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Farmhouse with uninterrupted views across the valley, about half an hour from Perugia, close to a spa and an 18 hole golf course

Have a look at the PROPERTY section for a full description of this property by clicking on this link: http://www.tuscany-luxury.com/property/perugia-haven/

Umbria region is exquisite, mystical, peaceful, and best of all, unspoiled. Centrally located, in less two hours visitors can reach Rome or Florence, this landlocked region of Italy is often referred to as the green heart of the Country and it is an especially verdant region of mountains, rolling green hills, forests, tumbling rivers, lush farming land, hiking trails, vineyards, and awe inspiring and time transporting views.

Out of Umbria come extraordinary and highly regarded wines, both red and white, olive oils, whole grains, exquisite truffles, first rate prosciutto, sausages and other pork products, honeys, cheeses – and much more. Umbria’s countryside is at its best in May, garlanded with flowers and spring green, and blessed with weather that is already balmy. Upland Norcia escapes the heat that can make most of the region’s other towns hard to visit in July and August.

Unmissable are festivals and holy days, especially in Assisi (Easter is particularly felt by Italians), and off season: with so many indoor cultural attractions – galleries, churches, museums – and only locals in the restaurants, the region can be a joy to explore at this time of year. Ever-changing, untouched landscapes in the green of winding valleys make Umbria a region that will never fail to amaze. At the heart of the boot, it is the only region with no coastline and it is a complete region, so centrally located to constitute the perfect option for those who want to get the best of Italy in once.

Villa with beautiful garden and stunning views, about half an hour from Perugia, close to an 18 hole golf course

Have a look at the full description on the PROPERTIES section by following this link

http://www.tuscany-luxury.com/property/monte-corona/

The cuisine in the Province of Perugia is frugal and made from genuine products such as olive oil, often accompanied by bruschetta, grilled meats, and vegetables. Black truffles, a typical product of the region, are used in many dishes and are the main ingredient of the Easter Pizza, a salted panettone (Christmas cake) flavoured with pecorino (sheep’s milk cheese). The lentils from Castelluccio are known for to their tiny size and their very soft hull. Salami and cold cuts from Norcia are other products not to be missed, accompanied by extra-virgin olive oil. Strangozzi, or Strozzapreti pasta made with water, flour and hard work, and served with various kinds of sauces, are amongst the most appetizing recipes, especially when served with meat sauces. The types of meat that are mainly used for second courses are pork, boar and lamb cooked with spices. Another delicious local product is the fish from Lake Trasimeno. Special fish-based dishes are the Tegamaccio, a soup very similar to the Tuscan Caciucco, made using different types of lake fish such as perch, trout, carp and pike. Another local dish is the Parmigiana di gobbi, an ancient dish made with cardoons (the gobbi), served with gravy, mozzarella and Parmigiano. Sweet tooths and nut lovers will enjoy the pinoccate, pine nut-based sweets; the torciglione, with raisins, walnuts and dried figs; and the torcolo, essentially a large donut with raisins and candied fruit. And of course, Italy’s version of the chocolate kiss is much more decadent than those found in America for instance: Baci Perugina, chocolate and hazelnut truffles in their famous silver and blue wrapping, with a romantic message tucked inside, were invented here. Also part of the panoply are Stinchetti (a mix of almond, cacao and sugar covered with merengue) and Struffoli (small balls of dough fried and sweetened with honey). Local Christmas sweets add to the extravagance, including the famous Rocciata di Assisi. Among the typical prized wines are the Sagrantino from Montefalco, passito (when the grapes used are dried on straw) red wine that pairs perfectly with both grilled meats and sweets, Torgiano and Colli Perugini.

Restored medieval defensive tower, with panoramic views over the valley, close to spa and an 18 hole golf course, less than half an hour from Perugia.

Have a look at the full description under the PROPERTY section of this website by going to the following link:   http://www.tuscany-luxury.com/property/perugia-tower/

Umbria region is exquisite, mystical, peaceful, and best of all, unspoiled. Centrally located, in less two hours visitors can reach Rome or Florence, this landlocked region of Italy is often referred to as the green heart of the Country and it is an especially verdant region of mountains, rolling green hills, forests, tumbling rivers, lush farming land, hiking trails, vineyards, and awe inspiring and time transporting views. Out of Umbria come extraordinary and highly regarded wines, both red and white, olive oils, whole grains, exquisite truffles, first rate prosciutto, sausages and other pork products, honeys, cheeses – and much more.

Umbria’s countryside is at its best in May, garlanded with flowers and spring green, and blessed with weather that is already balmy. Upland Norcia escapes the heat that can make most of the region’s other towns hard to visit in July and August. Unmissable are festivals and holy days, especially in Assisi (Easter is particularly felt by Italians), and off season: with so many indoor cultural attractions – galleries, churches, museums – and only locals in the restaurants, the region can be a joy to explore at this time of year. Ever-changing, untouched landscapes in the green of winding valleys make Umbria a region that will never fail to amaze. At the heart of the boot, it is the only region with no coastline and it is a complete region, so centrally located to constitute the perfect option for those who want to get the best of Italy in once.

Large villa with spectacular views across the valley, close to an 18 hole golf course, sleeping up to 18 guests, with air-conditioning and heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, less than half an hour from Perugia.

Have a look at the full description under the PROPERTY SECTION by clicking on this link: http://www.tuscany-luxury.com/property/antognolla-silence/

Honey stoned castle: it was originally a military fortress, it is now a luxurious getaway equipped with all modern amenities.   “A monumental restoration…not for the faint of heart”, Architectural Digest, November 2013.

For full details of this  Castello have a look at the PROPERTIES section by clicking through on this link: http://www.tuscany-luxury.com/property/castello-di-procopio/

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From the Architectural Digest, November 2013:”

“Restoration projects are not for the faint of heart, it is often said. When considered in the context of Castello di Santa Eurasia in Italy’s Umbria region and the efforts required to modernize and return the ruined former military outpost to its medieval grandeur, the conceit seems a staggering understatement. Then again, the young entrepreneur who undertook this daunting enterprise, Evgeny Lebedev, has never been one to shy away from a challenge. A case in point is the London-based Russian businessman’s 2009 decision to purchase – with his oligarch father, Alexander – the London Evening Standard, a then-struggling British newspaper that is now showing a profit again. The Lebedevs followed that move a year later with the acquisition of the equally beleaguered Independent and its weekend offshoot, The Independent on Sunday.

“I knew it would be a difficult project” the Moscow-born investor, philanthropist, and writer says of renovating Santa Eurasia, which he bought five years ago and named for a chapel that was once on the site. “At the same time, it felt like an exciting adventure.” And it didn’t hurt that Lebedev has long had a love affair with this untrammeled region of central Italy (he also owns another property, Palazzo Terranova, in the area). Or that the castle sits atop a steep hill offering dramatic 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. “The Holy Roman emperors’ army knew how to find the right spot,” he says. Tackling this monumental restoration required assembling a skilled team – a crew that would be able to satisfy not only the local authorities on complex issues of codes and preservation but also Lebedev’s desire for a luxurious getaway equipped with modern amenities. The project’s leaders, he decided, would be Rome architect Domenico Minchilli, who worked with him on Palazzo Terranova, and acclaimed Los Angeles interior designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a long-time friend.”

Fairytale historic castle with large garden courtyard, near Foligno

For a full description of this castle go to the PROPERTIES section by clicking on this link:

http://www.tuscany-luxury.com/property/umbrian-romance/

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EATING AND DRINKING IN PERUGIA AND SURROUNDINGS

The cuisine in the Province of Perugia is frugal and made from genuine products such as olive oil, often accompanied by bruschetta, grilled meats, and vegetables. Black truffles, a typical product of the region, are used in many dishes and are the main ingredient of the Easter Pizza, a salted panettone (Christmas cake) flavoured with pecorino (sheep’s milk cheese). The lentils from Castelluccio are known for to their tiny size and their very soft hull. Salami and cold cuts from Norcia are other products not to be missed, accompanied by extra-virgin olive oil.

Strangozzi, or Strozzapreti pasta made with water, flour and hard work, and served with various kinds of sauces, are amongst the most appetizing recipes, especially when served with meat sauces. The types of meat that are mainly used for second courses are pork, boar and lamb cooked with spices. Another delicious local product is the fish from Lake Trasimeno. Special fish-based dishes are the Tegamaccio, a soup very similar to the Tuscan Caciucco, made using different types of lake fish such as perch, trout, carp and pike. Another local dish is the Parmigiana di gobbi, an ancient dish made with cardoons (the gobbi), served with gravy, mozzarella and Parmigiano. Sweet tooths and nut lovers will enjoy the pinoccate, pine nut-based sweets; the torciglione, with raisins, walnuts and dried figs; and the torcolo, essentially a large donut with raisins and candied fruit. And of course, Italy’s version of the chocolate kiss is much more decadent than those found in America for instance: Baci Perugina, chocolate and hazelnut truffles in their famous silver and blue wrapping, with a romantic message tucked inside, were invented here. Also part of the panoply are Stinchetti (a mix of almond, cacao and sugar covered with merengue) and Struffoli (small balls of dough fried and sweetened with honey). Local Christmas sweets add to the extravagance, including the famous Rocciata di Assisi. Among the typical prized wines are the Sagrantino from Montefalco, passito (when the grapes used are dried on straw) red wine that pairs perfectly with both grilled meats and sweets, Torgiano and Colli Perugini.

Hilltop views in a wonderful location within half an hour of Tuscany, near a spa and golf course, about 20 kms from Perugia

For a full description of this villa go to the PROPERTY section by clicking on this link:  http://www.tuscany-luxury.com/property/monte-santa-croce/ 

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Lifted by a hill above a valley patterned with fields, where the River Tiber runs swift and clear, Perugia is Umbria’s petite and immediately likeable capital. Its centro storico (historic centre) rises in a helter-skelter of cobbled alleys, arched stairways and piazzas framed by magnificent palazzi (mansions). History seeps through every shadowy corner of these streets and an aimless wander through them can feel like time travel. Amongst many important folkloristic events taking place in the city Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate gastronomic festival are definitively worth a visit.

Città della Domenica is the first amusement park of Italy for children. Together with its spiritual sister, Assisi, Perugia is a candidate for European Capital of Culture 2019. It is also a bustling university town full of life that has always been the center of much attention. Perugia is known also for the fine chocolate that is produced there – any visit must be accompanied by some ‘Baci’ chocolate. The biggest annual event is a jazz festival which is held in July and attracts many renowned international performers. In October, chocolate lovers get to indulge their taste buds at the annual festival. The city contains many museums, the main one being the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria which is inside the magnificent Palazzo dei Priori. A walk down the main Corso Vannucci from the Rocca to the Fontana, will lead you to the museum. From here, take a stroll down the Via dei Priori for a step back in time.