Chiesa Del Carmine, Luxury Umbrian Villa Sleeps 14  

Description from the owner

Chiesa del Carmine is the ancient church at the heart of the Carmine Estate, located in the heart of Umbria, only 20 minutes north of the cosmopolitan city of Perugia and close to the borders of Tuscany.

Carmine estate is privately owned and has been lovingly restored over the last 5 years by the present owners. What was once an abandoned valley is now a thriving farm including an ancient olive grove, 3 hectares of red and white grapes, a truffle wood and pasture, producing a variety of organic produce.

It is located at the foot of Monte Tezio in a protected valley, where the wildlife is abundant and nature is thriving. The views... from all aspects are stunning. To the south is Monte Subasio and the town of Assisi, to the west the ancient castle of Antognolla and to the north woodlands and the mountains ranges of the Appenines.

Chiesa del Carmine is a stunning 11th century church and 18th century farm house and has been restored along with its adjoining farmhouse into an simple but elegant 14 bed country house; with precise attention to detail and use of the very best of local materials, producing accommodation of outstanding quality.

The house nestles amoungst hills in a peaceful valley, surrounded by meadows, woods, vineyards and olive groves. It is reached via a ‘strada bianca’ – white (unmade) road – and is approximately 1 kilometre from the main road. The views from the church and house are beautiful. There is an atmosphere of peace and quiet although the property is not isolated.

The property is divided into two structures, the first the ancient church and the second the farm house.

ANCIENT CHURCH

The main church area has been restored to the exact proportion of the original, together with a recently discovered small crypt. It is a magnificent room, imposing in its sense of peace and history.

It is furnished with comfortable sofas and a grand piano, and is wonderful for relaxation, yoga or meditation. It is also a good entertainment space. The large floor to ceiling glass window provides a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Off this main room is a dining room, able to seat 14.

The kitchen is located at the front on this property. It is very well equipped and includes a double oven and 6 gas hobs, dishwasher, microwave, espresso maker and large fridge/freezer. There is also a kitchen table and chairs. A toilet (suitable for disabled) is located here.

The kitchen leads onto outdoor dining terraces with barbeque facilities, each providing shade during the day.

FARMHOUSE

The farmhouse is a beautiful restored large building on two levels, surrounded by terraces and located across a small courtyard from the church.

The main entrance has an arched hallway with stone staircases that lead to both the ground and first floor.

The ground floor

Bedroom 1 is a double bedroom that is suitable for handicapped use; it has its own terrace and an ensuite bathroom with shower. Bedroom 2 is a double bedroom, with its own stone terrace; it has an ensuite bathroom with shower. Bedroom 3 is a large double bedroom, with a terrace. The ensuite bathroom has a shower and free-standing bath, with lovely views down the valley.

There is also a small room with a day bed, wash-hand basin, small fridge and kettle, usable as a kitchen or further small bedroom. In addition there is a laundry with washing machine, tumble dryer, clothes dryer and sink.

First floor

Stone stairs from the vaulted hallway lead to the first floor where there are 4 further bedrooms and an additional sitting room. Bedroom 4, the master bedroom, has an ensuite bathroom with shower. There is a large fireplace, private terrace and outdoor stairs, giving it its own entrance. Bedroom 5 is a double room with ensuite bathroom with shower. Bedroom 6 is similar to 5, but has a bathroom right next to it which can also be used by guests using the sitting room. Bedroom 7 is a charming small room with a single bed and its own wash-hand basin. The nearby bathroom next to Bedroom 6 can be shared with this room.

The rooms all lead onto the centrally located sitting room, with comfortable sofa, stereo system, satellite TV and a well-stocked bookcase. There are also games, toys for different ages.

The property has stone terraces surrounding it and there are beautiful landscaped gardens. There is a small vegetable garden where guests can take their pick.

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool is located above the main house in a quiet and secluded position. It is furnished with sunbeds, large umbrellas, outdoor shower and a toilet inside the pool house.

A pergola provides shade, and there is a fridge to keep drinks cool.

The area around the pool has been fenced for safety but this does not impose on the wonderful views.

A barbeque area is located close to the main kitchen and outside dining area.

There is a private tennis court.Read more

Additional Location Information

The Carmine estate is located in a spectacular position in northern Umbria.

The valley itself is outstanding in natural beauty, with the mountain of Monte Tezio rising high above it. Forests and olive groves adorn the slopes down to the valley with its stream, well managed farmland and vineyards.

The valley is dotted with ancient stone properties, all carefully restored, which add to the beauty of the area. It is abundant with local wild life including deer, wild boar and our favourite Hoopoe bird.

It is very well located to use the amenities of the local area, and after only 1 km of well maintained gravel road you reach the small village of La Bruna. The village of Pierantonio is a 10 minute drive and the larger market town of Umbertide a 15 minute drive, so all the requirements of local shops, restaurants, banks etc are easy and quick to reach.

The main road of the E45 is only a 10 minute drive, which ensures that it is easy to reach after travelling. It also allows you to visit the many attractions of the nearby area, and places a little further in neighbouring Tuscany, Le Marche and southern Umbria.

The historical university city of Perugia is only 20 minutes drive, which provides all the larger services such as rail and bus connections, and newly developed Perugia airport, as well as enjoying the famous festivals such as Umbria Jazz.

Only 2 kms from the property is Antognolla Golf Estate, which boasts a challenging Robert Trent Jones Championship golf course and a wonderful restaurant.

Lake Trasimeno is a short half hour drive. There you can enjoy a large variety of watersports, take a ferry across to one of the islands, visit many of the towns that surround the lake and sample the good restaurants that serve fresh lake fish.

Visitors can enjoy the highlights of the area, including Assisi and Gubbio, and can also experience the true Umbria. It is very much a thriving local area, with a vibrant weekly market in Umbertide. Wild boar hunts take place in the valley weekly in the season and many local festas are held throughout the year where visitors to the area are very much welcomed.

A visit to Chiesa del Carmine will give our guests a genuine flavour of Italy.

Location Type Away from it all, Mountain, Rural

What Past Guests Are Saying

• MS913
  LONDON

  11th century church restored to offer modern, boutique hotel, lu

  Left on 04/08/2013 for a stay in April 2013
  
  

  If you are torn between staying in a historical/period property but want the comfort and luxury (not to mention contemporary design) of a boutique hotel, this is the place for you. The property is split across 2 buildings:
  The 11th century church provides a breathtaking living, kitchen and dining space (including grand piano and in home cinema). The kitchen is fully equipped for the most passionate chefs (we actually arranged caterers to cook for us as well one night) including american-style fridge freezer, dishwasher, range cooker etc.
  The farmhouse provides two story sleeping arrangements (the majority of the rooms have en suite luxury walk-in marble showers) and one of the rooms has a spectacular freestanding bath with views across the garden and countryside - its deep so allow 20-30 mins to draw a bath but god its worth it. There's also a living space and kitchenette in addition to the main 'entertaining space'.
  The buildings are split by 2-3 meters but despite our original reservations the set up actually really worked for us, particularly as a couple of our party stay up and rise later than the others so nobody was disturbed by different sleeping habits.
  We're already talking about booking again for a birthday treat and I've recommended to a friend for their wedding as it would be perfect. Chrissie looks after the place - we were the first people to stay there and she lives literally 2 minutes away and couldn't have been more helpful.
  Amazing place - didn't want to leave.

  More Details ►

  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Groups

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes

• 991Carla
  London, United Kingdom

  Something special - Peace and comfort in a beautifully restored

  Left on 04/08/2013 for a stay in April 2013
  
  

  I stayed here this Spring,with family, including children (9 -11 years old). We loved the mixture of history and luxurious comfort. Great for long walks in the countryside and visits to the medieval towns nearby. Ideal for groups of friends or families who want to rest, eat and spend quality time together.

  More Details ►

  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Groups

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes