Rustic roots, architect's vision - farmhouse beautifully reimagined

OVERVIEW Ripella

Sitting on a small hill near the historic town of Acquasparta, this relaxed yet refined villa was restored by its architect owner, who wonderfully caught the authentic, no-fuss spirit of Umbria. Throughout its pristine interiors and lovely outdoor living areas, guests can enjoy soaring views of golden fields, woodland, and hilltop villages.

On two sides of the villa are pergolas draped in jasmine and grapevines, with sitting areas for afternoon reading or aperitivo and a long dining table for al fresco meals. Stone steps bordered by lavender and rosemary lead down to the pool, next to which is a covered pool terrace with wooden sun beds and an outdoor shower.

Carefully restored and with pastel or white walls and white-washed wooden beams, the interiors breathe an airy, contemporary feel. These are decorated with antiques, restored vintage wooden doors, artwork, and stone fireplaces. The textiles are mainly in a subdued palette of greys and natural tones, which are juxtaposed by some bolder, colorful accents.

The ground floor has a large open living area, a well-equipped kitchen with French doors leading onto the dining terrace, and an indoor dining room. On the first floor, there’s a second sitting room with a large open fireplace and a large sofa as well as a small working space in a nook above the stairs.

The villa’s four bedrooms are each individually decorated and have ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning. The large master has a slanted wooden-beamed ceiling, a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, and an ensuite with a clawfoot bathtub. There are two additional double rooms and a kid’s bedroom with two bunk beds.

The historic castle of Casigliano  where you will find a great trattoria, is a mere stone’s throw away, From here central Umbria opens up like a well-worn map. Acquasparta, recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, sits just minutes away. The medieval city of Todi, a standout among Umbrian hill towns, should be visited by day and is close enough to make an ideal dinner destination. Lake Trasimeno offers a refreshing change of pace, with swimming and boating among local favorites. Culture seekers will find themselves well-positioned, with both the art-rich cities of Perugia and Assisi and the southern Tuscan border all within an hour’s drive.

Amenities and services

Floorplan of the villa

Ground Floor

Hall
Living room
Kitchen
Dining room
Laundry
Double bedroom with en suite bathroom

First Floor

Landing
Living room with fire place
Double bedroom with bathroom (tub)
Double bedroom with bathroom (shower)
Double bedroom with bathroom (shower)
Bedroom with 2 bunk beds with bathroom (tub and shower)

Garden :

Pool, m x m
6 sunbeds and 2 comfy sofas
Sweet water shower
Terrace by the house for outdoor meals
Terrace with outdoor living room by the house

ESTATE: Le Ripi

Le Ripi is a small private estate owned by a young couple from Rome who fell in love with the area while staying with friends over the summer.

Serendipity. A chance meeting led them to an abandoned farmhouse. One of them being an architect, the whole project was sketched out that evening and an unexpected adventure began to unfold.

ACTIVITIES

Acquasparta and surroundings:
– Renaissance Palazzo Cesi
– The historic Jewish quarter
– Medieval San Gemini village with Roman ruins

In and around Todi:
– Piazza del Popolo complex with the Palazzo dei Priori and Cathedral
– Renaissance church of Santa Maria della Consolazione
– Ancient city walls with panoramic countryside views
– Underground Roman cisterns
– Local wine tasting at nearby vineyards

Within 1 hour:
– Foligno: Palazzo Trinci, Cathedral, CIAC contemporary art center
– Spello: Roman walls, Pinturicchio frescoes, Villa of the Mosaics
– Orvieto: Gothic cathedral, underground city
– Spoleto: Rocca Albornoziana fortress, Ponte delle Torri bridge
– Cascata delle Marmore: Europe’s highest man-made waterfall
– Narni: Underground medieval church and inquisition prison
– Montefalco: Sagrantino wine region, medieval town center
– Nocera Umbra: Medieval fortress, Archaeological Museum, mineral springs
– Gubbio: Palazzo dei Consoli, Roman Theater, cable car to Monte Ingino
– Perugia: Regional capital with Etruscan wells, chocolate tradition
– Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis, religious heritage
– Lake Trasimeno: Water activities, island visits
– Civita di Bagnoregio: “Dying city” on eroding cliffs
– Deruta: Traditional ceramics workshops and shops

Special seasonal events:
– Acquasparta’s Renaissance village festival (2 weeks in June)
– Spoleto’s performing arts festival (first half of July)
– Spello’s Infiorate flower festival (June)
– Gubbio’s Corsa dei Ceri (May 15)
– Foligno’s Giostra della Quintana (June and September)

RATES

GUEST REVIEWS, Ripella, Le Ripi

LOCATION

A perfect starting point to visit Umbria’s famous towns, all within 1 hours drive.