With a history dating back to the 17th century, this recently renovated villa distinguishes itself not only by its traditional architectural features and elegant antique furnishings, but above all by its unequalled setting. Perched on the terraced slopes of olive groves which descend all the way down to the Chiana Valley below the medieval Etruscan town walls of Cortona, the property commands magnificent panoramic views over unspoilt countryside. Located in extensive grounds, it guarantees you complete privacy and tranquillity, while at the same time being a mere 5 minutes’ walking distance from the medieval heart of Cortona.
Built in mellow, honey-coloured Tuscan stone, with complementing dark green shutters, this 2-storey villa and its adjoining ground-floor annexe apartment, offer a superior standard of comfort and style. The interiors high-ceilinged and spacious, retain many authentic Tuscan design elements such as brick archways, terracotta-tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings, exposed stonework and whitewashed walls, as well as two superb open fireplaces and chimneypieces, which each extend almost across an entire wall. Apart from the idyllic pool, set on a lower grass terrace out-of-sight of the house, the garden contains three separate tiled terraces built at different levels and ideal for sunbathing, open-air dining or just simply relaxing!
Accommodation: this property is centrally heated throughout and provides Sat.TV.
MAIN VILLA: At ground-floor level you enter a hallway from which issue the fully fitted kitchen with French doors opening to the garden, a separate toilet and a very spacious high-ceilinged lounge. This dayroom incorporates a large working fireplace and French doors leading out to the front lawns. An attractive high-level arched window, internal brick arches and stonework walls add further striking touches. An external tiled sunterrace to the back of the villa can be accessed both from inside or outside the house.
From the lounge a stone staircase takes you up to a twin-bedded room with ensuite bathroom on a mezzanine level. The stairs then proceed to the top floor, where there is another large central lounge with chimney and open fireplace. Leading off this upstairs dayroom are three double bedrooms, one with twin beds and one with a lovely little balcony facing the front garden and ensuite bathroom with shower. Two of these bedrooms share a large bathroom with bath.
ADJOINING ANNEXE APARTMENT: This apartment is let only in conjunction with the main villa and is not ideally suited to young children because of its exclusive, antique, family furnishings.
From the front of the building, at ground-floor level, French doors bring you directly into the open-plan living/dining room which comprises elegant antique sofa and armchairs around the original stone fireplace, a 6-seater dining table, an Art Nouveau-style glass-fronted dresser with writing desk, a lovely low brick-vaulted ceiling and a hand-crafted terracotta-tiled floor.
Two double bedrooms issue off this dayroom, both furnished with family antiques. Each has an ensuite bathroom, one with shower, one with shower and a large bathtub.
The adjoining kitchen is stylishly fitted with darkwood cupboards, marble worktops and all modern appliances (gas hob, oven, fridge, dishwasher).
Please note: The property owners (maximum 2 people) live in a self-contained apartment on the upper floor above this annexe, to which there is a private, independent entrance at the back of the building.
Garden and Swimming pool: leading off the main road down from Cortona, a gravel track winds through terraced olive groves and brings you out on to one of the informal gravel parking areas located on either side of the villa.
A hedged-in lawn, crossed by a stone path, extends in front of the house, beyond which spectacular views over the surrounding valley stretch out into the distance. Cypress, mimosa and willow trees provide welcome shade, while oleander shrubs and big ceramic plantpots add splashes of bright colour and a pretty pergola surrounds the front door.
To the rear of the property, long borders are planted with flowering rosemary and lavender bushes and your gaze is attracted uphill to a beautiful domed church in light stone. Outside in a small niche is also housed the original wood-burning pizza oven, now once again fully functional.
To the front, steps beckon you down to the lower pool-terrace (4 x 8 meters for the exclusive use the guests is equipped with a salt electrolysis water-treatment system and sun shower), which boasts such a splendid scenic backdrop.
