Chiesa Del Carmine

Chiesa del Carmine is a stunning 11th century church and 18th century farmhouse,which has been lovingly restored over five years using local artisans and materials to transform it into a luxurious 8-bedroom villa with private pool. It was completed in 2012 and guests now enjoy it as an idyllic rural retreat nestled in a peaceful valley, surrounded by meadows, woods, vineyards and olive groves. Although it may seem wonderfully remote and tranquil, this luxurious villa is helpfully just 1.5km along a ‘strada bianca’ – white (unmade) road – from the main road into the bustling village of Pierantonio (10mins), which has an excellent range of services, whilst the well-equipped town of Umbertide is about 15 minutes away and the cosmopolitan city of Perugia just 25 minutes away.

The beautifully renovated property is divided into two structures, the first being the ancient church and the second the farmhouse. The 11th century church houses the daytime living space with a large and well-equipped kitchen, a dining room and a stunning drawing room, complete with grand piano housed in the vaulted main section of the church. The restored farmhouse houses the seven bedrooms and six bathrooms which comprise five ensuite double bedrooms, one double room and one single/twin room which share a family bathroom, plus an additional sitting room and butlers pantry, which is ideal for making up nighttime feeds.

The villa is now wonderfully parent-friendly being both luxurious and welcoming for those with little ones. The pool is safely fenced and cots, highchairs, changing mats, toys, books, games, DVDs and babysitting can all be provided by the native English speaking property managers who live elsewhere on the estate. They can also provide catering, from just one meal a week up to to three meals a day, maid service, in-house beauty therapy treatments, guided walking tours, wine tours and truffle hunts. A substantial welcome pack is provided and pre-arrival shopping available on request, so parents can truly relax from the moment they arrive.

The Carmine estate is a privately owned estate lovingly restored over recent years by the present owners. What was once an abandoned valley is now a thriving farm including an ancient olive grove, 5.5-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.


Accommodation Overview:

The farmhouse is a beautifully 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 comprises of three large bedrooms with twin/king zip'n'link beds, each with their own ensuite shower rooms and private terraces. One of the doubles is wheelchair accessible, whilst another boasts a beautiful 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 a kettle, ideal for making up late night feeds or early morning cuppas! It could also be used as a small bedroom for an older child. The final room on the farmhouse' ground level is a laundry with washing machine, tumble dryer, clothes dryer and sink.

Up the stone stairs from the vaulted hallway there are four further bedrooms and an additional sitting room, all benefiting from air-conditioning. The master bedroom boasts a romantic large fireplace, private terrace and outdoor stairs, giving it its own entrance, along with its ensuite shower room. Bedroom 5 is a double room with ensuite shower room with shower, whilst bedroom six is similar in size to 5 but has use of an adjoining bathroom, rather than ensuite. Its bathroom can also be used by guests using the upstairs 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, television and a well-stocked bookcase. There are also games, toys for different ages, and childrens’ pens, paints and drawing paper available.

The former 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 brilliant 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 and is very well equipped with a double oven and 6-ring gas hob, dishwasher, microwave, espresso maker and large fridge/freezer. There is also a kitchen table and chairs for casual dining. A toilet (suitable for disabled) is located here. The kitchen leads onto outdoor dining terraces with barbeque facilities, each providing shade during the day.

Outside, the property is surrounded by a lovely stone terrace and beautiful landscaped gardens, There's a handy barbecue area set beside the kitchen a shady pergola over the dining area, which has its own fridge for cool drinks and snacks and a safely fenced but scenic pool set in a tranquil spot with lovely views.