Villa La Stella - Preggio - Umbria

There’s an Italian phrase “immerso nel verde”, which translates into "immersed in nature", and that perfectly describes delightful Villa La Stella. High in the hills, between the charming little citadel of Preggio and the bustling market town of Umbertide, you'll wake to the sound of birdsong in the pure sweet air. This totally private, 4-bedroom villa is in the nature reserve of Monte Acuto - wonderful for walkers! Yet you’re only 15 minutes drive from your nearest supermarket and a veritable host of excellent Umbrian restaurants.

This villa has been restored to a very nice standard, using only the best of Italian materials as you can see. Although from the outside it looks quite small, it is deceptively large - it's actually a 3-story building! The front door, with spacious outdoor dining terrace beside, leads into the middle floor of the villa, with the sitting room, kitchen-dining room and a double bedroom. The bathroom on this floor serves as an en suite to the bedroom by night and doubles as a family bathroom by day. A wide spiral staircase leads up to the gallery bedroom (with its own bathroom) and a commanding view down onto the sitting room! On the other hand, going down the spiral staircase takes you to the lower floor with two more, rather chic double bedrooms with glass doors opening directly out to the garden. Both bedrooms have walk-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms, one with bath tub and one with shower.

The kitchen is superbly well fitted, but if it's too hot for indoor cooking, there’s a fine barbecue down by the pool. In fact, the owners have thought of everything at Villa La Stella, right down to speakers by the pool so you can listen to the stereo, sizzle in the sun and cool off in the pool. Leonella, the capable owner, also offers expert lessons in making perfect pasta or delicious Umbrian puddings in your own kitchen. She offers in-depth morning that will ensure you take home a very special holiday memento to share with your next dinner guests!.
The location is perfect for exploring the charms of both Umbria and Tuscany. The nearby village of Preggio, with its restaurants and bars will please you with its slow pace and picturesque medieval buildings. The busy town of Umbertide is a must on Wednesday morning for its big farmers' market - snap up a kilo or two of traditional Umbrian sausages for the barbeque - we guarantee you'll be impressed. Add a salad, a loaf of bread and lashings of local wine and revel in living the life!

The E45 north-south superstrada is 20 minutes drive from the villa, while Perugia's airport is only a 40 minute drive - from passport control to a sunbed by the pool in no time at all! The E45 gives swift access for explorations into both Tuscany and Umbria, but we think you may find it hard to drag yourself away from the sublimely relaxing, natural splendour of your surroundings at La Stella!