VILLA NOCCIOLA

Brimming with warmth and character, Villa Nocciola has been beautifully restored, its authentic 17th-century origins sitting comfortably alongside classic modern interiors, complete with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and en-suite bedrooms throughout. The villa’s spectacular location, just outside the walls of Cortona, affords sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Situated near the Tuscany-Umbria border, a wealth of pretty villages lie close by, ready to be explored, while Lake Trasimeno makes for a pleasant day trip, offering watersports and lovely lakeside walks.

The villa boasts a wealth of fabulous features, but any description of the property must start with its location — just a short walk up the hill into the crooked, cobblestone streets of one of Italy’s most famous hilltop towns. Cortona, sitting 600m above sea level, offers sweeping views across vast stretches of countryside in every direction, taking in Lake Trasimeno and Mount Amiata in the Val d’Orcia. Such close access to authentic Italian village life brings with it the chance to dine at a range of delicious local restaurants and explore a treasure trove of historic churches and hidden corners throughout the town’s charming maze of streets. Everyday conveniences are also close at hand, from a grocery store and pharmacy to a doctor’s surgery and tennis court, along with — most importantly for younger guests — some excellent local gelaterias. The nearby train station also makes for easy day trips into Florence and Rome.

The villa itself offers a wealth of wonderful outdoor features, including a swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi, an alfresco dining area, a charcoal grill, and a pizza oven. The gardens are dreamy and beautifully maintained, filled with white roses and lavender, framed by cypress trees and impressive umbrella pines. The large travertine pool, heated Jacuzzi, bocce pitch, and table tennis beneath the pergola all offer hours of entertainment. Inside, Wi-Fi runs throughout the property, alongside a large pool table and dedicated cinema room.