La Dimora dell'Artista

The Taticchi family’s sprawling villa, a certified member of the national association of historic properties (ADSI), has been passed on for five generations – the oldest part, the watchtower, dates from the 14th century. It’s surrounded by a large 4-hectare park and a path in the romantic garden leads down to the Tiber river. Appointed with family antiques, the home is a glimpse into a bygone era that the family passionately maintains.

Daughter Francesca is the chef and her son Novello the sommelier and maitre. Breakfast is in the dining room or in the garden: find a selection of home-baked bread, jams, cakes and fruit on your table; order eggs, local cheeses, yogurt and cereals as you wish. Make sure you stay for dinner – the restaurant offers traditional Umbrian cuisine with innovative touches, has a well-stocked cellar and is popular with locals. 

Find a shady spot under an oak tree in the rambling garden, or on the upstairs veranda with views out over the park. You can take a cooking lesson with Francesca or walk or bike in the nearby Tevere or Monte Tezio nature reserves. Both Studio Moretti Caselli stained-glass museum and workshop and Vineria del Carmine wine estate are a 15-minute drive away, and the ceramic centre of Deruta is a 30-minute drive.