This of the Radar Villa in Umbria, Filled My Inbox Last Summer

Sharing a place for your private villa holidays in Umbria...

I’ve been to Umbria a couple of times and always feel very at ease and slow paced. There’s a certain calmness to this hilly region with its endless curvy landscape that wraps the sunset in the evenings with flickering lights from hill-top-perched medieval towns in the distance. When I think of Umbria, I think of silence, of sounds from the landscape and nature, of sky burning picturesque sunsets and dewy grass fields when it rises. I think of truffles, of wild boars and rabbits and of downtime with my family. Umbria feels like a secret for those of us loving Tuscany, but not the crowds during high summer. It still very much breathes the authenticity that we all crave during peak season in Italy.

We all know that Italy is a favorite summer destination of many, which means you have to look well in advanced if you want to secure a holiday during peak season, even more so if you want to secure a nice private villa for your family holiday. Luckily there are plenty of sites for this (shoot me a message if you would like a post on this), however the real magic is when you’re tipped of, with a place from a trusted source. I like to think, that you are here because you view Via Oltra as that trusted source.

Living space Casale di Monticello

So here I am sharing this former monastery, farmhouse and family residence — turned restored aristocratic villa (which had my DM burn on Instagram last summer) — and the best of it? There’s still some availability in the summer months…

The Villa

Casale di Monticello, stands proud atop the rolling hills of the most charming medieval village in the Umbrian countryside, Todi. The Villa that accommodates up to 8 guests (+2), is nothing like you would expect to find in Umbria, a region typically known for its stone houses. Rising tall is instead a monastery worthy building with a flawless bright sand-colored washed facade and pale green shutters complimenting the subtle burned green fields it sits on.

Inside awaits a simplistic interior, where natural materials emphasize the history of the Casale with its white washed walls and earthy terracotta floors.

White linen fabrics sway in the wind, on the beds and upholstery adding to the serene state of the villa, a feel that continues through the space with wooden and green-gray painted antiques paired with modern lamps, furniture and the sleek kitchen — balancing the modern life appeal.

In the kitchen you’ll find everything you need, including the “when-in-italy” must for morning coffee, a classic mokka pot — which I would start of by brewing every morning after a swim in complete silence (if you’re a parent or just an early riser I am sure you can relate to those magic mornings before the rest of the party gets up) those early coffee sips under the grand old fig tree were truly rejuvenating.

Days are spent by the pool with books and games, trips to Todi for gelato an more espressos — vegetables and fruit haul at the farmers market and not least visits to the local cheese manufacturers and shop, for fresher than fresh daily made burrata.

Back at the Casale, the implemented aperitivo hour has arrived, with what becomes the house aperitivo set, a blanc vermouth tonic with rosemary sprigs from the garden and a salty side of pistachios and olives while the magic late afternoon turns into evening. Long dinners ends the day with views of clear starry nights and the dancing lights of Todi in the horizon.