Torre de Monaldeschi, Ficulle, Umbria

Old meets new at Torre de Monaldeschi, a postcard pretty development in the heart of Umbria. The resort is centred on an 11th century fortress which once belonged to the Templar knights. At its foot, Italian architect Arturo Massimo Randi built a picturesque village with 100 homes.
The Umbrian government has some strict planning criteria in place to protect the region’s artistic and natural heritage and Torre de Monaldeschi, which has won the International Property Award for Italy’s best development, was one of the very few new builds to receive the green light. This is because Randi and his team used traditional building techniques and materials to preserve the vernacular feel of the place.
The properties, which are all individually designed and laid across one or two storeys, range from villas to townhouses and apartments with one to four bedrooms, private gardens and terraces. They are all built of stone under a handmade cotto roof, their look is very much reminiscent of rustic Umbrian architecture, and their interiors use a profusion of authentic materials such as exposed beams, stone, cotto and ceramic tiles.
However, contemporary principles and technology are subtly used to boost comfort. Every home is laid out according to Feng Shui criteria, and employs high-standard technical systems to maximise energy savings and reduce the impact on the environment.
“Torre de Monaldeschi offers anyone looking for a tranquil retreat the best of both worlds, using ancient building methods and new technologies to create a modern concept of living,” says Cristiano Monetti, CEO of developers Domuscultae SPA.
To enhance the lifestyle experience, Domuscultae SPA is also furnishing the resort with communal swimming pools, fitness and health centres, tennis courts, a jogging path and an off track path for mountain bike.
But of course Torre de Monaldeschi’s location is itself a draw for sporty and country types. Situated in lush countryside peppered with olive groves, vineyards and medieval villages about an hour from Rome’s international airport, and just 13 miles from the medieval town of Orvieto, it is the perfect starting point for fishing in the river Chiani, sailing on Lake Trasimeno, enjoying spa treatments at Chianciano and Sangemini or simply taking long, leisurely walks to discover castles, fortresses or hidden pievi.
Phase one of the development is sold out, but phase two is available for sale, with prices starting from €183,000. For more information, contact Domuscultae SPA on +39 06 9040 5055 (www.torredemonaldeschi.com) or exclusive agents Gascoigne International on +44 (0)1483 226868 (freephone 0800 38 99 128, www.gascoignesinternational.com).