Orvieto

Astonishing ancient abbey with a natural Etruscan spring, finely restored into a charming residence with pool, solar panels, annexes and land for sale in Orvieto, Umbria. Set in an extraordinary location on top of a hill and just an hour's drive north of Rome. From the Etruscans to the Romans, this property has been an important landmark for almost more than 2500 years, as shown by the Etruscan caverns discovered underneath the villa. Most of its precious findings are today exposed in a museum in Orvieto. Due to its strategic dominant position, it was a defense fortress for several centuries. Of the original 5-story tower, only two are left today. It became an important abbey and monastery after the Middle Age, until the beginning of 1800 when the new noble owners started to use it as a farming estate. One of the original chapels still remains today. But it is just in the 80s that this stunning property started a brand new life thanks to a meticulous conservative restoration carried out by one of the most important Italian architectural studios of that time, and published in prestigious interior design magazines worldwide. The dominant element is the medieval tower embraced by the rural stone buildings, and a modern double-glazed room created to connect the tower and the farm annex. A contemporary touch in perfect harmony with the ancient stone walls. The main residence features several levels offering interesting pathways and stairs leading to the various rooms. The hand-made terracotta floors in contrast with the high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, and the majestically restored original stones, some preserving astonishing century-old marks, create a fantastic and charming contrast throughout. The property, recently equipped also with solar panels, a gym and a sauna, offers two separate residencies within the former monastery and tower housing living areas with fireplaces and a total of six bedrooms along with a separate one-bedroom cottage. The former pigsty and warehouse stone barn still needs to be restored with great potential of expansion and use. The plot of land surrounding the building boasts a garden landscaped with fountains and water springs, mature trees and mediterranean shrubs. A panoramic terrace facing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and a modern rectangular shape swimming pool featuring a stone wall waterfall and a sun deck elegantly paved in wood and stone. A five-seat carport and a separate building are also included. The 15 acres of agricultural land consist of an olive grove, orchard with hazelnut trees, woods and fully fenced arable land. Boasting prestigious characteristics and amenities, this is a marvelous ready-to-move-in property to live with family and friends or to host travelers for their exclusive vacations in Central Italy.