Sambucaro, Umbertide, Niccone Valley, Umbria, Italy

Unique and extremely rare opportunity to acquire a fabulous estate in the closely held Niccone Valley.

Sambucaro rises as a rare Umbrian property where history, design, and nature converge across nearly 130HA of very private land that encompasses award-winning olive groves and a mix of natural and inoculated truffle-bearing trees for which Umbria is justly famous.

The property is set In the rolling hills just beyond Castello di Reschio in a commanding, elevated, and tranquil position with stunning views over the Niccone Valley and further afield to the Apennines. The house offers panoramic views, magnificently coloured sunrises and sunsets, as well as the distant sound of church bells—a setting of serene grandeur which emphasises both its privacy and its presence.

The position is 35km-45km from such important towns as Cortona, Perugia—with its international air connections—and Sansepolcro. Meanwhile it is close to other towns or cities like Assisi (65km), Florence (150km), and Rome (215km). Access to Sambucaro is via a gravel road and gated entrance.

The principal building of approximately 400 sqm is spread across two floors. This building comprises two reception rooms, four ensuite bedrooms, a shaker style kitchen with adjacent dining room, complete with ten-seat table specifically designed for the space, a library-study, a sun room, an outdoor terrace, a mural staircase with light-well, and a linen room with floor-to-ceiling closets. The floors are covered in original terracotta tiles and the ceiling features characteristic wooden beams. The reception room upstairs has a massive open fireplace; the reception downstairs a wonderful traditional tiled stove.

This building has been lovingly maintained and flows as a family home with many areas in which to escape, always maintaining a feeling of unity within its walls. Several doors lead outside to the terraces, and the views in all directions are stunning.

Near to the principal building is an independent guesthouse of 130sqm with plans and potential permission for expanding to include a second-floor terrace, additional ensuite rooms, and a larger kitchen area.

The studio building has lovely large double-door windows and an open plan living area on the ground floor as well as bookshelves and a kitchenette. Stairs lead up to two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second floor, one of which is ensuite.

The studio is an ideal accommodation for older children or guests. Although close to the main house, the guesthouse is entirely autonomous.

Within the grounds secret pathways lead in all directions. Along these one can find ideal private areas to relax, meditate, or just escape. Several of these paths meander directly to the most beautiful, and probably the biggest, outdoor heated pool in the valley. Changing rooms, shower, toilet, basic kitchen, and storage areas are all readily accessible in the pool complex.

The present owners have continued to plant olives, and their cultivation has succeeded in winning a gold medal on their first attempt at the New York International Olive Oil Competition in 2025, formally ranking the output as among the world's best. Additionally, 200 pine trees have been inoculated with truffles, with the predicted harvest in the next two to three years.

There are two kitchen gardens, which provide a full range of vegetables and herbs, as well as numerous fruit trees, especially cherries, and a wide mix of berry plants. The land provides mushrooms and chestnuts among other resources.

There is a secure concrete storage area of approximately 100sqm at the entrance to the property where one can store equipment, tractors, and cars used around the farm. A paved, lighted path links the garage to the main house. There is a private spring with ample water for the property, a huge cistern for irrigation, and other sources of water dotted over the land.

Sambucaro offers the infrastructure for a luxury retreat, a creative residency, a farm-to-table brand, or simply the fullest expression of private family living.

The two traditional stone residences with their hand-painted murals and outdoor mosaics have provided a canvas for a range of visions that have inspired artists—including painters, writers, and award-winning photographers.

The estate is designed for indoor-outdoor living, with its large, heatable pool and cabana, pizza oven, dining terraces, picnic glade, outdoor marble bath and rain shower, as well as shaded loggias that combined are perfect for yoga, personal development, and entertaining.

The extensive multilevel landscaped gardens offer nourishment and renewal. Every corner invites moments of connection—with nature, with guests, or with oneself.