Elegant 16th C. Tuscan Villa Cortona Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 215619

Casa Gioia, pool & Cortona hills

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Location: Cortona, Tuscany, Italy, Europe

Accommodations:  Ancient Stone Villa W/Pool, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths (Sleeps 7)

CASA GIOIA
CORTONA, Arezzo province
ITALY

CASA GIOIA’s noble origins can be distinguished by the carved stone archways and niches and the handsome masonry of the walls surrounding the villa. This stone villa-farmhouse was thoughtfully renovated preserving its antique charm. GIOIA boasts a lovely rose garden, cypresses, cedar, olive & fruit orchard, manicured lawns and mature garden on the upper terrace where the pool is located. There is a fine view of Cortona’s fortress, Santa Margarita cathedral and 15thc. Palazzone to the West and a southern view of the hills and plains where the battle of Trasimeno took place between Hannibal and the Romans some 2,000 years ago. In the 18th century, there was a small silk industry or “stabilimento bacologico” in the building. The last remaining mulberry tre still stands at the entrance gate and bears a tasty berry in summer.

The attractive interior reflects the owner’s very personal and tasteful style which incorporates both Italian and English antiques into the decor to create a charming and cheerful atmosphere. The house appeared in an Italian home decoration magazine, “Brava Casa”. CASA GIOIA’s hillside position is enhanced by the handsome masonry and stone walls enclosing the grounds. The lower garden has marble table and iron chairs for outdoor dining; lavender, broom, and rosemary are found in the upper garden near the pool. Have a glass of “Bianco Vergine” - the local white wine of the Val di Chiana under the wisteria on the side terrace, while watching the sunset.

Once a Ghibelline tower with 4 floors [16th c.],CASA GIOIA now has three floors: the ground floor has a large kitchen with dishwasher and breakfast area, bathroom with shower, dining room, and living room featuring stone fireplace and French doors opening onto the garden. The middle floor has a Master bedroom with queen-size bed, bathroom with tub/shower; and 1 bedroom with single bed. The upper floor has another Master bedroom with king-size bed; bathroom with shower, and one bedroom with two single beds (which can be made up as a queen-size bed if required). There is a library with English books and C. D player. TV with satellite dish allows guests to receive CNN, BBC in English as well as other foreign stations. DVD player for “Pal” system…..European zone.

HOUSEKEEPER is available for daily housekeeping. Her husband looks after the pool, lawns, and grounds (service included). There is an excellent and creative cook of Tuscan specialties. Cooking service is optional and she will prepare the evening meal upon request. Be sure to treat yourself to a few meals at home! If you love to cook, you may even want a cooking lesson with her. Maid & cook payable at end of stay at local hourly rate. Guests will discover a very international atmosphere in nearby Cortona where cultural and gastronomic events abound.

Distances: Pergo: 500 meters for basic shopping; Camucia/Cortona: 5k; Arezzo & Perugia: 35 min.; Siena & Florence: 1hr.; Rome & Pisa: 2 1/4 hrs. TERONTOLA train station: 8 min. from house, for easy ride into Florence or Rome.

Minimum rental period: 1 week

Vacation Rental Features

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• Amenities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Washer
  • Linens Provided
  • Covered Parking
  • Wood Fireplace
• Beds
  • King Bed
  • Queen Bed
  • Twin/Single Bed
  • Crib
• Entertainment
  • Cable/Satellite TV
  • DVD
  • CD Player
  • Private Pool
• Kitchen
  • Full Kitchen
  • Cooking Utensils Provided
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Catering Available
• Outdoor Features
  • Charcoal BBQ Grill
  • Deck/Patio
  • Balcony
  • Gazebo
• View/Location
  • Mountain View
  • Monument View
• Communications
  • Cell Phone
• Other Amenities
  • View of the ValdiChiana (south) View of Cortona's Girifalco Castle & cathedral Santa Margarita, & 15th c. Villa Palazzone. Comfort level of the villa is similar to a 5 star hotel.
• Suitability
  • No Pets Allowed
  • Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
  • Kid Friendly
  • Smoking Not Allowed
• Activities (on site and nearby)
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Restaurants
  • Swimming
  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Hiking
  • Health/Beauty Spa
  • Antiquing
  • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
  • Live Theatre
  • Museums
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hot Air Ballooning
• Other Activities
  • Near the 3 principal Renaissance cities of Arezzo, Siena & Florence as well as a myriad of Tuscan hilltowns easily reached on day excursions. Umbria...Perugia, Assisi & Deruta all in near vicinity. Amazing views of the ValdiChiana (Montepulciano, Mount Amiata, Monte Cetona to the South). Sunset view of famous hilltown of Cortona to the West. Terontola/Cortona train station main line to Rome (south) or Florence (north) 8 min from house.

Rate Details (In US Dollars)

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Personal Currency Assistant™

High Season (Jun-Sep) ... $5200/week
Low Season (May & Oct) .. $4500/week
Rentals between Nov-Apr only available upon request with the exception
of Christmas or Easter periods
Discounts available for smaller parties (eg. 2-3 guests)
CASA GIOIA: Cortona, Tuscany, Italy - Sat/Sat: arrival/departure day

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

Property Photos

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Guest Comments (7)

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• 02/15/09
  Positive Rating
  Sabine Wasser , Brisbane, Australia
  • My mother has been coming to Casa Giola for over 25 years. It has become a second home for my German family, a place where I come to meet them from Australia. It's easy to get to - fly into Rome and catch the train or fly into Pisa and get picked up by Georgio or Ernesto, two very nice taxi drivers. Casa Giola's location is very central. It's a day trip to Pisa, Florence, Orvieto, Arezzo (monthly antique market, Montepulciano, Sienna. The hill town of Cortona is close enough to drop to watch passagiare and espresso/campari and stages the Tuscan Sun Festival. Camucchia, the town at the bottom of the hill has all the ammenities you could want. Joyce is ever so helpful, organising whatever you need. Maria, who is looking after your every day needs, is not only a fantastic cook and the best ironing lady I ever had, but she is the soul of the house. Cesare, her husband keeps the huge pool pristine, looks after the garden with all those fruit trees (The fig tree by the pool is our favourite for shade and fruit). Casa Giola is something really special, steeped in history (Hannibal..). You can just hang out there, relax, raid the book case or the big games drawer, watch satelite tv,do 1/2 day or full day sightseeing trips. It is heaven!! The stuff dreams are made of due to Joyce, Maria, Cesare and not to forget the best Pizza ever at the Pizzeria of Maria's daughter(2 min. drive).I'm in love with the Casa, the people, the food and vino.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Carissima Sabine, Your Mom, a friend for over 25 years and your family are ever so dear to me. We hope that you will return to us, know that your "Italian" family await you at Casa Gioia! baci & abbracci, Gioia! (joyce)
• 01/16/09
  Positive Rating
  Lee & JoAnn Asher , Dallas, Texas
  • We have spent many delightful vacations at this beautiful villa over the past 12 years. It is a true slice of heaven and a wonderful respite in the countryside of Tuscany. We have noticed that through the years, our day trips to neighboring towns has dwindled, since we so enjoy the peacefulness of Villa Gioia and the friendliness of the Cortona residents. Joyce has been an invaluable resource in making our stay such a positive experience. Maria, the villa's own 5 star chef of regional cuisine, and Cesare add all the warmth of family and home during our stays. The side pergola has been the site of many wonderful conversations with friends, delicious lunches and possibly a nap or two. Villa Gioia is a perfect oasis in Tuscany!
• 01/09/09
  Positive Rating
  Marcia Seligson , Los Angeles CA
  • We had the MOST magical time. The villa carries centuries of history in its walls (but with modernity where you want it), and the area is sublime, just a few miles from the utterly charming town of Cortona, walking distance from the great market, coffee/gelato place and divine pizza restaurant. I can't wait to go back. This is a perfect vacation!
• 01/09/09
  Positive Rating
  Tom Drucker , marina del Rey California
  • This is the perfect place to experience the wonders of Tuscany. Joyce and her team made our time there flawless and exciting. She took us on a tour and got us tickets for local events so we felt like we had lived there for years. The property is beautiful and perfectively maintained. We look forward to returning soon. in fact, after we got there,we decided to stay an extra week and skip Rome because we were so in love with this house and how much there was to see and do in the area. I recommend this experience to anyone wanting to experience the special charms of refined Italian living.
• 01/08/09
  Positive Rating
  Sheila A. Hodgkin , Redlands, California
  • To say our family had the best time at the "Casa Gioia" in Tuscany is an understatement! My husband, our four children, and Nanny experienced the feel of our own personal concierge (who happens to be the owner). She is a CONCIERGE-TYPE OWNER READY TO HELP GUESTS & CUSTOMIZE THEIR STAY in the most beautiful countryside in the world! We also had the special attention, love and care of Maria our own personal chef and caretaker; who was like a loving/nurturing aunt/grandmother to my children. My children wanted to take Maria home with us! We had all the sweet dreams a family vacation should be. For us it was a wonderful dream come true. We can't wait to come back again soon!
• 01/08/09
  Positive Rating
  Lynn Taylor , Ojai, CA, USA
  • What to say other than FABULOUS. I stayed for 3 glorious weeks along with 4 other friends and we had the most wonderful time. Not only is Casa Gioia itself a treasure but the daily adventures in the region were so special. Then there were the days just staying "home" and reading, cooking, swimming and doing nothing but being in this lovely place. We were able to entertain friends who lived nearby with the help of the amazing staff who discretely attended to our needs. We had two dinner parties with the help of Maria who prepared (served and cleaned up too) anything we asked. Our host, Joyce, who is now our friend, was there for any assistance we needed... from advice, assistance, information and suggestions to even a medical emergency. All in all not only would I go again and again if I could but I would recommend this outstanding experience at Casa Gioia to anyone who enjoys staying in a place long enough to begin to get a feel for the people and place of a region.
• 01/08/09
  Positive Rating
  Marcia Seligson Drucker , Los Angeles CA
  • This villa is pure heaven - wonderful accommodations and amenities, a real spirit of Tuscany, beautiful grounds, pool, trees, lawns and views. Joyce was a perfect host, down to every detail; her caring and sense of style and beauty is flawless. I can't wait to go back!

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