Location: Cortona, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Close to Cortona and Trasimeno Lake)
Accommodations: Villa 5 flats & dependance, 12 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 8 Baths (Sleeps 24-26)
High on a hilltop near Cortona on the eastern edge of Tuscany, Villa Cuiano is a sprawling farmhouse with marvelous panoramic views of the Niccone Valley and the distant mountains of Umbria.
The house lies in extensive gardens and has a large, well-kept swimming pool. Furnished with tables and chairs, and equipped with a barbecue and oven, the garden is perfect for al fresco meals in the long summer months. Walkers and nature lovers can take advantage of the many tracks and paths that wind through the surrounding countryside, even strolling down to the Castello di Pierle - one of Tuscany's most striking castles.
If the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounding area isn't enough, Villa Cuiano is a perfect base camp from which to explore Tuscany and Umbria. Lake Trasimeno - Italy's fourth largest - is only 20 minutes away with excellent swimming and water sports.
The railway station is a similar distance - once on a train you can be in Florence in an hour or in Rome in two. The nearest village is Mercatale di Cortona, with facilities including shops, bars, medical facilities, a restaurant and bank. Cortona is 20 minutes away and in less than an hour you can be in Siena, Montepulciano, Orvieto or Perugia.
The country house has been divided into five apartments and another detached country house, each decorated in traditional Tuscan-style. Stone fireplaces, cotta floors, and dark chestnut-beamed ceilings lend an authentic, welcoming air to the accommodation. These are comfortable flats, with good lighting and simple, classic furnishings.
* La Loggia - 3 BEDR. 2 BATH. Sleeps 6. External staircase leads up from a pergola with views over the Castello. Spacious living room with original fireplace, two double bedrooms - one with en suite bathroom, one single bedroom, fully-equipped kitchen, and second bathroom.
* La Stalletta - 2 BEDR. 2 BATH. Sleeps 4. Entered through a small stone-paved square, shaded during the day and sunny in the evening, and perfect for external dining. The kitchen is fully-equipped and there are two bedrooms - one with a double bed, the other with two singles. Shower, bathroom, terrace with excellent views.
*** NOTE: La Loggia and La Stalletta are adjacent and can be linked to make a single apartment.
* La Stalla - 2 BEDR. 1 BATH. Sleeps 4. On the ground floor, this apartment has such a large living room and kitchen that it is normally used as the main living and dining area by groups taking the entire villa. The bedrooms (one with double bed, the other with two singles) are also spacious and airy. The bathroom is large, and is easily accessible by wheelchair.
* La Loggetta - 1 BEDR. 1 BATH. Sleeps 2+2. This small apartment is ideal as a honeymoon suite, or for a couple with one or two young children. Access is by an external staircase leading to a small terrace. There is a large living room with stone fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen, and a spacious double bedroom with bathroom. In the living we can add the extra beds for the children.
* La Cantina - 1 BEDR. 1 BATH. Sleeps 2. Entered through a side garden, this small apartment is ideal for a couple. As well as the living room and kitchen, there is a large, roomy bedroom - perfectly cool and comfortable even during the hottest months of Summer. There is also a bathroom with tub.
* Casa Luca- 3 BEDR. 1 BATH. Sleeps 4+2. This detached house has 2 double bed bedrooms on the first floor and another double bed bedrooms in the mansard. On the first floor there is the living/dining room with sofa, armchairs and a beautiful fireplace, attached to it a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. It has a big balcony with a fantastic view, that is perfect to eat al fresco and also a beautiful patio on the ground floor to have pleasant moment reading a book or making sunbath.
If you have little babies, we can provide high chair and untill four cots.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking: Parking for more then 10 cars
- Wood Fireplace (4)
- Wood Stove (3)
- Beds
- King Bed (7)
- Twin/Single Bed (9) : The twin beds are 10 shared in 5 rooms
- Crib (4)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (6) : There is a satellite TV in each apartments
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) (6)
- CD Player (6)
- Stereo System (6)
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen (6) : Each apartments have a fully equipped kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator (3)
- Dishwasher (2)
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony (3)
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Cell Phone
- Computer
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet
- Other Amenities
- Fireplace in four flats, Stereo in each flats, Full Kitchen in each flats, Refrigerator in each flats, Ice Maker in each flats, Cooking Utensils provided in each flats, Linens provided for each flats, Washer in the laundry room, Charcoal Grill (BBQ) in the garden, TV SAT in each flats, CD in each flats
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Handicapped Accessible
- Wheelchair Accessible: Apartment La Stalla on the ground floor is certificate for wheelchairs users, with a suitable bathrooms and rooms without obstacles.
- Kid Friendly
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Walking, Trekking
Rate Details (In European Euros)
Feb 02,08-May 09,09 .. €3620/wk(all)- €740/wk(3BDR)- €580/wk(2BDR)- €490/wk(1BDR)
May 09,09-June 20,09.. €5120/wk(all)- €1110/wk(3BDR)- €820/wk(2BDR)- €630/wk(1BDR)
Jun 20,09-Aug 29,09 .. €6520/wk(all)- €1350/wk(3BDR)-€1100/wk(2BDR)- €810/wk(1BDR)
Aug 29,09 Oct 03,09 .. €5120/wk(all)- €1110/wk(3BDR)- €820/wk(2BDR)- €630/wk(1BDR)
Oct 03,09-May 08,10 .. €3620/wk(all)- €740/wk(3BDR)- €580/wk(2BDR)- €490/wk(1BDR)
SPECIAL OFFER:DISC. 10%. Minimum a wk. Valid untill May 9, 09.
Ex: Villa Cuiano & Casa Luca(all),sleeps 25,from May 2-9,09 at €3439, not €3620.
Ex: La Loggia & Casa Luca (3BDR),sleeps 6,from May 2-9,09 at €703, not €740.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Property Photos
- Pool Features Great Views & Large Patio - Cortona, Tuscany, Italy - Arezzo Villa Rental - 5 Apartments in a Restored Farmhouse!
- Restored Living Area Maintained in Original Tuscan Style - Cortona, Tuscany, Italy - Arezzo Villa Rental - 5 Apartments in a Restored Farmhouse!
- Gorgeous Private Garden Area - Cortona, Tuscany, Italy - Arezzo Villa Rental - 5 Apartments in a Restored Farmhouse!
- View of Pool in Rolling Hills
- Spacious Romantic Bedrooms
- Bedroom with a fantastic view
- Our Villa between olives trees
- Restaurant
- A fully equipped kitchen in each apartment
- La Loggetta: a perfect apartment for a romantic holiday
- Cuiano Landascape View
Guest Comments (14)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #16013
There have been 48475 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2002.
This listing was first published here in 2002.
Date last modified - July 04, 2009
Positive Rating
Positive Rating
We rented Villa Cuiano for a family reunion and it was the best villa I have ever rented -- in terms of the accommodations, amenities and the thoughtful concern and attention demonstrated by Franco, the property owner. We have rented villas in France, Italy, Mexico and several Caribbean islands and this one excelled in all regards. There were 18 of us ranging in age from 9-65 yrs. and there was plenty to do both on and off the property for everyone in the party. The descriptions of the accommodations and property are very accurate (not always true with all property descriptions) and each apartment was outfitted with all the basics that you would need. The furnishings were tasteful and the architecture beautiful. The family would split up and day trip and then end up around the pool (which really had enough chairs,lounges, tables for 18!) watching the sunset and trading stories of our day. The grounds are extensive and well manicured. It is a working farm and we always had a few friendly, well behaved dogs and cats roaming around which was a great plus for the kids. We'd wake up early some days to the sounds of tractors or roosters but it really just fed into the ambiance. If you don't enjoy that, Florence or Siena may be more to your liking. Franco was just the most gracious and concerned (yet not intrusive) host. He was tremendously helpful in terms of directions, suggestions and knowledge or the area. Perhaps most telling was his reaction when one of our youngest was ill. When we asked if there was a doctor or clinic, he phoned his personal physician, made an appointment and went with the child and her parents to the doctor to act as interpreter. That type of thoughtfulness transcends a dollar value and we greatly appreciated it. To celebrate the birthday of one of our family, Franco arranged to have a dinner prepared at the villa in an adjacent room which can accommodate 40. We had an absolutely terrific, reasonably priced 6 course meal (I think 6-- we were provided with wine as well as the meal which results in a somewhat clouded memory) that featured local specialties. In keeping with his attention to detail, Franco asked for a list of any allergies we may have so that the cook could avoid those ingredients. The location, while about 20-30 minutes from truly major highways, was very good. Among our group, trips were made to Siena, Assisi, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, Orvieto,Civita di Bagnoregio (great by the way), Montone (another little known great hill town. Very close by (15 minutes) was Cortona and Castiglione del Lago (20 minutes) on Lake Trasimeno. This is absolutely a great rental. Leasing all the apartments and the separate 3 bedroom house as a unit is a great way for the whole group to be together while still having privacy. I would not hesitate to rent a single unit either since the set up is such that you would not feel intruded upon. We look forward to another trip to Villa Cuiano.
Positive Rating
What a great visit! Thank you and your staff for a two very nice weeks. I learned a lot about Tuscan foods and cooking by eating in many restaurants and also the three excellent meals at the Villa. Inparticular I will miss Mercatale. Very friendly, helpful people in the shops. Mentally, I am still very much in Tuscany! Images of the flowers, hills, trees and bird songs will be with me for some time. Have a very good summer!
Positive Rating
After quite an exciting ride up the mountain, a right turn into the driveway, your jaw drops. In front of you are Dottie and Pasquilino (the dogs) to welcome you to Cuiano. And Ceca too, the neighbors dog. Ten of us stayed at Cuiano in Oct. 2005. We rented La Loggia and La Stalletta (ajoining apartments). All the rooms were large and nicely furnished. The bathrooms were large and had enough hot water for all of us. The kitchens were well stocked with everything we needed if we wanted to cook. It did take a bit to learn the ins and out of the stove, but once mastered, we had no problem. To say the area is beautiful is an understatement. Suffice it to say, when my brother-in-law looked out his bedroom window he said "My God, what did we do right". The scenery is magnificent and every morning a sheer joy to see it. We totally enjoyed hearing the bells of our neighbors sheep in the meadow down below, and we were lucky enough to see the two newborn lambs. Cuiano was a great home base. We were able to go to Gubbio, Arezzo, Siena, Assisi, Camuccia for market day and Cortona we visited 3 times. Cortona was absolutely our favorite, although it's really hard to choose. We dined at Mimmi's twice; if you get a chance make sure you make a reservation, it's not to be missed. No menu, but who needs it, whatever Mimmi cooks is just delicious. Be prepared for a 10 course meal. Franco, thank you, thank you, thank you. Our home away from home was just the best. Dottie and Pasquilino were welcome visitors and such sweet dogs. For those of you who stay at Cuiano, Pasquilino will lead the way down the mountain at top speed and then meet you again on the way up to lead you back home. Like the mayor of Cuiano. If you're thinking of a visit to Tuscany, you couldn't pick a better place than Cuiano to stay. Enjoy the view, enjoy the food, enjoy the wine,enjoy CUIANO.
Positive Rating
My footfalls on the mountain’s gravel road Make the sound of shadows Whetted on a stone of late afternoon sun Above the ruined castle of Pierle I startle the lone cuckoo into silence Just a moment in passing I am relieved to hear the calls again They had taken me days After our arrival to discover Descending, the slope on my left flattens And after all these weeks of walks I realize that the ancient, struggling chestnuts Are uniformly spaced A formation of cultivation Perhaps a century old Recognition is not often immediate for me You may understand the time It takes to see or hear below the surfaces You may appreciate the solitary nature Of this exploration left to us You certainly recognize my disappointment When the elusive calls are lost In the happy voices around our farmhouse.
Positive Rating
Mark And Korina , San Francisco, California
Positive Rating
Cuiano was perfect! My family and I had the most wonderful vacation. Our expectations were extremely high when we made our plans to visit for one week in August 2000, and yet they were exceeded in every way. The villa was lovely. We stayed in La Loggia and we were extremely impressed with the quality of the restoration (old charm balanced with modern conveniences). The surroundings were beautiful (the garden and pool were especially nice). The views were breathtaking from every window. Tuscany was heaven on earth for us in Cuiano. My only regret was that our stay was so short. Even though just staying in and around the villa was very attractive, we couldn't resist seeing the surrounding areas (Siena, San Gimiginano, Assisi, Perugia, Florence- even Venice!). Next time, we'll return for at least two weeks so we can relax as well as explore. One last note: Franco Cinaglia was the best host. Not only was he exceedingly friendly, but also he saved us when our car broke down. We will never forget his extra effort to make our Tuscan vacation so special.
Positive Rating
Along with another family, we spent a glorious week at Cuiano in September. The property itself is beautiful and very well maintained, and the pictures on the website do little justice to the spectacular views and sense of peace and quiet. It is simple, without TV or telephone, but a great place to escape for a time. It is an excellent location from which to explore the area, both by car and by train, and there are plenty of interesting things to do and see. The hosts could not be better as well. They are incredibly helpful but non-obtrusive. One night, for instance, during a thunderstorm, Franco came driving up from town simply to check we were alright. If you go, don't miss a trip to Cortona, and make sure both to have a meal cooked for you at Cuiano, as well as eating at Mimmi's in Mercatale. We had two toddlers with us, and they had a great time as well.
Positive Rating
Cuiano will always be a special place for my fiance and I (the perfect spot for our engagement). Our expectations were far exceeded. From the beautiful drive up the hill, the morning views of the Castle Pierle and valley from our bedroom window to all the comforts of home that were available. We stayed in the spacious Apartment 1 (La Loggia). The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and nice. The kitchen came in quite handy as we did manage to enjoy some home cooked meals - the large dining table in front of the huge fireplace was a perfect spot for hanging out, as was the loggia for dining al fresco. Mercatale is a great little get away town. We had fun getting to know the locals (the butcher, the baker, the banker, etc.). We were also able to cover a lot of ground in just a week - Cortona (one of our favorites), Montepulciano, Assisi, Perugia, Siena, San Gimignano and of course Lake Trasimeno. The Cinaglia Family was so helpful and nice - we couldn't have felt more welcome. We were so sad to leave our little getaway and would love to return if given the chance. Even though there were only two of us, it was so nice to have the spacious Apartment 1 which probably has the most amenities and definitely the best views. We couldn't have enjoyed our engagement any more - it was perfect!
Positive Rating
This villa is fantastic! 13 of us rented the entire house, and we unanimously agreed that it was perfect. The villa itself is lovely -- recently renovated, comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. Separate instant-on hot-water heaters for each apartment (an important point when 13 people are showering each morning!), a clothes-washer, and several dishwashers. The outdoor patio around the pool was wonderful -- we spent most evenings sitting around the pool enjoying wine and appetizers. And the view... suffice it to say that it's unbelievable. The location is ideal for sightseeing -- roughly an hour from Arezzo, Siena, and Assissi, about 1.5 hours to Florence. We even had one carload take a day trip to Rome. We asked the Cinaglias to prepare our dinner each evening, and we highly recommend future groups consider this too. Each evening Signora Maria, Franco Cinaglia, and Franco's daughter put on a feast of traditional dishes for us using fresh local produce. Different types of bruschetti, a different pasta each night for primi piatti, and tasty and filling meat dishes: italian sausage, shishkebabs, pork chops, roasted chicken, etc. Dessert and coffee finished off the meal. The Cinaglias were wonderful hosts -- extremely helpful when we needed them (extracting lost luggage from the Florence airport, recommending local vineyards, etc.) otherwise absolutely unobtrusive. I can't recommend Cuiano enough.