Villa Monte Croce

This beautiful hilltop retreat sits in the heart of Umbria, where country living merges with art, history and exceptional food and wine. Set on one of Italy's most exclusive private country estates, it is just 20 minutes from Perugia — home to opera and the famous Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate festivals — with Siena, Arezzo and Assisi nearby and Rome and Florence within two hours.

Refurbished to a high standard, it might well be called the 'villa on top of the world' thanks to its extraordinary 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. It offers three beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms with king beds, a large infinity pool, an outdoor hot tub and pristine landscaped gardens, surrounded by thousands of hectares of forests, olive groves and valleys.

Traditional interiors with exposed beams are bright and understated, blending contemporary and rustic in a light palette. A gorgeous fireplace warms the living room, sliding doors open to the terrace, and the kitchen has a breakfast nook. Dine beneath the chandelier or al fresco, then relax by the pool — with a local restaurant and championship golf just minutes away.