Barbanera Villa, a villa rental in Umbria

A Hotelier Rechristens a Historic Church

We love the beauty and romance of antiquity and this carefully restored luxury villa in Umbria has been thoughtfully preserved with great attention to detail. A colorful and eclectic selection of rugs, textiles, and furniture imbues the house with character and an all-important sense of home.

Just a few minutes from the main piazza in the hillside town of Spello, this former 14th-century church was restored and recreated as a unique luxury villa by owner Andrea Falkner Campi an experienced hotelier who lives nearby.

Nestled against the town walls, the villa is situated between the ancient gates of Porta del Mastro and Porta Prato. Constructed of locally quarried pink-tinted Subasio stone, the ancient arches and stonework provide a palpable sense of history.

Decorated with a mix of simple contemporary pieces, antiques, and bright Moroccan textiles, the open plan living room is an intimate lounge space that includes a dining area that seats eight. The kitchen is light and airy with a rustic Provencal style and state-of-the-art equipment for dining inside or al fresco.

Situated at patio level facing the garden, the large en suite master bedroom is a calm and restful space that feels akin to a private apartment. Above the master, the second bedroom has been designed using colorful textiles from Morocco and India teamed with cool, limed oak floors and white walls and features dazzling countryside views. The third bedroom is a romantic and secluded retreat accessed directly from the garden and outfitted with Designers Guild fabrics and art from Marrakesh.

There is a large mezzanine area studio designed as a peaceful reading and music area with vaulted stone walls and an original figurative church painting. With a full-size sofa bed, it can double as a fourth bedroom or just a private place to chill.

Outside under the ancient vaulted arches, there is plenty of lounge and dining areas and easy access to the garden and pool at the lower level. Set back and to the side of the villa with unobstructed views of the countryside, there is ample space for relaxing and entertaining in a peaceful setting of lush green gardens.

Around

Known as the "green heart of Italy", this region of Umbria is one of the most picturesque holiday destinations with pristine largely rural landscapes, rolling wooded hills, mountains and valleys, and of course splendid art and architecture.

Situated a two-hour drive from Rome and just a few miles from Assisi, the enchanting hillside town of Spello is a quieter and less traveled medieval town at the base of Mount Subasio. Standing on the west side of town is the magnificent 18th-century era Porta Venere gates flanked by two 12-sided towers and fortress walls. Known for its excellent Umbrian cuisine, fine wines, and beautiful antiquity, Spello is the ideal base from which to explore Umbria.

You are within easy reach of the famous neighboring hill towns of Orvieto, (with its legendary cathedral) Todi, Città di Castello, Gubbio, Perugia, Spoleto, and the highly praised wine-producing region of Montefalco.