Casa Raffaello Italy

Sitting below an ancient hilltop castle, surrounded by chestnut woods and green hills you will find Casa Raffaello. This stunning Umbrian home is an idyllic base for your Italian escape with family or friends.
The villa is a traditional style stone house, filled with quality antique furnishings, local materials such as the terracotta tiles and plenty of character. When you step inside you will enter an open-plan room which is the heart of the home, encompassing the kitchen, dining and living areas. Here a fully-fitted kitchen opens out on to a spacious living and dining room with comfy sofas, a feature fireplace and large dining tables, ideal for special evening meals. Aside from this main room you will find a family bathroom and a bedroom with bunk beds on this floor.
Looking out on the double-height living space there is a mezzanine level accessed by an iron staircase. Up on this level there is a seating area which would be a cosy spot to enjoy a good book. There is also a bathroom upstairs and three lovely double bedrooms with views over the garden and surrounding countryside.
The garden is a wonderful feature of this home where you can spend the days taking a dip in the private pool or sunbathing in the landscaped grounds. Wherever you look you will be enveloped by breathtaking rural views.
When you wish to go out for something to eat or to pick up some groceries, then the closest village San Leo Bastia is a mere 4km drive away and there is a bigger selection of shops and eateries in Umbertide which is 21km away. Umbertide is also a great place to pass an afternoon wandering around the historic streets where you can visit the museum, gallery and fascinating octagonal church.
Make sure to spend the day in Città di Castello which is a thriving city just 24km from the villa. The city sits within Renaissance walls but its history spans all the way from the pre-historic period, you will see this heritage reflected in the diverse mix of architecture. Wander around the cobbled, winding streets which open out on to palace-lined piazzas such as Piazza Gabriotti where you can have lunch at a quaint street-side café. Città di Castello has lots of restaurants and shops as well as museums, galleries and medieval churches to explore.
There are plently of other places you can visit while on holiday in this fabulous region, including the beaches of Lake Trasimeno which is 25km away, the vineyards of Montepulciano which are 55km away and the art city of Perugia which is 41km away. Located in lush, unspoilt countryside and yet within easy reach of some incredible historic villages and towns, Casa Raffaello is an amazing place for a holiday on the border of Umbria and Tuscany.
The landscape around the home is dotted with lots of walking routes which are perfect for switching off and getting back to nature. If you have a keen golfer in your party then you can also enjoy the great outdoors with a visit to Antognolla Golf estate which is 35km away.  This vast estate has an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, cycling and walking trails. If all of this sounds too active then why not visit the on-site spa for a massage or a beauty treatment instead and tuck in to a meal at the restaurant housed in a former castle.
Another nearby nature spot is Lake Trasimeno which is 25km away. Here you can take boat trips to the little lake islands, swim in the clear waters or just sunbathe on the lake side beaches!
When you wish to go out for a morning coffee or pick up some groceries then the village of San Leo Bastia is just 4km and has a few handy shops and eateries. There is also the larger town of Umbertide which is 21km from the villa. This riverside town has a fortress, museum, gallery, some gorgeous churches and an array of shops and restaurants. Umbertide also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year such as rock music, food and film festivals.
Città di Castello 24km away is must-see city. This beautiful place is full of an ecclectic mix of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and also modern buildings and is a lovely city to explore on foot. Inside the centuries old walls you can find former palaces, an 11th century bell tower, a 1000 year old cathedral, countless shops and restaurants, bustling markets, museums and galleries. Fans of the artist Alberto Burri will love this city as this was his home, when here you can see collections of his works and visit his house.
While in the area it would be a shame to miss Umbria’s capital Perugia which is around 40km away. The city looks like something straight from a postcard and is packed with cultural attractions. Make sure to visit the impressive 13th-century palace the Palazzo dei Priori and arrive early to make your way around the vast National Gallery. The maze-like streets are a joy to wander around as you pop in and out of little artisan shops and cafes. After a day of exploring why not enjoy your evening meal on one of the main squares such as the Piazza IV Novembre as you soak in the atmosphere and sample a glass of local wine. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact the Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Chef- Extra cleaning- Massage service- Cycling/hiking excursions- Cooking classes- Wine Tasting
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfill your requests!