"A piece of Paradise - and a paradise of peace", is how a well-known journalist has described the Centro Internazionale Sant'Antonio. More prosaically, it is 204 hectares (500 acres) of natural woodland, at an altitude of 500 to 600 metres, 18km south of Perugia, and 12km west of Assisi, in Umbria, the "green heart of Italy". Umbria is similar in many ways to its northern neighbour, Tuscany, but its landscape is more rugged and grand, with splendid mountains and forests as well as green and fertile valleys. The parkland that makes up most of the Centre is held by a co-operative of plot-owners, whose aim is to conserve it as a sanctuary for wildlife.

The nearest population centre is Bettona, a village now, but an important city in Etruscan times, and still surrounded by its ancient walls, parts of which date back to around 2000BC. Both Bettona and the Centre are off the beaten track of tourism, but within easy reach of Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio, Spoleto, Todi, Orvieto, Spello and other enchanting hill towns. Florence is 180km away and Rome 170km - close enough for a day trip, by car, bus or by rail, and a day at either coast is possible, too, with an early start.

The house itself is on 2 floors, with the main accommodation upstairs (see photos), where there is 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), sitting room with dining area and kitchen leading off, and a shower room + WC adjoining. Downstairs (outside stairs) is a large bedroom (sleeps up to 4) with shower room/WC adjoining and a large garage. A balcony runs round the first floor with ample space for sitting out, meals etc. It stands in its own wooded grounds of approx. 1.5 acres, with a driveway leading up from the perimeter road lower down (gate). A swimming pool (9x4.5x1 <1.8) lies behind the house. An annex by the pool serves both as a changing room and extended accommodation and comprises a sitting room/kitchen, bathroom and 1 single and 1 double bedroom.

The main house and "pool" house are well furnished with all the essentials, including butane gas/electric cooker, fridge/freezer, electric water heaters on both floors, space heaters, main water, electricity and telephone. There is adequate bedding, crockery, cutlery, etc and a washing machine.  The neighbouring houses are 100 and 250 yards away respectively (Italian owned). Domestic help can be arranged with the caretaker, if desired.