Palazzo Terranova

CLIMBING THE STEEP DIRT TRACK to Palazzo Terranova on a wet and wild autumn night felt rather like driving towards the edge of the world. It was the next morning when we clambered out of our vast wrought-iron bed and flung open the shutters to crisp October sunshine, gazing at a vista of wooded hills skirted in swirls of white cloud below us. It was both magical and mesmerising.

Crowning an Umbrian hilltop with ravishing views, Palazzo Terranova is one of those rare and special finds. Inside, it's a testament to the talents of former owner Sarah Fortin Townsend, who brought this once dilapidated manor house back to life with passion and vision, filling it with art and antiques, fine paintings and things of beauty.

Although under new ownership, Palazzo Terranova is a dream for all seasons – a place dedicated to the good things in life. Sprawling bedrooms with hand-painted frescoes and panelling have huge armoires, deep travertine stone bathtubs and shuttered windows framing rippling hills.

Sociable house-party

Outside you can wander through landscaped grounds and hilltop paths, sip champagne on the terrace, or float in the stunning infinity pool. There's a sociable house-party atmosphere, with guests gathering for drinks in the bar, dogs snoozing by the fire, and cooking that’s as good as the surrounds. The chef majors on seasonal Italian dishes served with style and flair: hand-made pappardelle, locally caught wild boar, succulent steaks.

Imbibe till late around the fireside or sneak off to bed early: super-sized hand-crafted beds dressed in softest cottons await.

© Room for Romance