House buy in Villa Contea Valentini Umbria

GEOGRAPHiC POSiTiON This stunning villa, a 16th-century post house once owned by Napoleon's niece, is located on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, in one of italy's most beautiful and historic areas. The buildings (over 1,000 sqm) were fully restored in 1998 to the highest standards with all modern ameneties, whilst maintaining their original character and features. DESCRiPTiON OF THE BUiLDiNGS This property consists of the main house of 750 sqm laid out on three floors, plus a separate garden/pool annex, an underground garage and storage area, making up a total of approx. 1200 sqm. The ground floor comprises of an original vaulted brick entrance hall, double vaulted drawing room with a large frescoed antique stone fireplace, dining room, custom built beautifully equipped open plan kitchen and family room with fireplace, laundry room, frescoed guest cloakroom, TV cinema room, large fitted study, two double guest rooms opening directly onto the gardens, each with en-suite bathroom. An elegant stone staircase leads to the upper floors. The first floor has a magnificent master bedroom suite with a fireplace, leading onto a panoramic terrace. The frescoed bathroom also has an adjoining Jacuzzi room and there is a large dressing room with two-period hand-painted wardrobes. This floor also has two further double bedrooms with an adjoining bathroom. The second floor comprises of a double bedroom, en-suite bathroom and sitting room (studio) with stunning panoramic views. There are also 120 sqm of attic storerooms on this level. The house is tastefully furnished including many antiques. There is GPL fuelled under-floor heating throughout. The floors are made of locally handcrafted terracotta tiles, each room having been laid in a different design. Windows and doors are made from solid chestnut in keeping with the true character of the house. All exterior walls are in their original red brick and doubly insulated. The roof is also insulated and made from authentic "old” terracotta tiles externally and internally with exposed original chestnut beams. A centralised vacuum system and comprehensive burglar alarm are also installed. in addition to the above accommodation, there are two first floor intercommunicating apartments with their own separate entrance and parking area. The apartments have an independent terrace and they are ideal for either guests or custodians. The annex (150 sqm) consists of a poolside loggia (60 sqm) with an incorporated pizza oven and gas barbeque. it has spectacular views of the Umbrian countryside and is extensively used year round for al fresco dining and relaxation, an orangerie (30 sqm) to enjoy the winter sun and a games room, gymnasium (60 sqm), a bathroom with steam shower, and a garden furniture storeroom are situated in an adjacent structure. A purpose built underground structure of approx. 120 sqm comprising a 3 to 4 car garage, boiler room, cantina and additional store room. EXTERNAL AREA The 1.5-hectare professionally landscaped garden features many secular cypress and olive trees as well as a multitude of roses. There is a fully automated irrigation system fed from the property's well. The elegant semicircular swimming pool with a period fountain completes the symmetrical rear garden. Another stone and brick fountain is situated in the driveway centred in front of the main entrance to the house. With this unique and rare Tuscan country home, the architect has successfully achieved the perfect harmony between the 16th century and the modern technology of today.