Properties in Umbria

Not for nothing does spectacular, mountainous Umbria proudly call itself “the green heart of Italy” – green after its seven nature reserves and lush valleys through which the River Tiber flows to the sea; and heart as it is right in the middle of Italy. The Sibillini mountains straddle its border with the Marches and few leave without gazing in awe at the spectacular 540ft Marmore Waterfalls. This is a region so scenic and unspoilt that it is made to be discovered on foot.

Many present-day visitors throng its numerous hiking trails, including one that recreates an epic 13th century journey by St Francis of Assisi. Umbria is full of picturesque hilltop towns rather than sprawling cities and Perugia, its capital, is home to fewer than 150,000 people. Perugia is well-known for its summer jazz festival and Spoleto, to the south, for its annual international music event.  
Medieval pageantry is a key part of local tradition and late September sees thousands of visitors flock to Gualdo Tadino for its I Giochi De le Porte gala, a three-day medieval games tournament. Other towns such as Assisi, Orvieto, Castiglione and Todi are also immensely popular with tourists.

In the west of Umbria, house prices in towns such as Tuoro are buoyant as it overlooks scenic Lake Trasimeno and because of the proximity of Tuscany. However, there are bargains to be found across the region.