The Waterfall Effect Montecastelli, Umbria

Holiday Rental Description

The first thing that drew us to this beautiful villa in the Umbrian countryside was the hot tub, suspended above the swimming pool with a waterfall cascading between the two. The whole thing creates a tiered terrace effect, which is perfect for a home perched on the hillside. From the warm waters of the hot tub, you can admire the forest-clad hills unfurling for miles before you. Below, the poolside terrace is home to myriad loungers, and there’s a second wrap-around terrace in the villa’s first floor, covered by a pergola and adorned with soft furnishings. A full outdoor kitchen in rose-pink can provide lavish alfresco feasts with its gas hob and rustic pizza oven. You’ll also find a huge lawn for football or tennis, or perhaps a game of boules, within the 10,000 square metres of tree-filled grounds.

Inside you’ll find all the classic features of a traditional Umbrian home – wood-beamed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors and a rustic-style kitchen that still has serious 19th-century farmhouse vibes. Each bedroom has its own character, with wrought-iron beds and hand-painted wardrobes harking back to yesteryear. We were keen on the sunflower room in olive and forest green, and the master with its four-poster swathed with curtains. But the room with the lion tapestry really grabbed us.

Home truths:
*This villa is a short drive from shops and restaurants in Montecastelli and Umbertide, and having a car is recommended
*There is private parking for up to five cars with this villa
*The swimming pool is open from mid-May to mid-September
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants, just ask
*As is common in Italy, the villa is divided into four different apartments each with a kitchen and living area
*Two guests will be on a sofa bed in the tower at capacity