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Under the Umbrian sun

October 25, 2019 | Michael Turtle | 12 Comments

RURAL RETREAT

Our Italian villa

Through the windows of our Umbrian villa, I had watched the Italian sun in battle with the clouds all day.

At times I thought a victor should be declared – unfortunately on the side of grey. But not long before the sun was about to set and retire from the warfare for the day, it finally broke through.

It had been hard-fought. But as the orange glow struck the walls of our Italian villa, we were rewarded for the solar persistence and the whole countryside came to life in front of our eyes.

Renting a villa in Umbria, Italy

These photos are the record of that moment – ‘the magic hour which only lasts ten minutes’, as one of my friends described it. The short period that I traipsed in the slippery mud through the garden, the olive grove and the vineyard to capture the sun’s victory lap.

Renting a villa in Umbria, Italy

It seems slightly twee to talk about the weather but, as it turns out, the ever-changing conditions came to show the versatility of our home for the Easter long weekend.

With five other friends, I had rented a house in a rural part of Umbria and the cold, wet afternoons had helped us appreciate our accommodation as much as the clear, sunny periods had inspired exploration of the surrounding lands and hilltop towns.

Renting a villa in Umbria, Italy

Renting a villa in Umbria, Italy

Sitting around a fire, the wood crackling and the flames leaping from the freshly-placed log, I had relaxed for the first time in a while.

When I say ‘relaxed’, it doesn’t mean that not having a full-time job and the regular chores of daily life isn’t relaxing. It means that I stopped thinking, my mind suspended in the moment with no consideration for the past or for what was to come.

For in the dancing glow of the fire, the comforting presence of my friends, and the disconnection from the outside world, there was a peace that had no way of being broken.

Renting a villa in Umbria, Italy

Renting a villa in Italy

When the weather discouraged us from leaving or the inclination was carried up the chimney with the smoke, we would stay in the villa and cook our meals. Huge feasts of pasta, roasted meat, local salads and fresh bread filled our stomachs.

When the sun was shining and a restlessness was starting to develop, we would venture out to explore the region.

Assisi was not too far away. Orvieto was a bit further but worth the drive. Even the local butcher across the hills was an expedition that took our minds from our residence and closer to the Italian culture.

In perfect harmony we did nothing and we did just what we wanted. And it was all because of the house – a home for four days that we made our own. A villa that took us in as its own and gave us every bit of hospitality it could.

Renting a villa in Umbria, Italy

Renting a villa in Umbria, Italy

For a constant traveller, this was a bit of a splurge – one I would recommend to everyone, though.

There are houses like this all across Italy and they come in every size and every price. There’s sure to be something to suit your taste and budget.

The only other advice I would give if you’re considering renting a house here: make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it, make sure you have a car so you can go exploring, try to cook at the house sometimes so it feels more homely, and (finally) don’t worry too much about the weather because you’ll enjoy it regardless.

Reader Interactions

    Comments Cancel reply

  1. rdsean |

    April 11, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    Reply

    i love the sun.. i like the way you described it.. keep it up.. 😛

    • Turtle |

      April 12, 2012 at 6:01 am

      Reply

      Thanks. The sun really did make this photo shoot! 🙂

  2. A Montrealer Abroad |

    April 12, 2012 at 1:13 am

    Reply

    Wow, such beautiful light. My favorite time of the day! A great alternative to the tuscan sun, indeed!

    • Turtle |

      April 12, 2012 at 6:02 am

      Reply

      I’m thinking that from now on I might only take photos in the half hour before the sun goes down! 🙂

  3. Stephanie - The Travel Chica |

    April 12, 2012 at 1:21 am

    Reply

    Gorgeous!

    • Turtle |

      April 12, 2012 at 6:02 am

      Reply

      Thanks.

  4. Yvonne |

    April 12, 2012 at 1:55 am

    Reply

    Beautiful pictures! This really makes me excited for TBU in Umbria next week!

    • Turtle |

      April 12, 2012 at 6:03 am

      Reply

      I know – it’s a bit cheeky to give myself a sneak peek at Umbria. But it’s a beautiful place. TBU is going to be a lot of fun!

  5. Wanderplex |

    April 20, 2012 at 9:26 am

    Reply

    Very pretty, I also love taking photos during that golden hour – it just makes everything look magical!

    • Turtle |

      April 22, 2012 at 10:05 am

      Reply

      If only golden hour lasted the whole day. Imagine the photos we could get!

  6. Mary @ Green Global Travel |

    May 22, 2012 at 4:58 am

    Reply

    Beautiful photos! They make me want to run through the fields before coming back for a huge glass of wine and simple pasta dish.

    • Michael Turtle |

      May 24, 2012 at 4:38 am

      Reply

      You won’t have a choice about the pasta and the wine. They’re both mandatory in this part of town! 🙂

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This is the website of travel writer, Michael Turtle. After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael left Sydney to travel the world indefinitely and write about the places, people and experiences he discovers. This isn't a diary - these are real stories from the world.

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