In Umbria, only a short distance from Perugia and Lake Trasimeno rises Monte Solare, associated from ancient times with the cult of Apollo, the sun god. Here, among the various greens of the olive groves, vineyards and woods, stands the old, noble Villa of Monte Solare.

A hushed, stylish, country retrat in a perfect Umbrian setting. This noble villa, encircle by a formal walled garden and orangery, has been transformed into a small hotel with uniformed staff, elegant rooms and fine restaurant. The ground, which include the little chapel of Santa Lucia, two pools, a tennis court and a small maze, envelop the hotel in an atmosfere of calm. The public rooms retain much of their original charm, with painted cornices and friezes, huge fireplaces, ancient terracotta floors, superb paintings and antiques; the sitting room has an exquisite, white-painted ceiling. The restaurant, a gorgeous beamed room with a roaring fire in winter, seats bedroom capacity, so non-residents may only book a table if guests are dining out. The mood is stylish and refined (jackets are usually worn, but not insisted upon, at dinner), and matched by the food and wines on offer; the cellar contains over 300 local wines. Drinks are sipped on the terrace, and there is a look-out point on the top floor with books and games for children. The view stretches out in all directions.