Description
Perched on these towering tuff cliffs, overlooking one of the most evocative views in Umbria, stands a unique residence, unique in its location and history. Built on what was once a 15th-century church, the layout and walls of which have been preserved, this villa is one of the few buildings in Orvieto built directly on the edge of the cliff, a privilege due to its ancient religious function. For this reason, it is a highly panoramic building, surrounded by greenery on all sides, with views of Mount Amiata and the surrounding hills. The building, constructed of Orvieto tuff, has three floors above ground and a cave in the basement, each measuring approximately 100 square meters. The ground floor is covered with four low vaults, excellently preserved, and is paved with leaded terracotta. It has rectangular windows and two modulated French doors in the English style with blown glass. The first floor has two large rooms with panoramic views of three sides of the building, two of which have a balcony overlooking the cliff and the San Benedetto ditch. There is a large kitchen with a dining area and a bathroom. The attic has two bedrooms, a large living room, and a bathroom with a large circular waterfall. There is the possibility of creating an additional bathroom in the second bedroom. The semi-basement grotto is equipped with lighting and is higher than a man. It extends over two floors at different levels, separated by an original pre-existing terracotta arch and a wide tuff staircase. It is possible to create two additional openings to the outside, one facing the San Benedetto ditch—which already exists but is walled up—and another facing the valley, which has long been walled up and was probably the original entrance. A man-height tunnel leads from the lower end to the Gonfaloniera garden, a place to explore intellectually. The house is surrounded by its own garden of approximately 500 square meters, well-organized and furnished, with a mezzanine level overlooking the valley offering extremely panoramic views. It features a raised and paved circular gazebo, covered with vines, and a small wooden shed (used for tool storage).
