Torre Berardesca, Todi, Umbria, Italy Vacation Rental

Scrupulously restored and absolutely contemporary in contrast to its original context, this tower, an ancient stronghold built in the twelfth century commanding its surroundings, is today one of the very few contemporary classics up for rental in Italy, embracing the spirit of the Middle Ages and that of today: we highly recommend this setting to either three families traveling together – each floor is almost independent from the rest of the house – or a group of friends with a soft spot for design. The atmosphere on the terrace on top of the tower is simply magical, the views from each bedroom window will sculpt a for-ever memory in visitors, the peace, the sense of round-tranquillity is absolutely unique. Close to everything that matters in central-northern Italy, such as Perugia, Assisi, Cortona, Valdorcia in Tuscany, even Rome, this is the perfect base for a fantastic experience in Italy. The property is a contemporary serviced villa for those looking for privacy and luxury in a contemporary, yet ancient context and it’s only rented entirely for twelve adults plus some children in extra beds.

The castle, listed since 1954, has been restored with rigorous philological methods and transformed into an enchanting place of hospitality, with a contemporary touch in furnishing and choice of colours and use of spaces. Intimate, comfortable and evocative, this charming property strikes for the purity of its architectural lines that merge and blend with a graceful contamination of design furniture and glamorous accent pieces: as seen today, the castle is the result of skilful structural renovation, with interiors organized to meet today’s demand for modern accommodation. For relaxing outdoors, the tower offers on its top of 24 meters in height a panoramic and striking terrace from which admiring Todi and the surrounding countryside. The tower features six double bedrooms and seven bathrooms, of which two feature a hot tub and one a shower, a sauna and a hot tub. In the heart of the region that spawned Saint Benedict and Saint Francis, just eight kilometres from the city of Todi, the tower is also a superb starting point for a visit to Umbria: Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, Bevagna, Montefalco and Orvieto are all within 30/40 km, and it takes less than two hours to reach Rome and Florence by car or train.

The third floor of the tower is light-flooded. The floor, 120 sq.m., offers unforgettable hospitality to four guests and features two bedrooms sharing one large living room, equipped with a fireplace, decorated with fascinating pieces of classical design such as the Wassily chairs, a secondary large dining room with table that can easily seat up to 12 people for dinner parties, a fully equipped floor kitchen. The large windows allow the view of a stunning landscape dominated by green fields and woods.

The fourth floor of the tower is always surprising for its brightness and for the stunning panoramic views. This floor, 120 Sq.Mt. accommodates 4 guests as it comprises two double bedrooms (one with French bed) and a colorful fully equipped floor kitchen. The wide living room is made impressive by the double white sofa in front of the black Le Corbusier sofa. This graceful living room allows 12 guests to relax and enjoy the beautiful Serena stone fireplace. The two bathrooms are very original thanks to both the Stark furnishing and the mosaic covering stone of Orvieto. The first bathroom, the smallest, is equipped with a comfortable shower, the second bathroom boasts a double sink, a Jacuzzi and a Tatami shower for two people.

Todi, one of the best Italian hill towns, is a picturesque walled village with good views over the countryside. Sights are close together so Todi can be easily explored in a couple of hours but there are good places to linger, enjoying the views or the ambiance. Once a simple agricultural town, today has been gentrified to within an inch of its life. Its lofty position, however, atop a perfect pyramid of a hill, remains as impressive as ever – especially from a far – and if one visits off season they will still get a glimpse of what attracted Romans and foreigners in the first place. The main square is the main attraction – as perfect an early medieval piazza as one could hope to find, so perfect that it’s appeared in plenty of swashbuckling period films. Cafés and gaunt palaces line its flanks, with an austere but appealing Duomo at one end. Two palaces on the square’s eastern side house the excellent Museo e Pinacoteca di Todi, with paintings and archeological and other displays that trace Todi’s history from its Etruscan origins. Visit the church of San Fortunato two minutes’ walk away – central Todi is tiny – and climb its tower for the views and admire its airy Gothic interior. Pretty smaller churches (not always open) dot the streets which, as ever in Umbrian hill-towns, are worth wandering for their own sakes. Just outside town, domed Santa Maria della Consolazione, built on a Greek Cross plan, is one of central Italy’s finest Renaissance churches: admire it as you pass, but don’t waste time on the bland interior.

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.

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.

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Children are welcomed

No pets

No smoking

Some homes allow events, please ask

Cleaning fee applies

Tax applies

3 night minimum

Rates vary depending on time of year and number of guests

High season and holiday rates are higher

50% down to book

Balance due 60 days prior

Please bring proof of identification

Travel insurance recommended

All bookings are final

Rates and fees subject to change without notice