Signora Maria and her English speaking daughter will give you a warm welcome and are available every evening to offer information and advice. The house is surrounded by its own little park of pine trees hiding a children’s play area, a ping-pong table, a games field, an enormous barbecue and even a little fountain.

The apartment is five minutes’ drive from the village of Colle Umberto and 10 km from cosmopolitan Perugia. It’s a great base for sightseeing or simply entertaining the young. Colle Umberto is a small, sleepy village, which nevertheless has a post office, two little supermarkets, an excellent bread shop, a bar and a handy bus service into Perugia for those who prefer to sightsee without the car. There’s also horse riding nearby. The house lies at the foot of Monte Tezio, designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering excellent walking and a wealth of wildlife. Those who make it to the top will be rewarded with stunning views across the hills to Lake Trasimeno.

This huge building was restored in the sixties when precious things like 18th century doors were usually being thrown out, but Signora Maria had the sense to keep them. An external flight of terracotta stairs takes you up to the front door of Il Camino on the first floor. There’s a vast sitting room bursting with character, with solid oak beams, exposed stone walls and authentic Umbrian furniture. A substantial dining table fits effortlessly into the room. The two large bedrooms are comfortably furnished with family heirlooms. The bathroom with shower is brand new, tastefully tiled and sparkling clean. The kitchen has a breakfast table and a lovely old dresser, and is handsomely modern and tolerably well equipped. It’s not a swish apartment; it’s comfortable, easy going, a place you’ll feel at home in.

If you want character, fun for the kids and a bargain price, Il Camino is it!

We had fabulous time - a great balance between lazing by pool and visiting the sites very nice visitors and maria and caterina were delightful will have no hesitation recommending summer’s leases to our friends.

nice balance between several families sharing space but each with own private space. bbq for all generously offered by maria was great success.

really enjoyed our stay, hope to come again.

Chris Child, Richmond.

Had a great holiday. The apartment was spotlessly clean and exactly as described. The pool was also very clean and well designed. There was a pleasant area under the trees and in the courtyard where families could sit. Signora Maria was extremely helpful in recommending places to eat.

David Bartlett, Farnham.

We had an absolutely wonderful time at Il Camino. The apartment was everything we hoped it would be: how often do you see lovely pictures of a place and it doesn’t live up to expectation? I am happy to say that wasn’t the case with our stay at Il Camino. Many thanks for a lovely holiday and we will definitely be heading back to Italy in the next year or so.

Julie and Pete Bradley, Cheshire.

This is an ideal place to spend a wonderful week (or more) in the Umbrian countryside, especially for a family with children. The large pool provided us with many hours of relaxed swimming and the football and ping-pong tables kept our kids pleasantly occupied for hours on end. Signora Maria, our host, could not have been more friendly or helpful. It was altogether a most pleasant and memorable vacation.

Vinita Nelson, San Jose.