Rather than just one garden, the six acres surrounding the ruins of the Abbey have become a group of gardens, separated by the many natural features of the site. After planting lawns, bushes and rock plants to hide the ravages of the archaeological digging around the ruins, the swimming pool, in the shape of a snail, was dug under one of the many retaining walls and surrounded by hedges on three sides to provide privacy.




The swimming pool
  
 

From the pool, on the North side, swimmers can look over the croquet lawn to the Koi pool below and out over the valley of the Resina to the distant hills.
The pool, of about 12 x 8 metres, has a shallow part and a circular area for diving of 3.5 metres depth.
The gardens bask in the superb Umbrian climate and the plants selected were those best suited to summer warmth and the occasional winter frosts.


The Koi pool up to the house

The Koi Pool and the surrounding slopes support a wide variety of plants and trees. The entire gardens are a tribute to the dedication and imagination of Mr. & Mrs.Guy Norton who developed the property over a period of many years. The result is a virtual paradise, restful and secluded, with quiet corners, wonderful vistas and a profusion of glorious plants.
 
 




 
Set into the steep hillside of the ruins overlooking the Koi Pool a hard surface Bocce court was laid out. With the installation of flood lighting, this provides an ideal pastime on a summer’s evening – playing the Italian version of the French game of “Boules”.

The excellent all-weather tennis court, although tucked away, is only 30 metres from the house. Tennis racquets are provided.
In another delightful corner, at the top of steps and under the shade of an old olive tree, one can relax in the warmth of a Canadian Hot Tub and take in a view over the golf course to the hills on the other side of the Tiber.