The ultimate Umbrian eco-retreat, Tenuta di Murlo, is an ancient private estate stretching over thousands of hectares of forests, olive groves and fields, has been in the same family for generations.
Just 20km from Perugia, Umbria, this cherished sanctuary in the ‘green heart’ of Italy is preserved and protected by its green-hearted custodians who take their role as guardians of this special environment seriously.
No tarmac or concrete is allowed to cover the ‘roads’ through the estate. Signs are kept to a bare minimum. Uninterrupted views from the exclusive villas’ terraces and ‘infinity pools’ give Murlo Estate (Murlo.com) guests a feeling of being at one with the ancient landscape. Here, far from the madding crowd, no noise pollution breaks the flawless tranquillity, no light pollution dims the spectacular array of stars.
The medieval castles of Murlo and Antognolla triumphantly tower over the Estate’s harmony of rivers and lakes, vales and wooded hills. This natural reserve bestows upon guests the sounds and silence, sights and scenes of the region’s glorious pastoral heritage, whatever the season. From spring’s wildflowers carpeting the forest floor to summer’s abundant floral meadows; from autumn’s carnival of reds, rusts, golds and deep ambers to the glistening serenity of snow covered hills and frosted valleys.
Life and legacy are abundant, and perfect privacy ensured. Whether admired from a distance or experienced up close, in Tenuta di Murlo’s dense Holm oak forest, wild boar, fallow deer, pheasant, hare, porcupine, partridge, foxes, wolves and an array of birdlife flourish. This opulent ecosystem is carefully managed by the Estate to conserve the profusion and biodiversity of flora and fauna. Guests can use their secluded villa base to relax and rejuvenate, to immerse themselves in nature or to get active and explore the abundant resources of the Estate.
Tenuta di Murlo is a natural pleasure playground. Enjoy the experience of a one-on-one yoga, meditation or fitness session in the grounds of your private villa, set in the midst of Murlo’s pristine environment. How about hiking through the forest to the top of the Estate’s Mount Tezio, one of the highest mountains in Umbria. Reap the rewards on the summit with spectacular views across Lake Trasimeno and Perugia. Explore the depths of the forest on horseback, mountain bike or enjoy the perfect peace of the lakes and rivers on a tranquil day’s fishing. Alternatively discover wild food foraging for truffles, garlic and wild asparagus.
Although they are all around you at Murlo, wild animals can be quite elusive. To get up close and friendly with the animals, the Estate farm treats children to an encounter with some more familiar favourites.
Venturing off the Estate, the nearby Monti del Tezio nature reserve offers even more trails with fabulous views, caves and the truly unmissable, massive, ancient lime tree, the oldest in Umbria.
A love of the land, nature and the local Umbrian cultural heritage is manifest in every detail of Tenuta di Murlo Estate. From the intimate ‘honeymoon’ cottage for two to the panoramic hilltop Villa Santa Croce, the estate’s antique farmsteads and medieval ruins have been painstakingly restored to offer sumptuously secluded, elegant accommodation with breathtaking views of the unspoilt Murlo countryside.
Tenuta di Murlo Estate can accommodate 52 guests in a range of villas, apartments and cottages. Embellished with fittings and furnishings that echo the rich, warm earthy hues of the Umbrian countryside. Continuing meticulous attention to detail, a concierge service tends to each party’s every request including private dining with chef, butler and sommelier at their service.
Following careful restoration, the Estate restaurant, Il Caldaro, will open this week. Every feature of the new restaurant has been meticulously thought out to preserve and enhance its Umbrian character. The true jewel, however, is Il Caldaro’s fine cuisine, rich in local traditions using the freshest ingredients from the Estate’s bio-dynamic fruit and vegetable garden. The Estate makes its own bread and hand-made pasta, and its signature olive oil offers guests a real ‘slow food’ experience, joining in with the community olive harvest.
Visit and experience the magic of Murlo for yourself (www.murlo.com).