Nestled in the foothills of the Sibillini Montains, discreetly positioned in the medieval village of Eggi, near Spoleto, is a 17thC villa, in a private garden, home away from home for a discerning group wishing to discover the pleasures and treasures of Umbria.

History of the Villa

Built in 1600, the villa was a farmhouse owned by the Santini family and originally incorporated much of the surrounding land for livestock and crops.

In 1970, Roman artist Bruno Bonifazi purchased the property to create a centre for artists and friends, Salvatore Moreno and Massimo Sansolini. Extensive work was carried out on the building and grounds and the BMS Studio was established in via del Fonte Secca, Spoleto as an outlet for the art produced in the centre. The chief administrator for the world renowned 'Festival Due Mondi', also restored and lived in the cottage to the north of the garden.

The artists enjoyed a high profile in the local social scene over the next 20 years but sadly, in the 90's the centre became unviable and the artists moved on to other projects. The villa remained unoccupied for about a decade, falling into disrepair and Senore Bonifazi was forced to sell in 2003.

The most recent restoration of the villa began in 2006 and is due to be completed in May 2008. Further photos will update the website as they become available.

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The Villa

The Garden of Eggi Villa accommodates 18 to 25 people in 7 suites and a cottage. In all there are a total of 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. It is let in its entirety and is not a hotel or guest house.

The villa features a large modern kitchen, preparation and cool store rooms, traditional Umbrian ‘alla brace’ cooking fireplace inside and BBQ outside, lounge, day and dining rooms, and a ‘connected’ office for guests.

Quiet garden areas, orchard, enclosed courtyard to the east and split level terrazzo overlooking the pool to the west, provide options for recreation and dining.

Secure parking inside the gates for 8 to 10 cars.

Our compliments for an authentic and glorious villa restoration go to architects Flavia De' Rossi and Paule de Favre (http://www.archeamb.com)

The Villa is available on a self catered or fully assisted basis. Please ask if you want help with catering or information about the many excellent local restaurants.

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The Kitchen

The kitchen is fully equipped for a family group or for a commercial chef and includes a separate preparation room and cool room for food storage. A traditional Umbrian open fireplace inside allows meat and vegetable to be cooked in local style - 'alla brace' or in the ashes. Outside and intergrated into the outside wall of the kitchen is a large BBQ.

There is a small room available for a chef to stay overnight if needed.

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The Rooms

The house is designed to provide both peaceful places of retreat and areas (inside and out) to dine, work and play together as a group. Most suites are set up for two persons (twin or double) but the majority have ample room for additional beds. There are two suites with interconnecting rooms which share the same bathroom, suitable for families or friends.

Individual suites do not have television or phones. Internet access and phones are provided in the office downstairs and there are three communal reception rooms, on equipped with a sound system and Satellite TV.

In winter the Villa is heated with an underfloor system and there are several large fireplaces with comfortable seating to draw up in cooler times.

Linen and towels are provided, but extra towels for swimming are not provided.

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The Garden

The garden is varied and extensive including a reception courtyard, an enclosed courtyard to east, a terraced dining area to the west, a level grassed area for 'recreational activities', an orchard, a sunset viewing area and several shaded, quiet green areas.

The swimming pool is surrounded by paved terrace providing a choice of shade or sunshine. Full pool servicing is provided under contract

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