UNSPOILED: Todi lies in the green heartland of Umbria, Italy's only landlocked region and one of its most charming. Todi has been hailed as Italy's most livable town due to the beauty of its setting and the authenticity of its culture and cuisine.  Umbria is a region that still feels relatively untouched by the flocks of foreign tourists drawn to its better known neighbor, Tuscany. Todi is still largely inhabited and run by the Italians who grew up there. The surrounding countryside- though dotted with splendidly restored villas and castles- is still tended mostly by families who have tilled the soil and looked after their olive groves and vineyards for generations.

       IN PIAZZA: Pastimes are plentiful in and around Todi itself. A cappuccino in Todi -which boasts one of the region's most beautiful piazzas - is a very pleasant way to while away a summer afternoon.  And you don't have to worry about throngs of tourists: Todi is a quiet hilltown free from the maddening crowds of Tuscany or beach resorts. Visit the town's many good restaurants, pizzerias and gelaterias - they are wonderful enough to entice you back many times for the duration of your stay.

       SIGHTS AND FESTIVALS: Many of the region's architectural and artistic highlights are in Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto and Spoleto and Spello, all an easy drive from our house.  Most towns are reachable by car within an hour or less. In many towns you will find Romanesque or medieval churches tucked away inside a meandering warren of cobbled streets that spill down hillsides; you will discover frescoes, oil paintings and art treasures that rank with Italy's finest. In each town you can enjoy locally produced fine food and wine before setting out to visit the sights. You can duck into local craft or wine shops, or enjoy a panoramic view of swathes of sunflowers in the warmer months. Music and dance is celebrated at world famous outdoor summer festivals: there is Umbria Jazz in Perugia and The Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto.  There is yet more jazz played live in Orvieto in December. You can visit the wine museum near the vineyards of Torgiano and buy hand-painted ceramics at any number of shops in nearby Deruta. You can savor the celebrated red wines of Montefalco and buy the richly textured Umbrian traditional linens availalble at several shops.

      ACTIVITIES: For the sporty types we have an English speaking personal trainer we can recommend who can arrange spa days at our villa during summer months. On your own you can enjoy jogging along the roads around Torregentile or doing laps in our pool.  There are also two sets of public tennis courts nearby and a small stables only a few kilometers from Villanova. There is also a nearby bicycle shop that offers rentals.