Podere Stabbione Countryhouse, Castel Viscardo, Italy

In one of the most beautiful parts of Italy, south-west Umbria, this traditional country house offers guests the chance to experience unspoiled nature and historical delights. The house is divided into 2 self-contained apartments which allow friends and families to holiday together but with some independence.

The upstairs apartment has a comfortable sitting room with cosy sofas, armchairs and a TV. The kitchen/dining area is through an attractive archway. The spacious dining room has a table for 6 and a breakfast bar next to the open-plan kitchen. The fitted kitchen is equipped with a cooker hob, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and Nespresso machine.

Downstairs the spacious apartment retains the original stone walls, with chestnut beamed ceilings. The sitting room, with doors leading onto the garden, has two sofas and a bar. An attractive wooden staircase leads to the upstairs apartment. A traditional brick archway leads into a large dining room. The dining table seats 10 people and there is also an armchair with a flat-screen TV and a stunning open fireplace. Another set of doors leads out from the room to the terrace and garden. A small flight of steps leads up to the airy kitchen. Here again is an open fireplace and a bread oven. The kitchen has a cooker hob, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and Nespresso machine. There is also a dining table in the kitchen and double doors leading into the garden.

The unspoiled gardens include a terrace with a table and chairs for delicious meals al fresco. There are swings for children to enjoy and a BBQ.

Sleeping
There are five bedrooms each individually decorated with antiques and unique pieces. Two rooms have double beds with wardrobes, 2 have 2 single beds with wardrobes and the last has a bunk bed and a wardrobe.

Bathrooms
There are two bathrooms, one on each floor. They are beautifully tiled and furnished with a shower, basin, bidet and WC.

Additional
• Free Wifi • Outside dining • BBQ • Fireplace • Fan • Flatscreen TV • Books library • Games library • Music stereo • Hair dryer • Private fenced garden • Pets allowed (downstairs only) • Very child-friendly • Baby cot available • Suitable for elderly guests • Private parking, car essential • Central heating from 15th November to 30th April at €50/day, payment on site

Location
Although the house is set in unspoiled countryside with wonderful views, it is close to many local amenities. The medieval village of Monterubiaglio (800 m) has a bar which serves food plus a swimming pool and tennis court. Castel Viscardo (10 minutes) also has some good restaurants serving local cuisine.

There are some wonderful historical sites and natural wonders within easy reach, including the city of Orvieto (20 minutes) is famous for its Renaissance cathedral and fine white wine. Go on a market day (Thursday and Saturday) to pick up some of the best regional ingredients to use at home. Lake Bolsena (approximately 30 minutes) km, is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. There is a beach for swimming plus kayaking and canoeing facilities.

The capital of Umbria, Perugia is 1 hour and 20 minutes away. It is well worth a visit, as is the famous town of Assisi (1 hour and 35 minutes) birthplace of St Francis and a site of pilgrimage. Rome (1 hour 40 minutes) is also a fascinating day trip, as are Siena (1 hour 35 minutes) and Florence (2 hours).

The closest airport is at Perugia (1 hour and 25 minute drive)