Fabulous villa in 4 acres below Cortona- pool and wonderful al fresco cooking
- Villa
- People: 12
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Separate WCs: 1
- Min. Stay: 7 nights
Fully refurbished Cortona, Tuscany villa- Secluded and Tranquil with Stunning Views, but Very Near Major Towns
Bedrooms
Owner
Andrew Ball
- Languages:
- English, Housekeeper; UK, Italian, German, French, Dutch +
About Andrew Ball
My wife's family is in Australia and we have friends dotted around the globe, so we spend many months a year staying in other people's homes. This has given us considerable insight into what works in making a functioning home and what doesn't. This, combined with my wife's considerable talent as an interior designer, especially in relation to colours, and my perfectionism has enabled us to create homes that are calm and welcoming- places where people feel relaxed. We were confirmed francophiles until we discovered Italy about 15 years ago and since then we have not looked back. The Tuscans are such happy and welcoming people, with a zest for life, especially really fresh, natural food and their sense of humour is superb. We manage about 3 months per year in Tuscany and love every momen
Andrew Ball purchased this Villa in 2006
Why Andrew Ball chose Cortona
We rented properties nearby in 2005/6 and had fallen wildly in love with Cortona, a true gem of a city within the magic of Tuscany and so central for visiting much of what it has to offer. The first property was a converted farmhouse and it looked great, but it just did not work as a dwelling- the staircase was outside, the kitchen was tiny, north facing and 50 yards away from the (fixed) place to eat outside. The pool was even further away. The second was a villa "near" Cortona, but it was actually a 30-40 minutes drive. The description of the accomodation looked good for 12, but more that half the bedrooms were in the attic with sloping ceilings and unlockable windows at floor level.... and we had several young children! We saw San Marco and fell in love with everything about it; ideal location, tranquil gardens, stunning views in all directions, spacious well-proportioned rooms, big swimming pool, productive olive grove and even a 1973 Fiat 500 in the garage! We did not even look at any other property- enough said.
What makes this Villa unique
We lived in San Marco for several months over 2 years before making any changes, but we then made structural alterations in all but two rooms in order to end up with a (brand new) villa that really worked. We took 30+feet off many of the trees to restore the glorious views and planted the drive of pencil pines, an orchard and a vegetable/herb garden. A couple of years later we completed my dream of a poolhouse, wood oven and BBQ to enable 12 people to be entertained outside without having to go back to the villa, i.e. everything necessary, down to a full kitchen, all tableware, a changing room and bathroom were right there beside the pool. We are so fortunate to have a wonderful and incredibly capable multi-lingual housekeeper, who project managed all our upgrades. She is one of our dearest friends and really looks after our guests.
Facilities
Featured
- Heater
- Children Welcome
- TV
- Internet
- No Smoking
- Satellite or Cable
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- Swimming pool
- Fireplace
- Accessible
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 5, Separate WCs: 1
Safety features
- Fire extinguisherBeside each fire in the house.
- Exterior lighting
- First-aid kitIn the cupboard under the basin in the downstairs toilet, on the left side
- Deadbolt lock
Location Type
- Rural
General
- TelephoneHouse phone is free to receive calls. Outgoing calls will be charged at cost.
- HeatingFull oil fired central heating throughout. There is a separate charge (at cost) for oil consumed on heating
- Linens provided
- Washing machine
- Clothes dryer
- FireplaceThere are two substantial fireplaces- one in the living room and one, which we frequently use for wood fired cooking in the winter, in the kitchen. There is an enormous and free log pile.
- ParkingThere is easy parking for 10+ cars
- InternetWi-Fi throughout- main router in hall and hard wired extension in study. Speed usually 5-7 Mbps
- Towels providedBath, hand, face and swimming towels provided on a weekly basis.
- Iron & board
- Hair dryer
- Living RoomElegant 32ft living room with grand piano, imposing stone fireplace, sofa, etc and large walnut dining table. A TV/breakfast room with Sky/DVDs, toys and games, sofa, small dining table, etc. A large study with a double sofa-bed, armchairs, etc.
Kitchen
- DishwasherApart from the dishwasher in the villa, there is a separate dishwasher in the poolhouse
- FridgeApart from the american fridge freezer in the villa, there is a separate fridge freezer in the poolhouse
- HobApart from the 6 burner hob in the villa, there is a 4 burner hob in the poolhouse
- Oven
- MicrowaveCan also function as a grill and can roast things- instructions provided
- Grill
- Coffee makerNumerous italian percolators, a filter coffee machine and a Nespresso machine on request (capsules not provided).
- ToasterApart from the 4 slice toaster in the villa, there is another 4 slice toaster in the poolhouse
- Pantry itemsNumerous salt & pepper grinders, flour, pasta, rice, etc. Local consumables (e.g. milk, bread, eggs, etc) can be ordered prior to arrival
- Dishes & utensils12 full place settings are provided in both the villa and the poolhouse. A very full array of cooking utensils, pans, serving dishes and table linen is also provided in both.
- KitchenA very well equipped kitchen with 2 ovens, 6 ring gas hob, huge American fridge/freezer with ice and cold water dispensers, 4 slice toaster, Magimix, good knives and cooking utensils, coffee machines, pasta machine and board and many saucepans.
Dining
- Dining area
- Child's highchair
- DiningThere is a solid walnut table for 10-12 in the living room, an oak table for 6 in the breakfast room, an outdoor table in the bower for 8-12 and an undercover pine table for 12 at the poolhouse.
Entertainment
- Television32" TV in breakfast room. Cinema room with 126" screen, surround sound, etc
- Satellite / Cable TVSky package with TV in breakfast room. Both TV and cinema have HDMI connections and can therefore show Netlix, etc via your own laptop
- StereoHi-Fi with (old fitting) iPod docking station, portable and USB inputs in breakfast/kitchen. 5 disc CD player with portable input in poolhouse.
- DVD playerDVD player in breakfast room. Blue Ray player in cinema.
- BooksGood library- about 250 books
- Table football
- Ping pong table
- ToysGood collection of boardgames (Scrabble, monopoly, etc) and a selection of children's toys
- Video libraryGood selection in both breakfast room (fairly child orientated) and cinema- a photo of the collections can be e-mailed on request.
Outside
- GardenThe parklike garden has many interesting trees as well as an olive grove, a vegetable/herb garden, a rough boules pitch and a very rough croquet "lawn".
- BalconyThere is a substantial balcony above the study with fabulous views of Cortona and 20 miles down the valley towards Lake Trasimeno. There is a juliet balcony off bedroom 2 with views over the pool
- TerraceThere is an ivy covered bower, accessible via the breakfast room, with a table for 8- another table can be added to extend this to 12. Undercover outside the poolhouse is a pine table for 12.
- Outdoor Furniture
- TennisThere are two reasonable clay courts in Cortona and these can be booked by phone.
- GolfAntognolla Golf Club, about 30 minutes away, opened a new Par 71, 6208 metre, 18 hole championship golf course, in 2008. This spectacular course has sloping fairways leading onto expansive greens and is played under the backdrop of the stunning Antognolla castle. It has a driving range, practice green, a small club house, a bar and café serving light meals, changing facilities and you can hire golf clubs, trolleys and carts. Golf Club Perugia is also about a 30 minute drive and has a Par 72, 6,272 yard course. Whilst the holes are not very long, the course is quite challenging. There is an excellent practice ground, chipping and putting greens and two resident professionals. It has a restaurant for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday and a new swimming pool complex. Golf bags, trolleys and golf carts can rented. Esse Golf Club is a fairly ordinary 9 hole course about 20 minutes away.
Suitability
- wheelchair accessibleThere is a full-size double sofa-bed with an orthopaedic mattress in the study, which is easily accessible by wheelchair. A quadriplegic friend and her husband stayed very happily for 2 weeks, but please discuss your needs before booking. Bathroom 5 is on the ground floor, but it does not have a shower. Most of the ground floor is open plan with double width arches so wheelchair movement is fairly easy.
Pool / Spa
- Private pool20 x 40 foot, with constant depth of about 4 foot 6 inches, so ideal for many water games.
Onsite Services
- Housekeeper included
Notes
- Notes on accommodation: This is our second home, not a rental property and we have refurbished, decorated and furnished it to our own very high standards. The pool is fenced and the house is generally child friendly, though the living room is rather more adult and the ground floor is largely open-plan. There are toys, family games, a 32" Sony HD TV, BlueRay DVD player and an extensive DVD collection. High-speed wireless broadband (computer not provided) is available and free. We did not even consider air-conditioning during the refurbishment as with really thick walls and good 'heat management' (details in the house book) we are able to keep the villa at 22-24 degrees during the Summer. Oil for the central heating (only needed during the Winter) is charged separately, though there are 2 large and excellent real fires (in the kitchen/breakfast room and the living room) and these really heat the place up. There is a log-pile, for which there is no charge. Outside: There are 2 large tables to seat 8/12 and several places to enjoy the different views or to eat in either the sun or the shade of the pergola or the verandah of the poolhouse overlooking the 16 x 39ft pool and our olive grove. There is a huge pizza oven and barbecue and a full outdoor kitchen (including everything for 12 people), plenty of pool loungers, sun umbrellas and garden furniture. The 1st floor terrace has 2 tables and 8 chairs with views up to Cortona and bedroom 2 has a Juliet balcony with views over the pool to the local 14th century chapel. There are lovely walks amongst the trees, a grouping of hammocks and for the more active, outdoor table tennis, table football and 3 bikes. There is a herb and vegetable garden, two good fig trees, a mature plum and walnut and we have planted an orchard of nectarines, plums, apples, pears, apricots and almonds as well as 5 vines. We often have pairs of woodpeckers, hoopoes, pheasants and hares and the occasional wild tortoise. Utility Room: A separate laundry with a washing machine, drying racks, tumble dryer, huge basin for hand washing, with drying rack above, iron and ironing board. Cleaning / Towels / Linen / Maid service: Hair dryers, towels, including pool towels, and linen are provided. The house is clean on arrival and is cleaned and linen changed every Saturday. Further help (making up the beds, washing up, etc.) can be arranged for an additional amount paid locally. Other: An impressive entrance hall and staircase. Several different places to eat outdoors. Cinema room with 3m screen. The 18 inch thick walls mean that with good 'heat management' the villa stays delightfully cool.
House Rules
Check-in: 16:30
Check-out: 9:30
No parties/events
Except with prior permission
No smoking
No pets
Children allowed
See general description for more detail.
Max guests:12
Cancellation Policy
Cancelled bookings will not receive a refund
16 Reviews
Beautiful Italian Retreat
Beautiful Italian Retreat- Tuscany Italy
This Villa is not only beautiful, in a great location but it also is equipped with all the modern facilities you would need. During this week, we barely left the villa, apart from to top up on the yummy wine and food from the near-by supermarkets.
Guests: 12 young professionals from the UK.
Villa Accommodation: all good size double bedrooms, decorated beautifully in line with the style of the villa. Several the rooms are en suite and a few share 2 separate showers rooms. There is a large kitchen with all the appliances that you could wish for (coffee machine, dishwashers, washing machine, ect…).
Facilities: HUGE pool perfect to cool down during the hot super months. Ideal for pool games (we played water-volley ball each afternoon). On top of this, there is a pool toilet and changing rooms along with a fully functioning kitchen in the Pool House, so you do not need to go back to the main house for. There are lots of sunbeds surrounding the pool, set in a large garden. The villa is set far from the road so you feel you have escaped from the world. What we really loved was the croquet lawn which is perfect for sundowners before dinner.
On top of this there is an outside dining area (seating +14people) that looks over the pool and surrounding area.
In the evening the outdoor Pizza Oven and separate BBQ was fantastic. We had pizza making competitions and long leisurely dinners. We only ventured to nearby Crotona for dinner one evening and it was lovely. There are lots of choices for dinner/ drinks in a picturesque setting.
Near-by activities: Tennis courts in Crotona, Pedalo & swimming at Lake Trasimeno there is a quaint island that you can peddle to that has several lovely little restaurants serving local food. (For those not inclined to exercise there is a regular ferry). Top of this there are many Golf courses, Vineyards and lovely local restaurants. We had a lovely lunch at Casa Mia, in Camucia, which served the local delicacy, Pici.
Overall we had a fantastic holiday and would jump at the opportunity to return! You can tell that the Owners love their home and really want their guests too as well. It is 5* accommodation!!!
Lisa, many thanks for taking the time to write. Our team works hard to provide much more than any group can use in a single holiday, so it is lovely to hear about all the things you packed in to just one week.
Totally Incredible Villa; Take me back!
What can I say, from the moment we pulled up we were blown away by the beauty and location of the place. Perfectly appointed and maintained, this magical villa has everything.
The main focal point for us was the swimming pool area where you'll find (unsurprisingly) a swimming pool which is the perfect size and depth for families with young ones as well as older groups who are partial to a cheeky game of water volleyball or 20. There is also a large al fresco dining area which can seat all guests but what really makes it stand out is the real wood burning BBQ and pizza oven. We had great fun making our own pizzas in this bad boy and it really made the holiday extra memorable for us.
We were even fortunate enough to meet the owners Sian and Andrew, who happened to be leaving as we arrived but hung around to greet us and give us some extra info and handy tips which were much appreciated.
The local towns Camucia and Cortona are beautiful and you won't struggle for things to do ot places to go out to eat and there is even a stunning lake (Tresemeno) just 15 mins drive away where you can hire a peddelo and ride over to the beautiful island in the middle of the lake for a glorious seafood lunch and an Aperol Spritz.
I hope to return next summer to what is now one of my favourite places.
:-)
Beautiful, grand and picturesque Villa
The Villa was beautiful both inside and out, with amazingly decorated rooms in keeping with the grand and rustic Tuscan style. We had everything we needed and much, much more, enabling us to stay most evenings in the Villa, drinking red Tuscan wine by the pool and eating homemade pizzas (and thanks to the outdoor pizza oven, the cooking could all be done in the sun!). I stayed at the Villa with a group of 12 friends and it accommodated us perfectly with its spacious and airy rooms.
The Villa provided a lovely relaxing setting with views out across the farmland and over the olive orchard. It was a brilliant place to read by the pool and soak up some sun. The gardens are wonderfully kept with bright and lovely flowers and the pool was the prefect size and height for some epic volleyball matches! With the array of equipment available, we were also able to play a few rounds of croquet on the front lawn and some badminton over the pool.
The Villa is a walk away from the hill top village of Cortona, where you can wander down the cobbled streets with a tasty ice cream in hand browsing shop windows. Cortona also has well kept, clay tennis courts, which we all played on in the mornings before heading back to the Villa for a dip in the pool.
The pool house has all the facilities you need to cook and eat for at least 14 people, each day we would sit along the lovely wooden table that overlooks the pool and olive orchard for a tasty lunch.
I would definitely recommend a stay here, and cannot wait to return again myself!
Thanks Andrew and Shan!!!
When can we go back?
What a treat to stay in Andrew and Shan's beautiful Tuscan Villa. My only negative was that the week went too quickly but that is the sign of a truly great holiday.
The villa was stunning, spacious and immaculate both inside and out which is a reflection of the love and care that Andrew and Shan put into the property.
Whether you want to kick back and relax or fill your day with activities, the villa and surrounding areas cater for all. We had fantastic days relaxing by the pool, indulging in long lunches and enjoying alfresco suppers (the wood-fired oven even inspired the less enthusiastic chefs in our group to test their pizza making skills!) Activities interspersed the day from early morning tennis at the Cortona Tennis Club (perched on the hill with beautiful views), followed by Gelato in Cortona, afternoon volleyball in the pool, golf, evening croquet and late night cards washed down with the finest Tuscan wine!
I highly recommend a trip to Lake Trasimeno and hiring a pedalo and heading for the island in the middle of the lake for lunch in one of the many shore-side restaurants. Having pedaloed back we then headed up to Castiglione del Lago which offers incredible views of the lake (and an opportunity to admire our pedalo efforts - as Lisa said there is also the option of a ferry if you don't fancy an hour on the pedalo!)
I often think that there is a risk of 'cabin fever' on villa holidays. Not here, I could have stayed for weeks.
Thank you Andrew and Shan!
Blissful Holiday
This is the third time we have been to San Marco and we can't begin to tell you what a fantastic time we have had in this beautiful home. It is honestly one of the most enjoyable and relaxing holidays we have ever had. The weather has been perfect - hot during the day and blissfully cool in the evenings and at night. The villa is incredibly comfortable with every last detail thought of. The pool house is a great meeting place for the whole family and the pizza oven tests everyone's cooking skills! Also there are interesting towns and vineyards within easy driving distance making this a fun holiday venue for all.
A Tuscan. Delight
This is the second year that we have stayed at this Villa, with another family. The accommodation is five star with every amenity you could wish for. Rooms are large and comfy. the pool is a delight, but the star for us was the outside pizza oven which we used pretty much every night. The housekeeper was on hand when required, the pool cleaned regularly and Sabrina the cleaner was just fantastic. Enjoy the fresh tomatoes and herbs from the garden.. I was happy to chill for 3 weeks and ventured out only seldom - other''s were more adventurous and found transport links good - only 45 minutes from Perugia airport, and 10 minutes from Camucia railway station with high speed links. No hesitation at. All in recommending this villa highly.
Location
SPECIAL INTEREST HOLIDAYS:
COOKERY COURSES - we can arrange wonderful 1 day courses with a great local Mama who meets you for coffee in Cortona, teaches you what and how to buy the best local produce and then takes you back to her home for you to prepare, cook and eat it. I went with one guest and immediately signed up for two more! SHOPPING - there are 3 excellent outlet villages within an hour's drive.
ANTIQUE MARKET- over the weekend of the first Sunday of the month (apart from August) Arezzo hosts the largest outdoor antique market in Europe.
ETRUSCAN TOMBS - we can arrange a tour of 3 significant local local tombs by one of the leading authorities- a highly entertaining American lady.
HAND-PAINTED POTTERY - Deruta, about 40 minutes by car is one of the largest towns in Italy for producing fine hand-painted pottery. We can arrange a private tour of a factory so you can see the whole process from clay to finished article and watch the highly skilled painters at work.
COAST/BEACH:
There are several guarded beaches on Lake Trasimeno (20 minutes away). There are ferries going out to the islands and there is also sailing.
Travel:
Ryanair flys from Stanstead to Perugia (40 mins drive). BA/Meridiana from Gatwick to Florence (1hr 20 mins drive). BA, Easyjet and others to Pisa (1 hr 45 mins drive), Ryannair to Ancona (1 hr 50mins drive), Ryanair to Bologna Forli (1 hr 50 mins drive) and numerous airlines to Rome (2 hrs drive). Car hire is essential, though if some guests in your party are not hiring a car then the railway stations of Camucia (5 mins drive) or Terontola (7 mins drive) are on the direct Rome to Florence line.
Distances:
If you can drag yourself away from the pool, the villa and its grounds and Cortona, then Sienna, Assissi, Montepulciano, Perugia, Arrezzo, Pienza, Lake Trasimeno and scores of hill-top villages are all within an hour's drive and Florence and Rome, which are not very car-friendly, are easily accessable by rail from Camucia (5 mins drive) or Terontola (7 mins drive). Over 30 excellent restaurants, shopping and more than all the usual facilities (including 5 supermarkets!) within a 10 minute drive.
Further Details:
Languages- our 'housekeeper' speaks English, Italian, French, German and Spanish and can book restaurants, etc for you.
Eating out- there are about 20 restaurants in and around Cortona and 10 in or around Camucia (i.e. all within a 10 minute drive), so the choice is awesome and it is difficult to get a bad meal. The house book describes our favorites.
Exploring Cortona- it has only one level road, fortunately the main one. Otherwise it is extremely hilly, quite fascinating and you keep on chancing upon the most unbelievable views. Anyone (and not just Frances Mayes of 'Under the Tuscan Sun', the book and film about falling in love with Cortona) who has been there longs to go back. It has extraordinary Churches, really ancient buildings, excellent museums, exhibitions, music festivals and opera. It has several great shops, a Saturday market and a passegiata on Sunday.
Shopping locally- Camucia is a more modern town with shops selling most things, a large market on Thursdays and 4 excellent supermarkets, the newest, only 3 or 4 mins away. There are plenty of banks and cash machines.
Activities- the surrounding land is criss-crossed with paths suitable for walking or cycling and for those wishing to raise their heart-rate the hills of Cortona are very steep, fabulously rewarding and only a few 100yds away. There is an impressive tennis and country club in Cortona, a spa in the neighbouring (4 star) hotel, sailing on Lake Trasmeno (20 mins drive), 3 9 hole golf courses within 30 mins drive and 2 18 hole courses within about an hour's drive, horse-riding at several local schools.
Jazz- Perugia hosts the spectacular 10 day Umbrian Jazz Festival in mid July (it has fielded stars such as BB King, James Taylor, Simply Red, Steely Dan, George Benson, Herbie Hancock & Tony Bennett, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Rollins, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorterand many more).
Art- Cortona hosts many exhibitions, concerts and pageants.