Villa Santarelli Italy
Holiday Home Rental Description
Villa Santarelli is a comfortable home fantastically located in one of the main holiday resorts on Lake Trasimeno, situated west of Perugia.
Just a stone’s throw away from the lake’s glistening shores, local villages and a stunning regional park, the house is superb for enjoying an active yet idyllic break spent exploring the wonderful natural surroundings and charming places nearby.
The interior is a prime example of traditional Italian colonial style, complete with a grand fireplace and Tuscan terracotta floor tiling. As soon as you step inside, you’ll find yourself standing in the spacious living room with comfy sofas facing the fireplace, as well as an open-plan dining room and kitchen to make socialising completely effortless. Apart from classic furnishings, you’ll love a mix of modern and antique décor such as olde worlde cabinets, textured lampshades and patterned rugs, creating a warm and welcoming mise en scène.
The country-style kitchen is spacious and well-equipped when you wish to make your morning coffee or prepare a meal for everyone – you will find everything you need here from a large oven to a five-plate stove. All three bedrooms are located on the upper floor, meaning that those who prefer to go to bed early can enjoy an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Framing the house there is a large, lush garden with tall greenery, lawned areas and beds filled with lavender and wild herbs. You are sure to want to spend lots of time outdoors dining al-fresco, swimming in the private pool or gazing up at the stars from the hot tub in the evening, while the hidden spots provide a dreamy place for reading your favourite book or simply listening to the background music provided by the fauna and flora.
The land around the home lends itself to walking, hiking, bike riding and exploring on the back of a horse. There is plenty of wide-open spaces where you can get in touch with nature and soak up the sunshine.
The closest villages include the lovely San Feliciano which can be reached by a coastal walk, and Magione with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and an imposing castle – so you do not have to travel far to dine out. Each unique in its own way, these places offer a great number of attractions for a wholesome holiday break.
Other notable cities are dotted around the undulating hills, such as for example Perugia – a town known for its defensive walls built around the historic centre, plenty of museums and a Priori Palace that exhibits regional art from the 13th century onward.
Arezzo, an enchanting hilltop town with plenty of historic landmarks is also nearby, and it’s surrounded by far-stretching parks, gardens and forests which invite you for a pristine stroll through beguiling landscapes.
In just two hours by car, you can be soaking up the romantic vibe of Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region, home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, as well as an excellent dining scene.
With panoramic views of the magical Lake Trasimeno and a convenient distance to many mediaeval cities and villages, there isn’t a better base for nature and culture lovers than Villa Santarelli.
The lake’s shores are close by, meaning that you can be cooling down in the deep blue water on a hot summer day anytime you please. The closest swimming spot is Zocco beach, which has a café, basketball court, swimming pool and a lounge area for relaxing. Nearby is the commune of Monte del Lago, with many scenic hiking areas such as the Percorso pedonale naturalistico lungolago popular with cyclists and runners, which takes outdoor lovers all the way to the small part of Porto Del Sole. Here you can stroll along the promenade and watch ferries come and go, relax by the waterfront or hire a boat to explore the lake’s tiny islet, Isola Maggiore.
Whether booking a private motorboat or an organised boat trip, some other places worth visiting while you’re cruising around the reservoir include Castiglione del Lago, a small town located just across the water from your private villa. Walk around the pretty town centre and admire buildings such as the Rocca del Leone and the 16th-century, ornate historical palace Palazzo della Corgna before enjoying a different view of the postcard-worthy backdrop from one of the scenic points.
Whenever you don’t feel like cooking dinner, head towards one of the villages to find an excellent trattoria less than a 10-minute drive away. A supermarket might also come in handy, and the closest one can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car.
Perugia is the capital of the region of Umbria and is located only a 30-minute drive away, making it a wonderful place for a stroll at any time of the day. Featuring a plethora of Etruscan archways, Gothic palazzos and winding streets, it makes for an ideal stop on your way to bigger cities. Apart from its historical monuments, you can also head to one of the many museums, such as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Umbria with Roman and Etruscan artefacts or Collegio della Mercanzia, an acclaimed centre for medieval and modern history, with notable artefacts in an ornate setting. After exploring all the incredible places, simply grab a gelato to enjoy the views from the steps of the city’s cathedral.
Just over an hour’s drive away, you can find yourself in Arezzo, a hilltop town popular due to its main cathedral which features painted vaulted ceilings and a 15th-century fresco of Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca – a must-see landmark not only for those fascinated by religions. The active ones can walk up to the imposing Medicean Fortress – an impregnable mediaeval marvel offering one-of-a-kind city views.
Wine lovers will love exploring the famed wine region of Montepulciano and tasting its full-bodied red wines, as well as visiting vineyards perched on the hillside of the Val d’Orcia. Once there, make sure to visit the Torre di Pulcinella clock tower featuring a figure of Pulcinella, a commedia dell’arte character. On the Piazza Grande is the 14th-century Palazzo Comunale, with a tower offering cinematic views of the surrounding countryside.
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 below or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team 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- Bike hire
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 fulfil your requests!