Elegant 1,000-Year Old Air-Conditioned Villa in Walled Hamlet
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Overview
“Rocca di Benano” is a five-bedroom, four-bathroom villa that offers you the finest accommodations and location in the heart of Italy. It’s ideally situated near the border between Umbria and Tuscany and easily accessible to Rome, Florence, and many of Italy’s classic hill towns. Set amid lovely vineyards and olive groves overlooking Orvieto, one of Italy’s most beautiful hill towns, this meticulously restored home features original stone walls, exposed wooden beams, terracotta floors, and a wine cellar carved out of bedrock. At Rocca di Benano, a large family or group of up to 10 friends can enjoy Umbrian life as it was 1,000 years ago, yet with all the conveniences of the 21st century, including comfortable furnishings, high-end American beds, beautiful Italian antiques, and – rare for Italian homes – air conditioning. More than offering you just a place to stay, we strive to make your stay at Rocca di Benano the carefree experience of a lifetime. Long before your arrival, we are available to answer all your questions and offer personal help in designing your vacation. We can help you set up a driver who can bring your group straight from the airport to the villa; refer you to local chefs who can prepare and serve meals at the villa; connect you with guides in towns and cities you might visit; and suggest day-trips, attractions, restaurants, and shopping throughout the region and beyond. Our helpful caretakers live nearby and offer additional services such as grilling out on the terrace, laundry, and extra cleanings.
The Villa
Rocca di Benano is the principal dwelling in the walled medieval hamlet of Benano, which sits on the edge of a valley, high above the ancient hill town of Orvieto. Its five bedrooms are spread over four levels. Each bedroom can accommodate 2 people. A full bathroom is convenient to each bedroom. The photos below show each bedroom and bathroom.
Ground Floor: There is a lovely bedroom on the ground floor with twin wrought-iron beds, a hand-made armoire and dresser, with a full bathroom with a shower across the hall. This floor includes a family room with satellite TV and access to the terrace. It also features a medieval cistern, well-lit and under glass, so that guests can literally peer into history. From this floor, guests can descend forty feet to the villa’s beautifully preserved wine cellar. There also is a laundry room with a washer and a dryer on the ground floor. An internal staircase connects the ground floor to the first-floor kitchen.
First Floor: The first floor includes a comfortable living room, a well-lit dining room with seating for 10 and a spectacular view across the valley, and a professionally-appointed kitchen already stocked with the basics. The kitchen is equipped with a four-burner gas stove, electric oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, American coffee maker, and a large collection of professional cookware. The living room’s original large stone fireplace is fitted with an iron wood-burning stove for easy, smoke-free fires. There also is a bedroom on the first floor, with a queen-size wrought-iron bed, antique armoire, and rich imported upholstery and linens. The bedroom, dining room, and living room have independently-controlled air conditioning. There is a full bathroom with a shower on the first floor. The internal staircase connecting the first floor to the ground floor descends from the kitchen.
Second Floor: There is an internal staircase of original terracotta tiles leading up to the second floor. The large bedroom, with an exposed stone wall, has twin wrought-iron beds, an antique armoire, and an antique dresser. The bedroom has independently-controlled air conditioning. There is a full bathroom with a shower across from this bedroom.
Third Floor: The third floor also has an internal staircase of original terracotta tiles leading up to it. This floor has a stunning panoramic view across the Benano Valley to Orvieto. Its main bedroom, with restored beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls, features a king-size wrought-iron bed, built-in clothes cupboards, and rich imported upholstery and linens. The other third-floor bedroom features a queen-size bed (European dimensions), an antique dresser, and rich imported upholstery and linens. Both bedrooms on the third floor have independently-controlled air conditioning. Offering another breathtaking view, the bathroom for the third-floor bedrooms is accessible off the internal staircase and also includes a shower.
Terrace: The villa’s back door (off the ground-floor family room) opens onto a private stone terrace overlooking the property’s 25 olive trees, a prolific fig tree (always a guest favorite in late summer), neighboring farms, and a nearby hill town. A beautiful hand-painted ceramic table and wrought-iron chairs provide outdoor dining space for 8-10 people. There is a brick pizza oven and Italian barbecue on the terrace, with firewood stored on a second terrace immediately below. Guests may use the pool at a hotel 2 miles away, free of charge.
The Village
Once a defensive outpost, Benano dates back at least 1,000 years, although the villa retains features possibly from an earlier time, including its wine cellar and a recently uncovered cistern from the middle ages. The villa sits on a tiny piazza facing a small, 16th century church, and its external wall forms part of the old “rocca,” or fortress. Benano is home to about 25 year-round residents. Join the small crowd that gathers to meet the bread truck each weekday morning and the fish, meat, and produce trucks that come each week. Or take in the inevitable gathering of locals chatting in the piazza each summer afternoon. Cars and motorcycles are not permitted in the center of the village, so guests are spared the street noise common throughout Italy. Guests can park for free just outside the village gate, 100 feet from the villa's front door.
Keywords: Villa
Property Type
- Villa
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Pets Not Allowed
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, Beds for 10
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Bedroom 4
- Bedroom 5
Bathrooms
- 4.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
- Bathroom 4
Kitchen & Dining
- Cooking Utensils
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Catering Available
- Kitchen
Amenities
- Washing Machine
- Linens Provided
- Clothes Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Parking Off Street
- Wood Stove
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- CD Player
- Video Library
- Satellite / Cable
Communications
- Telephone
- Wireless Internet
- Free Long Distance
- Mobile Phone
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
- Deck / Patio
Location & View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Swimming
Other Activities
Reviews
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Hated to say goodbye!
Hated to say goodbye!
- Guest Diane
- Date of stay 10/13/12
- Review Submitted 12/22/12
Our group of 9 had been touring parts of Italy individually (or in 2's and 3's) for the 10 days before we all reunited at the villa. It was exactly what we needed to relax, re-energize and set out in the surrounding countryside! The villa is impeccably decorated and had everything we could ask for in the way of amenities. We could day trip to wonderful old Italian towns, eat at authentic restaurants, visit wineries, etc. but the best part of all was the expert help we received from the owners. From day 1 the owner was all about making this the trip of a lifetime. She put us in touch with tour guides, a chef for a cooking class, the train schedule to any towns we wanted to visit, the directions to towns we would drive to, the winery owners, the local restaurants, etc. She truly was our fairy godmother! Because of this villa we all had THE authentic Italian experience!Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Amazing Villa in a picturesque setting
Amazing Villa in a picturesque setting
- Guest SB
- Date of stay 10/06/12
- Review Submitted 12/13/12
After planning this trip for more than a year, arriving at the Villa and touring our home for a week was well worth the wait. The decor is amazing and the views are breathtaking. I highly recommend getting a personal chef to come in to cook for you one night. We actually had Dorianna Octavani (the villa owners know her contact information) come in for a night and the meal was exquisite. It was actually my favorite things we planned for the week! The villa itself is in a small village tucked away in a secluded area in Benano. Although we were told it was secluded, that means many different things to many people. This small town is truly remote. There are no stores or restuarants in this small town. There are food trucks which come by and are detailed in the house book. So stock us at the grocery on the way in and enjoy the quiet of the villa. Personally this was exactly what I needed. Everyday was a quiet beautiful piece of heaven. You are probably about 20 minutes fromt the train station which is nice for day trips which we took to Florence. The town of Orvieto is about 20 minutes from the villa and is a great town offering shopping, sites, gelato and many restuarants. The villa was an excellent option for our group of 6 which took advantage of the remoteness to really spend time with each other. If you are considering the villa as a vacation destination, think no more and do it. You will not be disappointed!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Much Better Than Expected and We Expected a Lot
Much Better Than Expected and We Expected a Lot
- Guest Colleen T.
- Date of stay 09/29/12
- Review Submitted 10/16/12
We're not sure where to begin. As a longtime traveler but a first time villa renter, we didn't know exactly what to expect. However, very early in the process, the owner established a relationship with us by email and phone and we were both re-assured and hooked. Folks, this is a homerun! The owner treated us like family for months before we arrived, and provided us with a pre-arrival document, website, and blog that was almost unbelievable. Included were restaurant recommendations, alternate routes to take from Rome, tips for monetary exchanges, offers of transportation from the airport, and, in general, the sort of information a family member might provide one before their first visit. The actual villa was even more spectacular than we had been led to believe on the VRBO site. And the countryside! Although she won't take credit for the views or the perfect weather while we were there, the owner did provide us the opportunity to experience them. We had food in the pantry, fresh flowers on the dining room table, a supply of free house wines, a GPS with her favorite gelateria marked, and amenities too numerous to mention. Our one regret was that we only had one week to share her villa before we had to leave for our next destination. The caretakers Alex and Olga were available to answer questions or make recommendations when we needed, also, so we were never felt abandoned. We hope to one day return to Rocca di Benano and the beautiful hillside country surrounding it, but if we never do, we'll keep this wonderful memory with us the rest of our lives. You really will have to experience this listing to believe it!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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Rocca di Benano
Rocca di Benano
- Guest Mo
- Date of stay 09/29/12
- Review Submitted 10/11/12
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Rocca di Benano. The villa is stunning, yet comfortable and homey. We returned to the States with many fond memories. Dinner at the villa and cooking class with Chef Lorenzo the next day rank high up on our list of favorite memories. We would highly recommend the Chef Lorenzo in villa dining experience and cooking class for all future guests. The caretakers are a wonderful couple who take loving care of the villa. The are also available for an in-home dining experience. Great for couples (we were there with two other couples and never felt crowded) and families. Would not recommend for young children.Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Beautifully Done!
Beautifully Done!
- Guest Cathy
- Date of stay 08/18/12
- Review Submitted 09/08/12
We just returned from our two week stay at Rocca di Benano. I cannot say enough about how beautiful this villa is. It is like stepping back in time with all the modern conveniences.We thoroughly enjoyed the people of the village, the food trucks three times a week that deliver to the Hamlet and the peace and tranquility that this area gives to you. It is a beautifully secluded place within close proximity to Orvieto and all the other wonderful places of interest to see. It is an easy drive to A-1 which will take you all over Umbria with relative ease.The restaurants that are close by are all fabulous, with their homemade pasta , fresh cheeses, great meats,and wonderful desserts.The wines are also some of the best I have had anywhere. The Villa itself has a wonderfully equipped kitchen for all your needs, the beds are extremely luxurious and so comfortable.The wine room is something extra special and must be seen in person to really appreciate. I cannot say enough about how much I loved this villa. If you plan to be in Umbria (which I love) this villa is the best I have stayed in, and I have been to many places in all different areas of Italy. I cannot wait to return.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers.
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Wonderful location, beautiful villa
Wonderful location, beautiful villa
- Guest Lynn
- Date of stay 08/11/12
- Review Submitted 09/05/12
I recently visited Rocca di Benano with 7 other adults. We had plenty of room to spread out in the house. One one afternoon, there was a group playing cards, a couple other people reading, a couple others having a snack and chatting and someone else watching a movie on the TV. And no one had to sit on their bed to do this! It would similarly accommodate 10 adults, no problem. I highly recommend this property and hope to return one day.Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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A week in Benano Paridise!
A week in Benano Paridise!
- Guest elaineplum
- Date of stay 08/11/12
- Review Submitted 09/04/12
Rocca Benano is well depicted by the photos offered. However, actually seeing the Villa made me realize that a photo can only do so much to accurately reflect the beauty of the area, as it was a sight to behold. While outside of the Villa looking at the walls of Benano, you visually step back centuries. However, the comforts and the design of the interior while modern did not loosing the flare of the town's history and architecture. That, along with the fact that the villa was spotlessly clean and furnished with extremely comfortable beds, much appreciated climate control, large roomy common spaces, a well appointed kitchen and delicious house wine made our visit there one of the best we have ever had in Italy. Also to note, there is a caretaker nearby who can address any questions or issues promptly and well. The area around Benano is like something from an Italian history book, as the beauty and pristine countryside can keep you engaged for quite awhile. It looks like it hasn't changed since the ancient Romans were marching around. It helped to have the back patio available with the large sturdy outdoor table and chairs that can seat your group for meals, after dinner discussions, games or just for star gazing and wine drinking. Actually, our trip began before we even arrived as the owners mailed us a booklet which contained helpful information regarding our travel from Rome to Benano, sights along the way to consider seeing, where to stop and shop for groceries, driving route suggestions, local towns of interest to visit and helpful details about the Villa, such as the amenities we could expect to find. We enjoyed visiting Orvieto and exploring the ancient town from top to bottom (there are caves!), eating in local restaurants who have me totally committed to only eating home made pasta, driving the country side to visit other towns, such as Assisi. I could go on and on and I loved the area - and, I was one of the designated drivers too!! All in all, a beautiful Italian treasure of a villa that we are glad we had the good fortune to visit.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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The Webers from Illinois
The Webers from Illinois
- Guest Chardy
- Date of stay 06/30/12
- Review Submitted 07/30/12
The villa is as lovely as imagined. The decoration is elegant but also very comfortable and inviting. The views of the surrounding area are spectacular, and the atmosphere of the hamlet is very special and charming. The residents were all so friendly. I wished that I could speak Italian so that I could have joined in their nightly circle. The caretakers, Alex and Olga, are very helpful and hospitable. The villa is extremely comfortable and clean. We specially enjoyed the gelato at Sarcionni's in Terra Alfina (only about 10 minutes away and open until 2:00 AM!). We would definitely recommend this beautiful and unique villa to our friends and relatives!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
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Wondeful Villa, Beautiful Umbrian countryside
Wondeful Villa, Beautiful Umbrian countryside
- Guest Bob
- Date of stay 04/28/12
- Review Submitted 05/23/12
Rocca Benano is as the description reads. It is beautifully appointed with fine furnishings and fixtures and a well stocked kitchen and wine cellar. A caretaker is nearby if needed. Everything about the villa is done well: It's stocked with everything you need to make your stay enjoyable from the fully equipped kitchen, a washer/dryer, WiFi, cell phones a computer/printer, a pre-programmed GPS for driving and copious ideas for nearby places to visit for dining out and shopping. The location puts you 15 minutes from Orvieto and within 2 hours drive of the northern parts of Tuscany and an easy train ride to Florence or Rome. Shopping is available within 10 minutes in nearby Viceno and at Pulicaro, an organic farm. The best benefit of Rocca Benano is the unbelievably helpful owner who assisted us in every way imaginable and enriched our experiences significantly. If you're looking for an Italian vacation away from the big cities and want a taste of the authentic Umbrian country life you can't go wrong with Rocca Benano.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Even surpasses the great reviews.
Even surpasses the great reviews.
- Guest Westy
- Date of stay 10/08/11
- Review Submitted 10/30/11
We have just returned from a week at this remarkable villa in Umbria. While the hamlet of Benano and the villa are 1000 years old, every modern convenience makes the stay easy and pleasant. the first morning we were greeted with a sumptuous breakfast prepared and served by Alex and Olga who were available to meet our needs but in no way intrusive. We took day trips most days to nearby Tuscan and Umbrian sites, and took long walks around Benano each morning. We were with a crew of friends - 10 of us - yet the house never felt crowded. The location is a bit remote but nearly everything you'd want is within a 10 or 15 minute drive. Highly, highly recommended!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Rates
$3,000 - $3,900 per week (Saturday to Saturday). January 5 - March 23, 2013: $3,000 per week March 23 - April 6, 2013 (Spring break weeks): $3,500 per week April 6 - May 4, 2013: $3,000 per week May 4 - October 12, 2013: $3,900 per week October 12 - December 21, 2013: $3,000 per week December 21, 2013 - January 4, 2014: $3,500 per week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
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Owner info
Year Purchased: 2008
About the owner: Can two college friends and their wives find la dolce vita in the "green heart of Italy," Umbria? Of course they can. You can too.
The Unique Benefits at this Villa:
Benano is the perfect location for exploring Tuscany and Umbria. It overlooks Orvieto, offering stunning views of one of Italy’s most beautiful hill towns. Guests can enjoy a peaceful village pace yet be in the heart of Orvieto in just 20 minutes. Orvieto’s position on the main north-south rail line and autostrada makes it a perfect jumping-off point for day trips to many popular tourist destinations in central Italy. A 10-minute drive from Benano is Torre Alfina, recently selected one of Italy’s “most beautiful small towns,” which features a picturesque castle, good restaurants, and the best gelato in the area. Twenty minutes further along quaint back roads is Lake Bolsena, Europe's largest volcanic lake, which offers fishing, sailing, swimming, and sunbathing. Driving thirty to forty-five minutes in another direction, you reach the four gems of southern Tuscany – Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana, and the spa town of San Casciano dei Bagni. Benano is close to another jewel, Civita di Bagnoregio, which travel expert Rick Steves calls “Italy’s classic hill town” and his personal favorite. Equally convenient to Benano are the many acclaimed towns that have attracted travelers to Umbria and Tuscany for centuries – Umbria’s ceramic towns, Gubbio and Deruta; Tuscany’s wine meccas, Montalcino and Montepulciano; Perugia, the capital of Umbria and Italy’s chocolate capital; Pienza, home to Tuscany’s finest cheese; Norcia, a must for lovers of Italian meats and sausages; the renowned thermal springs and spas of Chianciano, San Filippo and Saturnia; and Monticchiello, a tiny gem in the Tuscan hills. Viceno, only a mile from Benano, has a small store and a place for coffee. The nearby villages of Castel Viscardo (2 miles), Castel Giorgio (3 miles), and Torre Alfina (5 miles) also have restaurants, groceries, bakeries, cafés, gelaterias, and pharmacies.
Contact us
- Primary: (513) 321-9599 (Ohio, USA)
- Secondary: (513) 470-0371
Links to more information:
Photos
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The walled hamlet of Benano
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Ground-floor bathroom
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First-floor bathroom
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Second-floor bathroom
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Third-floor bedroom (Queen)
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Dining room
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Family room
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Terrace
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Ground-floor bedroom
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First-floor bedroom
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Second-floor bedroom
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Third-floor bedroom (King)
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Living room
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Kitchen
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Dining Room
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Thursday, March 28, 2013
(513) 321-9599 (Ohio, USA)