Overview

This stunning period palazzo, once home to Canova, the neoclassical sculptor, is set in San Gemini, a lively, charming and very historic village high in the hills just south of Todi. Recently renovated and updated, Santi Terzi has emerged as a magnificent yet cheerful private villa in which the original architectural elements, including high ceilings and beautiful stonework, are set off by tasteful and comfortable furnishings. Air conditioned master bedroom, three sitting rooms and a choice of dining areas and kitchens provide plenty of space for a large group - so much space, in fact, that the palazzo was dubbed 'an Italian Hogwarts' by the Sunday Times. There are breathtaking views from every window in the palazzo as well as from the stone terrace around the colonnaded swimming pool, but the best view of all is from the open tower, accessed by a trapdoor. This area, and the village itself, are full of references to an extraordinarily rich history that spans the Roman, medieval and Renaissance eras. Festivals are held here throughout the year, but the high point is the October harvest.

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Description

Rental options

 Santi Terzi is available at a lower rate for smaller parties. For details see Santi Terzi (x 14 people).

Location

 Santi Terzi crowns hilltop San Gemini, a perfectly scaled, virtually untouristed village in southern Umbria with shops and a selection of restaurants. Neighbouring hill towns include Todi, 15 minutes, Amelia, 25 minutes and Spoleto, 30 minutes. Spectacular Roman ruins at Carsulae, 5 minutes. Perugia and Assisi can be reached in under 1 hour. Cars are barred from most of San Gemini's streets; access to the palazzo involves steps and steep inclines.

Accommodation

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Ground floor

 Courtyard and entrance. Summer kitchen and living/dining area leading to a dining loggia with built-in barbeque and the pool terrace. WC. Shower.

Second floor

 [up three flights of stone steps] Double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom one with shower, twin bedroom [convertible to double] with an ensuite bathroom with bath, leading into a large sitting room with a fireplace. Two double bedrooms [one with a fireplace] with ensuite bathrooms with showers. One small double bedroom, one twin bedroom [convertible to double] sharing a bathroom with bath and leading into a small kitchen and second large sitting room with a fireplace. Air conditioned Master double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with bath. Dining room leading into a very well-equipped kitchen. Breakfast room.

Tower

 Reading room with a trapdoor leading to the open tower with 360-degree views.

La Soffitta

 [a self-sufficient apartment under the eaves, with very low ceilings in places] Two double bedrooms. Bathroom with bath and shower. Sitting room with a kitchenette and a double settee bed.

Grounds

 A small but very nicely landscaped west-facing garden with several sitting areas. The heated swimming pool, 3 x 10m/10 x 32 feet, is set on a stone terrace that is partially sheltered by a colonnade. The eastern facade of the palazzo faces into the village through a gated cobblestone courtyard.

Assistance

 Assistance is provided locally by the property's very affable English-speaking owner. Services included in the rental fee, and optional services available, are noted under Price and Availability.

Facilities

 Three kitchens. Dishwasher. Microwave. Laundry room with two washing machines and a spin dryer. Built-in barbeque. Three working fireplaces. Air conditioning in the master bedroom only. Central heating. Satellite TV [Sky channels] with video/DVD and English film collection. CD player. English library. Mini football table. Wireless ADSL internet connection [computer not provided]. Three sets of golf clubs available. Mountain bikes available on request.

Facilities notes

 No telephone.

Access

 Airports: Rome, 1 hour 30 minutes. Railway station at Terni, 15km/10 miles. Bus stop in San Gemini to local towns and villages see link for times and destinations http://www.prosangemini.it/en/traspubb.php. Motorway exit at San Gemini Fonte, 15 minutes, with paved roads leading to the village. Parking for three cars along a shared drive below house or in public lots five minutes away. Cars are barred from most of San Gemini’s streets; access to the palazzo involves steps and steep inclines.

Activities

 Tennis within walking distance in the village. 18-hole golf at the Perugia Golf Club, about 1 hour. Giostra dell' Arme in San Gemini takes place the last week in September and the first two weeks of October, http://www.bellaumbria.net/San_Gemini/giostra_dell%27arme_eng.htm

Small appliances

 1 Hair dryer in each bathroom.

Pool details

 The heated swimming pool, 3 x 10m/10 x 32 feet, has a constant depth of 1.50m/4.8 feet with steps for entry/exit and is equipped with hydromassage jets and a fountain.

Suitability

 The many steps in the building and relatively steep access from the village pose difficulties for those with mobility restrictions. Santi Terzi - and the town of San Gemini - provide a wonderful setting for a wedding or special event, and the owner of the palazzo would be happy to help in the planning.

Additional notes about the property

 Outstanding cook available, who specialises in Umbrian dishes.