Il Giardino di Spello

Just a few steps up an old cobbled street sits this cottage of great charm. Formerly a simple stone building on the edge of the town walls of Spello, Il Giardino di Spello has been completely re-designed and restored in a fresh contemporary style by the owner, an architect. 

“I have created the sort of home-away-from-home that experienced travellers expect. I’ve decorated it with my favourite palette of colours and with items found on my travels.” 

The atmosphere is one of complete relax; the greatest luxury is the lush private garden in which to dream in the sun or shade – a rarity in such an ancient town.

Rosemary, sage, verbena, thyme and lavender scent the air. Pomegranates ripen in the autumn and climbing roses soften a shady wooden cloister built against ancient stone walls.

Although Il Giardino di Spello is available for a minimum of 3 days with flexible arrival and departure times it is nonetheless fully equipped for much longer stays.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APARTMENT

Arrival

Open the pretty painted door from the street and a stylish, white-painted stone entrance lobby sets the scene. A bright Moroccan rug and cushions add a dash of colour. One’s eye is drawn along a stone path and raised flower- beds to the spacious garden on your left; ahead is the cane-covered outdoor seating area adjacent to the kitchen-living room. 

Cooking, living and dining

One’s first impression is of a light and airy space. Pretty, practical and un-fussy but perfectly furnished. The arched doorway ahead leads to the 2 bedrooms and bathroom.  On the right is the kitchen and dining area, to the left a comfortable, linen-covered sofa opposite the fireplace with a modern flat screen television set on a low table. A French-style café table and chairs, linen blinds and curtains and a pair of old Belgian metal shutters (hiding china and cutlery) add character to the open-plan space. The floors throughout are a soft, taupe resin finish and the accent colour is Hermes orange. Chic, cheerful and modern.

Master bedroom

With breathtaking views over farmlands and the Chiona hills beyond, this is a romantic peaceful retreat.  The king-size bed has a natural linen cover; the curtains are made from fine Indian saris bought in Pondicherry.  The owner had the wall hung clothes hooks copied from a traditional Italian design and has provided linen-lined baskets for folded clothes. A pair of vintage, red velvet chairs perfectly pull together the colours of the Moroccan rug and the stripes in the curtains. From this wonderful room your eyes see nothing of the modern world - just the Italian landscape at its very best.

China’s room – single bed

Smaller but not tiny the 2nd bedroom is fresh and bright with its red/orange and white colour scheme. The curtains are a mix of sari fabric and white linen. A cosy Tyrol blanket and Etro cushions add texture to this charming room. Clothes hooks and baskets are provided as in the master bedroom.

Bathroom

Both bedrooms share the gleaming white modern bathroom. A large shower, good directional lighting, an oversize hot towel rail and wall mirror combine to make bathing a delight. 

GARDEN

Umbria has an excellent climate. Being outside, dining or resting and reading is one of our greatest holiday pleasures, especially after long days exploring the region.  The owner has provided the perfect setting. She has designed and planted the garden to allow plenty of space to lie in the sun as it moves from east to west. To recline on a shady day-bed piled with soft pillows or to spend the evenings enjoying local salami, ham and cheese with a glass of excellent wine around the old red-painted table and chairs which come from the owner’s grandmother’s backyard. Often the most vivid holiday memories are those of warm evenings, spent with family or friends in a scented garden. 

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS, for large groups up to 12 and 15 people

- VILLA GIULIA (sleeps up 6) a nearby villa with private garden and pool

- VILLA SPLENDIDA (sleeps up 6) charming and spacious villa just a few meters up the street with lovely private garden and pool.

The 2 gardens of Villa Splendida and Villa Giulia can be unified opening a gate and obtaining a large property with huge garden and 2 pools, sleeping up 12 (6+6). In case of need can be added this apartment Il Giardino di Spello, for a maximum capacity of 15 people. Reduced rates offered for large groups.

ACCESSIBILITY

The area is accessible by car, parking spaces nearby. Children are welcome

Smoking is only permitted outdoors, pets not accepted.

RENTAL TERMS

Inclusive of all taxes and cleaning service every day except Sunday and

National holidays. Available for a minimum of 1 week, Available year-round

FACILITIES/AMENITIES

- Available year-round

- Air conditioning

- Heating

- Satellite television – BBC news and sport, French, German and Russian channels

- Wi-fi house and garden (bring your own laptop)

- i-pod docking station

- Washing machine and drier in annexe beside the garden entrance

- Dishwasher

- Oven and hob

- Fridge, toaster, coffee machine – all cutlery, china, linen and utensils

- Quality bed linen and towels

- Outdoor dining table and chairs on shaded patio

- Working fireplace

- Daily cleaning (except on Sundays and festival days)

WHAT TO DO DURING THE STAY... 

ART, GASTRONOMY, TOURS, NATURE, SPORT, CULTURE, RELAX 

International Art festivals 

In-house chef, on demand 

Antique markets (in the neary village of Pissignano there is one of the argest antique markets in central Italy, the first Sunday of each month) 

Wine Tours in the vineyards and cellars 

Active Days (guided or self-guided walks/hikes in the surrounding forests - cycling - river rafting - hiking, free climbing et.) 

Bike tours followed by pic-nic lunches prepared by a local chef 

Horse riding in a Horse School at easy distance from the villa 

Truffle Hunting Excursion followed by lunch including truffles 

Classic City Tours in Umbria and Tuscany 

Cooking Classes in the property

Gourmet Tours (to include olive oil, cheese, cereals, cured meats); 

Winter fun (snow rackets trekking/cross country skiing) in the mountains 

SPA (at easy driving distance from the villa) 

Foraging Excursions followed by tastings (mushrooms, asparagus, edible flowers and wild herbs); 

Especially suitable for children (Pizza making, Truffle hunting with dogs, Riding with donkeys in the mountains followed by picnic, Farm visits, outdoor adventure park and more) 

NON PEAK SEASON BOOKINGS 

Il Giardino di Sepllo is also a good option in the low season. This is when the cities gets less crowded, temperatures are lower but still around 15/25 degrees Celsius in the central hours of the day. Autumn is a very colourful season and the light is beautiful. In October and November there is the hand-picking of olives and grapes, while in spring the region enjoys warm temperatures and a beautiful flowering of fruit trees and poppies. Not to mention the winter peirod, with the Christmas and End of the Year celebrations and events, with a layer of snow whitewashing the mountains.

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