Villa Santarelli

With panoramic views of the magical Lake Trasimeno and a convenient distance to many mediaeval cities and villages, there isn’t a better base for nature and culture lovers than Villa Santarelli.

The lake’s shores are close by, meaning that you can be cooling down in the deep blue water on a hot summer day anytime you please. The closest swimming spot is Zocco beach, which has a café, basketball court, swimming pool and a lounge area for relaxing. Nearby is the commune of Monte del Lago, with many scenic hiking areas such as the Percorso pedonale naturalistico lungolago popular with cyclists and runners, which takes outdoor lovers all the way to the small part of Porto Del Sole. Here you can stroll along the promenade and watch ferries come and go, relax by the waterfront or hire a boat to explore the lake’s tiny islet, Isola Maggiore.

Whether booking a private motorboat or an organised boat trip, some other places worth visiting while you’re cruising around the reservoir include Castiglione del Lago, a small town located just across the water from your private villa. Walk around the pretty town centre and admire buildings such as the Rocca del Leone and the 16th-century, ornate historical palace Palazzo della Corgna before enjoying a different view of the postcard-worthy backdrop from one of the scenic points.

Whenever you don’t feel like cooking dinner, head towards one of the villages to find an excellent trattoria less than a 10-minute drive away. A supermarket might also come in handy, and the closest one can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car.

Perugia is the capital of the region of Umbria and is located only a 30-minute drive away, making it a wonderful place for a stroll at any time of the day. Featuring a plethora of Etruscan archways, Gothic palazzos and winding streets, it makes for an ideal stop on your way to bigger cities. Apart from its historical monuments, you can also head to one of the many museums, such as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell'Umbria with Roman and Etruscan artefacts or Collegio della Mercanzia, an acclaimed centre for medieval and modern history, with notable artefacts in an ornate setting. After exploring all the incredible places, simply grab a gelato to enjoy the views from the steps of the city’s cathedral.

Just over an hour’s drive away, you can find yourself in Arezzo, a hilltop town popular due to its main cathedral which features painted vaulted ceilings and a 15th-century fresco of Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca – a must-see landmark not only for those fascinated by religions. The active ones can walk up to the imposing Medicean Fortress – an impregnable mediaeval marvel offering one-of-a-kind city views.

Wine lovers will love exploring the famed wine region of Montepulciano and tasting its full-bodied red wines, as well as visiting vineyards perched on the hillside of the Val d’Orcia. Once there, make sure to visit the Torre di Pulcinella clock tower featuring a figure of Pulcinella, a commedia dell’arte character. On the Piazza Grande is the 14th-century Palazzo Comunale, with a tower offering cinematic views of the surrounding countryside.