubbio, as well as Cortona are only 40 km away; Arezzo, Siena and Florence are just a 45 – 90 minute drive away.
For Wine Lovers- The famous Gritti Family Vineyard offers a very popular vineyard tour, dinner and wine tasting in the Niccone Valley.
The world renowned wine trails of Montefalco in Torgiano where you can visit the Lungarotti Wine Cellars; and the prestigious Brunello wineries of Montalcino in Tuscany are only a 1 hour drive from Villa Francis. The beautiful Montepulciano and his famaous "Vino Nobile" is just a 40 minute drive.
For Music Lovers – The Spoleto Classical Music Festival of the Due Mondi and the Umbria Jazz Festivals is in July and the Preggio Chamber Music Festival is in August.
There is also an 18 hole golf course at Antognolla Golf Club.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Perugia
(40 km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Florence
(168 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Preggio
(8 km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Umbertide
(15 km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Preggio
(8 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Preggio
(8 km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Umbertide
(15 km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Umbertide
(15 km) |
||
Region
Umbria, often referred to as the "Green Heart of Italy," is a picturesque region located in the heart of the Italian peninsula. Nestled between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche, Umbria boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and cultural richness.
With its rolling hills, lush vineyards, and medieval towns, this region offers a diverse array of attractions and activities that make it a hidden gem in Italy.
Check out our range of beautiful villas in Umbria to start planning your holiday, now!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThe grounds of Villa Francis offer plenty to keep children of all ages entertained, whether enjoying the private swimming pool, running around the vast gardens, playing table tennis, or relaxing inside in one of the many cosy living spaces.
Outside Villa Francis, Umbria is the ideal location for spending time with the family in nature, exploring picturesque hilltop villages and experiencing the scenic country views. The whole family can take advantage of wonderful walking trails, cycling and horse riding nearby.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Baby bath
- Cot(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Kid-friendly excursions
- Watersports
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Children's books
- Cooling Jacuzzi
- Table Tennis
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Yoga Classes Available
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Chef
- Babysitting
- Cookery classes
- Extra cleaning
- Extra linen and towels
- Massage
- Yoga
- Wine tasting
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Step back in time by hosting your wedding at this 12thcentury villa in Umbria, a rural retreat most ...
Read moreEvent information
Step back in time by hosting your wedding at this 12th century villa in Umbria, a rural retreat most romantically situated amidst Umbrian wooded hills and fields of sunflowers. The former monastery retains a peaceful ambiance and offers so many lovely locations for your ceremony and celebrations, both inside and out. The arched cloisters frame pastoral views, the illuminated pool looks over the hills and the charming stone courtyard can be bedecked with fairy lights. Your guests will love the hot tub and separate apartments where original features are skilfully combined with modern comforts. When the celebrations are over, the glorious cities of Rome and Florence are easily accessible for a day trip.
Wedding Reception
Up to 70 guests can be hosted for an outdoor reception in the villa courtyard or up to 45 people can be seated inside the villa.
Dancing can continue in the courtyard or beneath a hired marquee in the grounds with music permitted until 1am outside and 3am inside.
Wedding Ceremony
There are many options for an outdoor symbolic ceremony at this villa. The cloisters, piazza by the swimming pool, courtyard and gardens can all host up to 70 people while up to 45 guests could attend a ceremony inside the villa.
This villa is not recommended for couples wanting a civil wedding as the nearest town hall is 18km from the property.
There is a church 8km from the villa which may be available for a Catholic ceremony.
The owners can provide details of an English-speaking celebrant.
Where to Stay
Up to 17 people can sleep on-site.
Nearby, all guests would be able to find accommodation between 8 and 20km from the property.
The owners can supply details of local transport firms.
Wedding Planning
The venue can suggest a wedding planner or the client may provide their own.
The venue has supplier suggestions for all aspects of the planning and prefers clients to choose from these.
Catering
The venue can recommend a range of external caterers or the client may provide their own.
Other information
Events can run until 3am.
The venue prefers clients to use their suggested suppliers but special requests can be made.
Wedding planning packages are available.
Extra costs may apply to the use of certain areas for the event – this depends on the guest numbers and choices made.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €800 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 8.30 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €800 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 8.30 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra cost, payable locally. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Changeover day | Saturday in July, August and during Christmas. Flexible during all other periods. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings and any other special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Please note stag/hen parties are not allowed. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights in July, August and during Christmas. 3 nights during all other periods. |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi internet access included. |
| Pool towels included? | Extra €5, payable locally. Available on request. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately beginning of May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 17 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22nd 2024 - Dec 14th 2024 | £3,218 | £4,290 | £5,363 | £5,609 |
| Dec 14th 2024 - Dec 28th 2024 | - | - | - | £9,702 |
| Dec 28th 2024 - Apr 19th 2025 | £3,218 | £4,290 | £5,363 | £5,609 |
| Apr 19th 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 | £4,103 | £5,471 | £6,838 | £7,616 |
| Jun 21st 2025 - Aug 23rd 2025 | - | - | - | £9,702 |
| Aug 23rd 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 | £4,103 | £5,471 | £6,838 | £7,616 |
| Sep 20th 2025 - Dec 13th 2025 | £3,218 | £4,290 | £5,363 | £5,609 |
| Dec 13th 2025 - Dec 27th 2025 | - | - | - | £9,702 |
| Dec 27th 2025 - Apr 18th 2026 | £3,218 | £4,290 | £5,363 | £5,609 |
| Apr 18th 2026 - May 26th 2026 | £4,103 | £5,471 | £6,838 | £7,616 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
3 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
location and atmosphere
Are there any interestin...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
3 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
location and atmosphere
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
Local folklore recounts of a connection between the five important medieval structures of the area: the Church of San Bartolomeo dei Fosse, Monestevole Castle, the Inquisitors Palace in Preggio, Convento and Bisciaio Castle which was used by monks in the Middle Ages to house abandoned/ illegitimate children.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
yes
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do? participate on truffle hunting
Really eat? handmade local pasta
Really see? small hamlets and castles
Lastly, what insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
That you should come back and visit Villa Francis again....what else?
Reviews
-
Magical place!
Magical place for those who love tranquility and need to completely disconnect from the frenetic life.
The owner was very kind and polite, attentive and helpful. It was like being suspended for a few days in a world made of simple and essential things, finding yourself reflecting in the midst of nature. -
Amazing!
Amazing secluded location with stunning views and wonderful staff.
-
Wonderful stay!
Breathtaking, enchanting location, everything as described, here you will find peace and serenity in a wonderful setting. Hospitality at the top, spotlessly clean rooms...Super recommended...
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
