Essiccatoio, Montone - Perugia

Set on a lavender-producing estate in hills on Tuscany’s eastern border with Umbria, Essiccatoio offers the chance to explore some wonderful towns and cities in both regions. Città di Castello, Perugia, Cortona and Assisi are all easy day trips, however the villa’s outlook might delay you a while. Surveying undulating meadows and woodland promotes a deep intake of fresh air and quick switch into unwinding mode.

One of three traditional properties that form a loose hamlet, Essiccatoio has been beautifully restored by the owners, who live in another villa within the cluster. They have an eye for colour and detail. The interiors, which can absorb up to six guests, are rich in feel and interest. In warm weather, the generous private pool and terrace, set on a lower, secluded level of the garden, will demand your attention. But visit in cooler seasons and it will be a pleasure to spend time appreciating the indoor spaces. The lounge, with its grand stone open fireplace, marigold-orange walls, huge window on to the garden and excellent stereo system, is a brilliant place to enjoy time together, whether that’s with friends or family.

Ground Floor

Hall
Cupboard, chair, stairs to first floor, main entrance.

Lounge
Sofa, three armchairs, sideboard, coffee table, bookshelves, fireplace.

Kitchen-Diner
Fully equipped kitchenette, table and chairs, armoire, chest of drawers, double doors to furnished covered terrace.

First Floor

Hall
Stairs to ground and second floors.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), chest of drawers.

En-suite bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 2
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), two hanging rails, sideboard, blanket chest, two chairs.

Bathroom 2
Bath with handheld shower, two sinks, small cupboard, WC.

Second floor

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), chest of drawers, chair, stairs to first floor.

Our Thoughts
There are many things to rave about here. So much catches the attention, from the well-kept garden where you can stargaze at night to beautiful oriental rugs, ceramics, antique chests and prints, glistening copper pans, original artwork and vivid colour-washed walls. Dinners on the covered terrace outside the kitchen-diner are sure to be memorable, as well as cool drinks from the fridge in the shaded poolside area, which is a great chilling-out zone. Montone, your nearest hilltop town, has lots of restaurants and small convenience shops. You are welcome to use the owners’ bicycles to explore locally.

Notes
Three bedrooms. Two bathrooms, one en-suite. The bedrooms have sloped ceilings with restricted headroom in places. The owners live in an adjacent house with their cats and two dogs, which roam freely, and there is a small shop selling lavender products on site, but Essiccatoio and its pool are yours alone - the third building at the hamlet is not occupied when guests are staying at Essicatoio. Pets are not allowed.

Pool
The large, salt-cleansed pool located slightly below the villa, is entered by steps and has a good deep end for diving and a pool shower. To one side of the surrounding paved sun terrace, which has sunloungers, is a small stone building with a fridge, stereo and covered terrace with table and chairs, this can also be used as a pool changing room.
Pool size: 5x12m, 1.3-2.3m deep. Open May to September, weather permitting