Villa umbria Casa Narni

Set within the breathtaking Umbrian landscape and yet only an hour from Rome, Casa Narni generous proportions are full of historical charm and modern comfort

From its position on a grassy knoll, Casa Narni has spectacular views up to the hilltop medieval town of Narni and over the rolling Umbrian landscape that surrounds it.

A former farm building that dates from the 18th century, its renovation sought to integrate the old with the new using local materials, with a careful eye on sustainability. As a result, the terracotta floor tiles were made to an original design, the walls are painted in a traditional limewash, the iron-work was forged by local artisans and the ceramic washbasins are handmade by Ripa Bianca.

The ‘moon’ light by Davide Groppi illuminates the staircase and there are chairs by Artemide as well as other pieces of modern furniture by international designers. These contemporary pieces sit beside antique finds – a charming and delightful curation.

Wood-burning stoves, thermal energy panels and a rainwater recycling system are all in place, as is air conditioning, wi-fi and insect nets. Outside, the saltwater pool is surrounded by olive trees and by a bank of medicinal plants, while the mature garden has old-fashioned roses and an abundance of other flowers with lots of places to sit, lounge or dine.

Some details of the full equipped villa: private pool, air conditioning, espresso machine, nespresso machine, sonos music system, hob/stove, oven, fridge, fridge with freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, iron+board, wifi, cot, high chair, barbeque, hairdryer

The big and carefully styled bedrooms are the perfect place to rest and recharge; likewise, the yoga studio and the rest of the house and garden. Day trips to Rome are easy and the tranquility of this fabulous farmhouse is the perfect foil to the bustle of the city giving guests an opportunity to reconnect

The property sleeps 16.

Five of the en-suite bedrooms are on the upper floor of the farmhouse and there is another on the ground floor that is suitable for guests with limited mobility. There is capacity for two extra beds in the house. A further en-suite double is in the independent barn where there is a ground-floor living room with a wood-burning stove and a loft-style bedroom. Simply but stylishly decorated, the sustainability of the rooms’ design has been carefully considered, resulting in natural aloe vera foam mattresses, vintage hand-woven linens, pillows stuffed with organic spelt chaff and vintage furniture. Much of the decoration relies on the original quirks of the architectural details, coupled with slubby shades of linen and cotton, and cotto floors. While the rooms are different shapes and sizes they share a common focus of comfort and elegance. All rooms have air-conditioning, wifi and insect screens.

The old stone walls of the bathrooms are complemented by glass shower screens and high performance fixtures and fittings. The handmade terracotta washbasins are by ceramicists Ripa Bianca and the mirrors are vintage finds.

The kitchen is a professional stainless steel affair with an eight-burner gas hob and all the gadgets and utensils required to do justice to the abundance of fresh regional ingredients. Perfect for guests’ use, however, if you would like the services of a chef, for a special meal or throughout your stay, please ask.

There is plenty of space for guests to spread out in the salons on the ground floor of the farmhouse where the old stone walls and open fireplaces and vintage pieces are complemented by contemporary furniture. Large arched windows allow the sun to pour in. Equally, there are lots of lounge spots in the garden and by the pool, encouraging guests to switch off and relax.. Housed in the former stables with their original stone walls and a new terracotta floor handmade by local artisans, the dining room is simple yet elegant. The large, modern, oak table is by Miniforms, complemented by modern pendant lights hanging in a line above with light pouring in from the glazed doorways. Outside, a dining table on the terrace or under a rose-strewn pergola lets guests enjoy the view and the warmth of the garden.

There is a separate building housing a yoga studio and a small gym. Within the main house is a utility room with laundry facilities.

Damage deposit: 1.000 Euro

Cleaning: 350 Euro / week