Panicale Luxury Villa

Rambling, sun-bleached stone farmhouses are among the most iconic images of dreamy Umbria and for 10-12 family and friends, few come much better than this spectacular restoration project, newly completed in April 2015. In true Umbrian tradition, this imposing, 16^th farmhouse was built in a panoramic position, with 360° views over forested hills to the town of Panicale, Lake Trasimeno and Tuscan peaks in the distance. Best of all for BFB, the transformation into a luxury villa has gone hand in hand with being really child friendly, thanks to thoughtful special features both inside and out.

Obviously no luxury villa would be complete without a private heated pool (12x6m), but this one also boasts a 6x3m toddler pool alongside that’s just 50cm deep, so everyone can gravitate here to unwind in the Umbrian sunshine, snooze in a shady pergola and admire the glorious views. The pool area is fenced and the villa’s grassy garden also has a large trampoline and a fenced play area with a sandpit.

The restoration of the farmhouse is a masterclass in keeping centuries of rustic charm, character and country living, then enhancing this with every contemporary luxury and funky designer flair. Exposed stone walls, archways and lofty timber ceilings throughout, teleport families into the traditional Umbrian way of life but the furnishings, finishing touches and gadgets are bang up to date, from designer moulded dining furniture to a Sonos sound system and Chromecast TV. The kitchen is the heart of every Umbrian farmhouse and here families can do full justice to the world famous cuisine, in a setting fit for any TV chef and with a big dining table for everyone to tuck in together. If it’s a special occasion, or just for a night off, chefs can also be arranged to prepare a fabulous Umbrian feast or a BBQ banquet.

The large, airy living area is divided into two, comprising a cosy sitting room with big, high backed armchairs and a library-style room, with book shelves up to the ceiling and a fireplace. While parents chill out in here, children have their own play room next door, filled with bright cushions, toys, games, an incredible soft play area over two floors with ball bath and a reading corner with children’s books.

The bedroomsare in the rustic style, with big wooden beds and handpicked pieces of traditional furniture, and all five have ensuites, with designer fittings, wet room showers and heated mirrors. The large, loft-style master bedroom has a big polished copper brass bath in one corner where parents can indulge in a soothing soak with a chilled Prosecco.


Accommodation overview

This is an impressive, luxury villa for up to 12 family and friends, plus babies in cots. The loft style master bedroom, with a double bed, is very spacious and has an open plan ensuite set up, featuring a freestanding copper bath in one corner. Bedrooms 2, 3 and 4 all have double beds and separate ensuite bathrooms with wet room showers. Bedroom 5 makes an ideal children’s’ room, with a very special large bed where 4 children can sleep together, or 2 adults and an ensuite with a bath and shower overhead. There is space for a cot in all five bedrooms, with 3 travel cots available. In the living areas, families can snuggle down to watch TV and DVD’s or listen to CD’s and iPods through the Sonos music system. There is also a separate children’s play room and the villa even has a tuned piano for a tinkle on the ivories! The farmhouse dining kitchen has a long table that seats 12 and is well equipped with all the utensils and latest appliances families could need, including an American fridge freezer, espresso machine, oven and hob, microwave and dishwasher. There is a separate laundry room, with a washing machine and dryer, plus a downstairs WC. The villa has air conditioning this is charged as used.