Sublime Umbria

One of Italy’s most loved regions, Umbria is a tranquil, spellbinding place whose lyrical countryside is dotted with jewel-like medieval hilltowns. Clean and leafy, with a low population and abundant open space, Umbria has a serene and mystical quality. Many of Italy’s most famous saints came from here (Francis, Clare, Benedict, etc.) and some of Italy’s most beautiful religious buildings still stand here (Assisi’s radiant basilica, Orvieto’s stupendous cathedral, etc.)

Umbria’s central parts are dominated by rounded hills rising above fertile valleys, while the region’s northern, eastern and southern extremes are higher, craggy and forested. Note that some of Umbria’s best bargain properties can be found in these borderland heights. Sitting in the very middle of Italy, Umbria is one of the very few Italian regions with no coastline, but it compensates with some splendid lakes – chief of these Lake Trasimeno, a warm, shallow playground ringed by pretty fields and small towns. Property around the lake comes in a surprisingly wide range of prices, and there are plenty of good-value options here. The Mediterranean lies about ninety minutes to Umbria’s east or west. And Rome and Florence are both within easy day-tripping distance, thanks to Umbria’s excellent road and rail connections.

Its exceptionally lovely old hilltowns are some of Umbria’s greatest charms: small, perfectly-preserved places stuffed with art treasures and beautiful buildings, home to close communities of kind, welcoming people. The expansive vistas from on high just come as a bonus. Many foreign buyers have chosen a property in exquisite places such as Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, Perugia, Montefalco, Todi, Montone and others. They enjoy excellent holiday rental prospects across many months of the year – not just in the height of summer. Of course, Umbria’s gorgeous countryside is very popular too, perhaps second only to Tuscany’s in popularity with foreign buyers.

Umbria has an especially stable property market. For decades it has drawn foreign buyers seeking culture and quality. The attractions of Umbria – peace, space, beauty, community – have not lost their appeal and are unlikely to do so. Umbria remains remarkably unspoilt and unexploited, and wisely protects its special character. The things that draw foreign buyers to the region remain unchanged. Umbria’s property market has seen slow, steady growth in economic good times and mere stasis in economic bad times. There have been no unstable booms and busts, no rapid inflation or deflation of prices. It’s just not that kind of place. Your money is safe here.

Gate-Away.com features hundreds of properties for sale in Umbria, with prices ranging from a mere €30,000 to several million euros. You can find a restored apartment near Lake Trasimeno for an incredible €50,000, or a partly-restored two-bedroom house on an island in the lake for just €115,000. For €400,000 you could get a restored four-bedroom country house on the Tuscan border. And if you’re lucky enough to have several millions to spend, you could consider one of several luxury country estates with dozens of bedrooms.

As it has for many saints, travellers and home buyers before you, Umbria has the power to show you the sublime. Go on, let this beautiful region inspire you.