Villa La Tartaruga Sabina
About the home
Villa La Tartaruga Sabina offers more than a simple vacation. It offers a unique experience: the best of the countryside, the city and the Italian tradition in one location: convenient railway links and easy auto routes to Rome make it possible to combine the rustic tranquillity of a magical landscape with the excitement of the Eternal City.
The family who owns the Villa has always nurtured and shared the pleasure of gathering with friends in the countryside for the family's most important festive occasions. It is in this tradition that the Villa was created. For the owner, sharing the family Villa is a special opportunity to expose international guests to the pristine (and often overlooked) beauty of a land they love -- a mere stone's throw from ROME.
The Villa organizes, upon request, WEDDING RECEPTIONS, special cooking classes (Italian gelato, hand-made pasta, wood-burning-oven pizza), olive oil tasting, guided tours in the Sabina region and Rome, Italian language/culture special itinerary guided tours, and on-site art workshops.
CATERED MEALS & PIZZA EVENTS: Catered meals can be arranged at the Villa upon request. The Villa also organizes pizza events, with a great pizza chef cooking pizzas in the Villa's outdoor wood-burning oven.
EXTRA BEDS available in nearby B&Bs.
Villa La Tartaruga Sabina is a rare find!
| Size: | Sleeps up to 16, 8 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Fregene, 75km |
| Will consider: | Corporate lets Long lets Short breaks |
| Access: | Car essential Nearest amenities: 3km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | May take pets - please enquire Smokers welcome Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Sauna, Internet access, DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | Central heating, Air conditioning, TV, CD player, Table tennis, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 8 Bedrooms, 8 bathrooms of which 2 family bathrooms and 6 en suites |
| Furniture: | Single beds (3), Double beds (7), Cots (1), Dining seating for 25, Lounge seating for 25 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided Highchair available |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Tennis court on site, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ |
| Access: | Secure parking |
Further details indoors:
An inspiring work of architecture, the three-story villa was designed to evoke the lines and vision of the great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Connoisseurs of refined Italian style will luxuriate in the grace and harmony of the villa’s design, delight in the versatility and practicality of its appointments, enjoy the stunning swimming pool, relax in the sauna, and find endless inspiration and beauty in its setting, just 30 min from Rome!
Lovely sliding glass doors line the villa's ground floor so that the Sabina region's majestic rolling landscape never ceases to beckon. Here, the interior provides an atmosphere of art, culture, and appreciation for the finest that modern design has to offer.
On the ground floor a beautiful windowed gallery leads to a separate suite of rooms that offers direct access to the garden. In the classical Italian tradition, three elegant verandas define the striking contour of the villa, providing the perfect outdoor environment for al fresco meals, drying off after a swim, or enjoying the magic of a late summer rainstorm as it gathers over the Sabina rolling hills.
Further details outdoors:
Nestled in the idyllic rolling hills north of Rome, the villa is surrounded by 24 hectares of lush, fertile land, primarily dedicated to growing typical regional products: the famous olive oil and cherries. Within the plot and along its borders there are several country trails that are ideal for relaxing walks, horse back riding and mountain biking.
Nearly two hectares of lush English lawn replete with hundred-year-old olive trees, cypresses, cedars, orange and lemon trees dazzle the senses.
Strolling along the olive tree grove towards the rose garden you will come across sculptures created for the villa by renowned international artists. The stunning centrepiece is the 1,800 square foot swimming pool: a wonderful place to relax, with convenient adjacent changing rooms and a spacious, soothing sauna. The pool's bottom is a contemporary French art mosaic that extends the villa's turtle theme. Moreover, the pool has several festive light settings for the evening/night.
Amidst the splendour of the garden sits a charming gazebo, a wood-burning oven and a lawn bowling (aka "bocce").
Further details
• English-speaking (also native English-speaking) representatives on hand to answer any questions.
• Swimming pool (unheated; generally used from June until September, but always available).
• Meal service (general Italian and special Roman food) and pizzas can be arranged, upon request.
• Special cooking classes, including wood-burning-oven pizza: upon request.
• Olive oil tasting and buying (with olive oil from the villa's Estate), upon request.
• Car & shuttle service upon request.
• Guided tours in the Sabina region and Rome, upon request.
Conditions
• Smoking allowed only outside.
The Lazio region


Lazio is the region of Rome. Bordered by beautiful regions such as Tuscany, Umbria and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lazio is notable for its history, art, archaeology, religion, food and culture.
30 km North of Rome, hidden at the heart of this wonderful territory, there is a jewel still untouched by mass tourism, the SABINA region: a magical and legendary land of hills clothed with olive trees and oak woods, embraced by the Apennine mountains and scattered with small medieval towns, castles and monasteries.
The proximity to Rome and its numerous cultural, natural and culinary itineraries make the Sabina region a unique holiday destination.
The Rome / Palombara Sabina area
Palombara Sabina is a charming ancient town, only 30 min from ROME (by train or car). Built on a hill at the foot of mount Gennaro and surrounded by olive and cherry trees typical of the region, Palombara Sabina has everything tourists may need: stores, restaurants, post office, hospital, etc. Of particular interest are the old town centre with the beautiful Savelli-Torlonia castle on the top of the hill, and the Abbey of San Giovanni in Argentella.
30 min drive from the villa is the town of Tivoli, famous worldwide for two of the most beautiful villas of the ancient Roman era and the Italian renaissance: Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este both part of UNESCO's world heritage sites.
25 min drive from the villa is the Abbey of Farfa, an ancient marvellous Benedictine abbey of the VIII century.
Other interesting local activities and itineraries:
Landscape itineraries:
• Monti Lucretili Regional Natural Park: a great natural treasure that offers matchless landscapes, evocative
walks and pleasant excursions (30 min drive from the villa).
• Mount Terminillo: "Rome's Mountain" is the gem of the central Apennine range, a must-see for the ski and
hiking enthusiasts (1 and half hour drive from the villa).
• Nazzano Regional Natural Reserve: A truly special nature reserve that offers trails and observation shelters
along the banks of the river Tiber, the "River of Rome" (40 min drive from the villa).
Recreational itineraries:
• Cretone Spas: A spa with pools of natural sulphurous water (5 min drive from the villa).
• Horse riding range (10 min drive from the villa).
• Sport fishing (5 min walk from the villa).
• Guidonia's Acqua Piper: the largest aquatic park in the region, full of entertainment for kids and adults (30
min drive from the villa).
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci: 70 km |
| Railway: | Pianabella di Montelibretti: 2 km |
| Ferry: | Civitavecchia: 100 km |
Fly to Rome FIUMICINO airport or CIAMPINO airport.
From Fiumicino airport rent a car and drive to the villa (1h and 15 min). In alternative, take a local train.
From Ciampino airport rent a car and drive to the villa (1h and 15 min).
From Rome city centre to the villa: Local trains every 15 min or easy drive (30 min).
* * Directions will be sent upon booking.
Activities near Rome
Tennis in town
Waterpark
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Rural / countryside retreats
Reviews
![]() 19 Aug 2011 |
All 16 members of our family aged between one and seventy five, were able to join us at La Tartaruga Sabina , and there was something for everyone and plenty space in which to enjoy it. The day... more |
![]() 01 Jun 2011 |
This villa is absolutely incredible. I can't stress that enough. As nice as the pictures are, they do not even do it justice. The villa itself is gorgeous and the landscape that surrounds it... more |
![]() 25 May 2011 |
Not only was the Villa exactly as described and pictured, the views of the countryside were even better than shown. The Villa has a casual elegance. We arrived the beginning of March and stayed the... more |
Guestbook for Villa La Tartaruga Sabina
“I cannot say enough good things about La Tartaruga Sabina! The villa itself was breathtakingly beautiful, and more than sufficient to handle our group of 18 people. There were large common areas where people could be together when they wanted, yet we also had secluded and peaceful rooms for private time. Every room from the villa had amazing and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding green hills and fields of olive trees - the villa even makes its own olive oil! Also, if you can't tell from the photographs, the windows/walls of the common area are actually doors that open onto beautiful patio areas. I kept picturing how wonderful it must be there in the summer months with those doors opening the house to the breeze of its beautiful outdoor surroundings. Also, the location of the villa was perfect. Quiet and serene, the villa is about 30 minutes from Roma via train/metro, and only a bit longer on the days we drove into the Eternal City (on the Via Salaria). Also, because of its remote location, we were able to see a lot of the small, wonderful country towns in the Sabine region, and taste the rustic and delicious regional food! In fact, there is a small agroturismo restaurant next door to the villa which served amazing food - we had a blast there on New Year's Eve. I also cannot say enough about Guiseppe, the proprietor. He was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and was always there to answer our questions and address our concerns. He even brought over a Christmas tree for us when we first arrived! If you visit the villa, I would definatley recommend eating at the agroturismo restaurant next door to the property. I would also recommend visiting Palombara Sabina and its castle, (15 minute drive away) and the small town of Caperia (about 40 minutes by car). Also, ask Giuseppe to set up a tour of Rome with Gastone, who gave us a great tour of the Vatican. My only regret was that we visited in winter. I will have to go back in the summer months so we can swim in the pool. Ciao!” Keri & family, San Francisco (December 2010).
“Merveilleux sejour pour les 60 ans de “Loic”. Souvenir grandiose. Merci Giuseppe et Andrea” Aude Picard, France (November, 2010).
“Nous avons adoré la Villa ed l’organization des propriétaires pour notre marriage su Château de Palombara Sabina, la reception et la soirée Pizza. Très belle propriété beau temps à la piscine. Superb vacance à la villa. Merci à Giuseppe et Andrea. Frederic Poitras et Maribeth Robitaille, Montreal, Canada (September, 2010).
“Thank you so much for an absolutely amazing time – our holiday exceeded our mildest expectations and our wedding at the castle was like a dream come true. Everybody working here has been lovely and so welcoming. Thanks again!” Soraya & Tom, UK (September, 2010).
“Dear Giuseppe, Thank you for the use of your villa for the last two weeks. We have had a fantastic time. The kids (and adults) have loved the pool. Particularly swimming at night with the lights on. We’ve enjoyed Rome and Tivoli and the hilltop town of Montecelio and Fara Sabina (which is well worth a visit)….Would love to come back.” Stojkovic family, York, UK (August 2010).
“We had been looking forward to this trip for so long and it really was even better than our highest expectations. Our daughter, Giorgia (6), made a “thankful tree” of all the things she loved about this villa and our time here. They included: chasing lizards, the stars at night, the crazy rooster, the fig and olive trees, swimming, playing tennis and bocce ball, beautiful Italy at night, the hills, the flowers, all our friends and eating and spending time together as a family. She said it feels like our house because we are so happy here…..you can’t get better than that! We would love to come back again and again. Grazie mille.” Karen, Henrik, Giorgia, Mason, Siena Christiansen, CT, USA (July 2010).
"Dear Giuseppe, Andrea and families, We'd like to express our heartfelt thanks for helping us having the wedding of our dreams, it was everything we wished for and more. Without your guidance we would have never found the beautiful Castello Savelli for our wedding ceremony. Our guests were blown away by the spectacular setting to exchange our vows and it definetely helped make the occasion even more memorable for ourselves. We feel honored to have been given the opportunity to be married in Palombara Sabina. The whole day was perfect from beginning to end. This obviously includes the reception at your gorgeous villa, where we also spent a lovely week with our families. The pool, the garden and olive groves were a tranquil and relaxing environment whilst providing the perfect setting for many family meals and activities - which were "topped off" by the pizza evening on Thursday. So thank you once again for all your help and we hope to return again in the future...Grazie mille!" Laura & Adam, UK (August 2010).
“In June of 2010 my parents took the entire family (17 in total, 3 generations) ranging in age from 2 to 60+ on the trip of a lifetime. 15 days in London (2) and Italy (13). We enjoyed our 2 days in London but the trip truly began when we arrived at La Tartaruga (The Turtle) in the countryside outside of Rome. We have been fortunate to enjoy some great vacations in the past but I could not conceive that we would enjoy this vacation as much as we did. The Villa and grounds were the perfect setting for our family trip. Centrally located so we could enjoy many great day trips to Rome, the surrounding countryside towns and even a longer day trip to Florence (ambitious). What we enjoyed most about this trip is that we balanced seeing the great sites of Italy with plenty of days spent relaxing and enjoying all that this property had to offer. The house is perfect for big families or groups with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a nice open living room but we spent most of our time outside at the pool, playing tennis, or just walking around the grounds (which are lined with cherry, peach, olive trees... etc)... just spectacular. We ate every meal outside on the patio enjoying the great views and beautifully lit pool and terrace area. We were fortunate to have one of the best local chefs cooking for us and although we are pretty picky when it comes to Italian food the entire group raved about every meal. (she came everyday at about 3PM and rolled the pasta by hand... incredible) There is also a great outdoor wood burning pizza oven and we had a pizza chef from Rome come out to the house and give us pizza making lessons and we only ate 28 pizzas that night. I could go on about the property, the food and the location for ever but what really made the trip so special was the owner, Giuseppe Micheletta and his family. There was nothing we wanted or needed that G and his family did not go over and above to provide. Whether it was having bikes delivered for the kids, arranging for transportation into Rome or other locations, arranging for the best pizza chef or anything that our "slightly demanding" family wanted, he was a phone call away. He treated us like family and because of that our family will remember this trip forever. I have never written a review for anything let alone a vacation location but this one deserved all these accolades and more. I would be thrilled if a trip back to La Tartaruga were under the tree this year. I would go back tomorrow.” Ted, Rhode Island, USA (June 2010).
"A very enjoyable holiday, house pool and view incredible. Many nice places to eat around the area including L'Albero Custode and pizzeria in hilltop village. Warm welcome and friendly host in Giuseppe lond with beautiful weather and countryside makes it very disappointing to be leaving for home" Sara Yule + Family, UK (July 2009).
"Thanks for a fantastic week. We coudn't have asked for more...Had a great time, pool was so much fun! Would love to come back!....Had a whale of a time....Coming back next year for more Villa cherries!" The Rhodes/Allan family, UK (June 2009).
"Thank you so much! It was a wonderful week! We enjoyed the sun, the pool, great Italian countryside and the local cuisine! Ihana paikka! Palaan vamas takasin!!" Visa, Helsinki, Finland (June 2009).
"What a week! Wonderful accommodation, setting and facilities. The superb weather made it all the more memorable. We hope to return and sample more of the delights of the region. Thank you Giuseppe - your helpfulness and consideration in answering our requests and making us feel welcome, as if we were at home, ensured a week to remember. We have enjoyed Italian graciousness and hospitality at its best..." Valerie, John, Ingrid, UK & Germany (May 2009).
"If this is not heaven, it's as close to it that you can get on hearth!" Ed & Susan, USA (May, 2009).
“We spended our wedding with our family and friends here, at wonderful La Tartaruga. Great thanks to our great host, who took care of us and supervised that everything went according to plans. Warm thanks for everything. Place is beautiful, weather was bright and sunny and service was perfect. It couldn’t be better.” Mikko & Kaisa, Helsinki, Finland (September 2008).
"We all so enjoyed our holiday at La Tartaruga - such a lovely spot, wonderful pool and spacious accommodation, not to mention that constant sun... You were a very kind and attentive host, which was much appreciated. Best regards and do let us know if you are ever in London. A big thank you from us all." Aline, London, UK (August 2008).
"Dear Giuseppe, So we're all back in london now, trying to settle back into our routines, the weather is not quite as good as it was...I just wanted to thank you so much for our holiday, we had the most amazing time, eating and more importantly, relaxing, which was in the main part, down to your hospitality, and your truly amazing villa, so, from all of us, a huge thank you!" James, London, UK (July 2008).
"Our stay at the Villa was like a second honeymoon. On one hand, there was the sheer beauty of the surroundings, hills and olive groves and ancient ruins. On the other, the proximity to Rome and other intriguing destinations in Italy....And our hosts were so gracious in every way!", Henry & Eva, New York, NY (July 2007).
"La Tartaruga Sabina is a magical place. My husband and I stayed there for our wedding anniversary, and could not have been more pleased. The scenery is breathtaking, and the accommodations are warm and welcoming. An added benefit is that you're a stone's throw away from Rome.", Kate, Brooklyn, NY (August 2007).
"Staying at the Villa was a totally pleasant experience. It was quite relaxing, the room was comfortable, and the landscape beautiful-spring flowers everywhere! We loved it." Louise & Joe, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (July 2007).
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros € | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 16 | ||||||
| Period | From![]() | To![]() | Weekly![]() | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| 7 Jan 12 | 31 Mar 12 | € 1300 | - | - | 2 Nights | |
| 31 Mar 12 | 7 Apr 12 | € 1800 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 7 Apr 12 | 14 Apr 12 | € 2500 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 14 Apr 12 | 28 Apr 12 | € 2000 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 28 Apr 12 | 26 May 12 | € 2900 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 26 May 12 | 21 Jul 12 | € 3700 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 21 Jul 12 | 18 Aug 12 | € 4200 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 18 Aug 12 | 22 Sep 12 | € 3700 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 22 Sep 12 | 20 Oct 12 | € 2700 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 20 Oct 12 | 24 Nov 12 | € 1900 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 24 Nov 12 | 15 Dec 12 | € 1300 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 15 Dec 12 | 22 Dec 12 | € 1900 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 22 Dec 12 | 5 Jan 13 | € 3900 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 5 Jan 13 | 12 Jan 13 | € 1900 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 12 Jan 13 | 23 Mar 13 | € 1500 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 23 Mar 13 | 30 Mar 13 | € 1900 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 30 Mar 13 | 6 Apr 13 | € 3200 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 6 Apr 13 | 27 Apr 13 | € 2400 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 27 Apr 13 | 1 Jun 13 | € 3200 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 1 Jun 13 | 29 Jun 13 | € 4100 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 29 Jun 13 | 20 Jul 13 | € 4400 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 20 Jul 13 | 24 Aug 13 | € 4700 | - | - | 1 Week | |
| 24 Aug 13 | 28 Sep 13 | € 4100 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 28 Sep 13 | 19 Oct 13 | € 2900 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 19 Oct 13 | 23 Nov 13 | € 2200 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
| 23 Nov 13 | 21 Dec 13 | € 1500 | - | - | 3 Nights | |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
• Preferred payment: Wire Transfer (40% when booking, remaining balance 60 days prior to arrival). PayPal/Credit Card payment possible.
• Security Deposit: € 600 (cash) required on arrival, to be refunded on departure (subject to satisfactory property inspection).
• The following EXPENSES are not included in the rental price and need to be paid cash before checking out:
- Electricity (according to usage, which is generally around € 90/140 per week).
- Final Cleaning (€ 15 per person with a minimum total of € 150).
- Central Heating, upon request (€ 50 per day; generally, in the Rome area heating is used starting end of October/beginning of November until end of March/beginning of April).
Upon request:
• Extra twin beds (max 5): €180 per bed per week.
• Maid service: €15 per hour.
• Catered meals; pizzas using villa's outdoor wood-burning oven; wine; olive oil; guided tours; transportation.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
| Key: | 11 | 12 | Booked | 11 | 12 | Available | 11 | 12 | Unknown | 11 | 12 | Arrival/Departure dates |
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 3 years listed You are contacting Andrea Micheletta
Payment accepted
Languages spoken ![]() The owner is based in Italy and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This villa has received 3 reviews from previous guests. ![]() |
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