Frescoed cherubs and exposed stone walls; this villa is the epitome of old Italian charm. It sits in the Umbrian countryside, an eight-minute drive from Castiglione del Lago, on the shore of Lake Trasimeno. Delightful day trips are on the cards with the Etruscan history of Chiusi a twenty-minute drive away and the hilltop enclave of Perugia reachable in forty minutes.

A big swimming pool sits in the manicured lawn, where the old stone villa seems to admire itself in the water’s reflection. Alfresco dining is set up beneath gazebos that wouldn’t look out of place at a Rennaisance fair and the view is of endless rolling vineyards all around. Two built-in barbecues provide chefs with plenty of room to cook outdoors.

Heading inside, a warren of archways lead to grand lounges and chandelier-clad dining rooms. Wooden ceiling beams and painted frescos on the walls feel as though you’ve stepped into the 18th century and the kitchen is a vision of old-world charm. This feeling continues in each beautiful bedroom, where four-poster beds are swathed with silk curtains and the two main bedrooms come with free-standing slipper tubs.

Home truths:
*The swimming pool is usually open from April 1st to September 30th, depending on the weather
*There is private parking for up to seven cars onsite
*Single fold-out beds can be provided in four of the bedrooms if you need to accommodate extra guests
*Small pets are welcome to join you
*Your host can provide a cot for infants for free, just ask