La Gardenia - Todi - Umbria

If there's one thing this apartment for up to four possesses above everything else, it's character. Genuine Umbrian character! A tour round its rooms is like a history class in Italian interiors over the last century! But to begin at the beginning ...

The apartment, dating back to Medieval times, is slap in the centre of ancient Todi - a stunningly picturesque hilltop town, brilliantly placed for exploring Umbria. Todi is steeped in history and well located in the south of Umbria, handy for Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto and only an hour and a half from Rome. The town is beloved by those "in the know". In fact, its fairy-tale-perfect, an enchanting retreat from the horrible hustle of the modern world. The narrow streets wind and turn, offering timeless peace, brilliant views and fabulous photos at every step. Your apartment is a mere 500 metres from Todi's central piazza, one of the most perfect in all Italy.

Two flights of stairs to bring you to the apartment's front door. To the right of the hall is the formal sitting room, unchanged since the late 1800s! Other doors take you to the double bedroom, with its classic 1920s walnut bed, and the single bedroom with 1960s style cover. Cleverly placed between the two bedrooms is the tiled bathroom with bath and shower: each bedroom has its own door in.

Upstairs is the strikingly modern sitting room with Fornasetti theme, a delightful 1930's kitchen brought up to date with such necessities as a modern fridge, cooker and washing machine, the study whose settee makes a comfortable single bed and the classic Italian dining room with dresser and double glass doors out to the terrace. As you can see, there's not much room on the terrace, but two people can breakfast there in comfort while admiring the truly fabulous views.

Carlo, the owner, lives in Todi too and he's on hand with in-depth local knowledge and sage advice if needed. If you want maid service, a restaurant recommendation or just a chat with a well informed, English speaking local, then call on him any time!

The apartment's a gem (as is the owner) - and its so very reasonable priced. Go on, spoil yourselves - grab an authentic treat in fairy tale Todi at this seriously special apartment!