Vacation Rentals by Owner
Elegant 1,000-Year Old Air-Conditioned Villa in Walled Hamlet [#257105] | View Property
Orvieto
Villa, 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths (Sleeps 10)
$2,9400-$3,780/wk
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Traveler Reviews (15)
Wondeful Villa, Beautiful Umbrian countryside
Guest: Bob
(Charleston SC.)
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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Even surpasses the great reviews.
Guest: Westy
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Bella Benano
Guest: Finn
(Cincinnati)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 10/19/11
This villa is truly extraordinary. We would recommend it for families with teens or adult children, good friends, college reunions, etc. Has an old world feel but modern accomodations. The tiny walled village is beautiful and extremely tranquil. At night there is the quiet of the country side and and the sky is clear and full of stars. Gorgeous vistas of olive groves, vineyards and other walled towns. The villa itself is very comfortable and well-equipped. Th beds were firm and linens of high quality plus the bedrooms were very quiet and private. We slept on the first level and had access to a lovely bathroom, a family room and the stone patio. We walked to nearby Viceno and visited an artist who works in terra cotta and porcelain. We took a cooking class in Orvieto and consumed the delicious results. We visited Pitigliano and its old Jewish quarter. We spent an afternoon at Hadrian's Villa near Tivoli which was fascinating. And we ate delicious meals at local restaurants including La Pergoletta. A car is a must but most of the driving is on pretty backroads.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Rocco de Benano
Guest: Kim
(Midlothian, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11
Review Submitted: 08/26/11
This trip and stay in Benano was a memory that will last a LIFETIME! One of the owners was easily accessible by phone and e-mail to answer the logistical questions prior to our arrival and during our stay. The villa was beautiful...we stayed in the top floor smaller room and we awoke to the most breathtaking views! We did many day trips - Florence, Civita, La Torba, Rome, Sienna, Cortona, Orvieto, Lake Bolsena and a 2 day trip to Cinque Terre. We ate at a fantastic restaurant twice in Acquapendente and sampled food in ALL the neighboring towns/day trips. We are in love with Italy. We've never travelled outside of the US (except the Caribbean) but we can't imagine anywhere that is as great as Italy! The pictures don't begin to describe how beautiful the villa, Benano and the country are. We took our children and they will never forget the trip...my son turned 13 and I turned ?? while we were there. 10 famly members fit very comfortably in the villa. The free wine in the wine cellar was an unexpected extra! Rocco di Benano's local caretakers were only a phone call away for any issues that came up. Italy's got it all - beaches, mountains, rural flatlands, hill towns, large cities...and SO much history! The villa location allowed us to relax or cook at home, soak up some local color with the neighbors, and experience many of Italy's wonders. We can't wait to go back!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Fantastic villa and great location.
Guest: Fran
(Freehold)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11
Review Submitted: 07/13/11
I booked this villa for myself and 8 adults both family and friends. Everyone of us loved this house.The villa is exactly as mentioned and far more. Everything about this home is exceptional. You will not be disappointed. We had a wonderful breakfast our first morning that was delicious. Olga and Alex out did themselves. Karen was so helpful before our stay answering and catering to all my questions. I thought this was too good to be true, but it was perfect! The location was great we took a day trip by train to Florence and drove to vineyards and hill towns and a beautiful lake to relax. The town of Benano was charming and we felt right at home among our italian neighbors. We really got a feel of italian culture in Benano and in the small towns near by. One of my main concerns was having air-conditioning but being so high up in the mountains we did not even use it once and we visited in July. The villa was spotless, the wine delicious, and the views to die for. My fellow travelers loved sitting on the patio at night with the candles and a bottle of wine and just taking in the beauty of the stars. You will not be disappointed if you visit, a traveler from New Jersey.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Still Dreaming about Benano
Guest: Agfam7
(Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11
Review Submitted: 09/20/11
My girlfriends and I and my two children spent one blissful week in this breathtaking home. Home is an accurate word to describe this one-of-a-kind villa in Umbria. Thank you Benano owners for sharing your labor of love with us. The attention to detail and thoughtfulness in the little touches to enhance our stay just blessed us tremendously. You set the bar high for hospitality and it would be such a privilege to return to this magical place again. Future guests will not regret staying in this house nor making the acquaintance of it's owners and keepers. Truly splendid. Molto Gratzie!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Marty and Friends
Guest: Marty
(Durham NC)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10
Review Submitted: 07/20/11
I stayed at this villa with three female friends and it was one of the best, maybe even the best, travel experience of my life. The hamlet gives you the experience of stepping back in time. Architecturally, you step back 1,000 years. With the people and the simplicity around you, it's like stepping back into the 1950's. It is quiet, there is little traffic, electronics are not all around you, but people are, and they are friendly. Karen met us at the villa and we knew right away that our comfort was very important to her. She made sure we knew where to find the best wine, cheese and bread. Who does that these days? The villa is beautiful and we had everything we could think of. The beds are very comfortable, the linens are the kind you want to roll around on - it was all about creature comfort. Speaking of creatures, there is even a hamlet cat who is willing to hang out if you miss your own pets. Karen even helped us plan our day trips, gave us dining suggestions, found out about a mineral springs spa not too far away (it was cool) and got us involved in the gelato wars. I know that I am raving about this villa, but honestly, I have travelled a lot and it doesn't come any better than this. When we left the villa, we went to a pensione in Cinque Terra. We immediately felt the difference in comfort. From Cinque Terra, we went to an apartment in Rome where the owner didn't care at all. The difference between the two places was pretty striking. If you want a great experience - stay at Rocca di Benano.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
We yearn to return!
Guest: Mr & Mrs Mustard
(Maine)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10
Review Submitted: 01/13/11
To write a review of our The Villa: Rocca di Benano experience is easy. You will love it. Why? The hospitality, the architecture, the interior decorating, the ambiance, the views from each window, the friendly courtyard, the villagers, the delicious wines, the vistas, the in-house library of books, the well equipped kitchen and appliances, with every gadget and knife (Julia Childs would have loved). Even recycling made easy, A cave carved into the hillside in the villa was well stocked with wonderful red and white wines that our hosts provided. We traveled the countryside dined out for lunch mostly and prepared the most delicious dinners in the evenings with very fresh vegetables, herbs, cheeses, pastas and meats purchased during the day at the market. We retreated for a marvelous good nights sleep to our beautiful bedroom that had the most beautifully selected linens. As an artist their was so much to paint and so overwhelmingly beautiful. We had a wonderful vacation and yearn to return.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Sue . Reston Va
Guest: Sue
(Reston Va)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10
Review Submitted: 09/13/10
This was my first visit to Italy , and what a fabulous start to a fantastic trip. Entering the beautiful walled hamlet of Benano was like stepping back in time. Of course we were awed by the fact that this villa is 1000 years old , it is like nothing I have seen before. The warmth that eminates from inside is amazing, all the decorations are just perfect, from the rustic tables to the paint color on the walls, there was plenty of room for all seven of us not to trip over each other and to have our own space. The beautiful vistas from the dining room and the patio were enough to make you want to stay and just look forever. Everthing was immaculate, anything we needed we were amply provided with , the cell phones and gps that come with the villas are a great help. We have already mentioned the villa to friends and relatives , we would most certainly come back to stay.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Outstanding Location & Property!!
Guest: Chellie
(Northern Virginia/USA)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10
Review Submitted: 09/13/10
I recently spent a week at this fantastic villa with friends - the only bad thing I can write is that we only booked one week in this lovely property. This villa embodies all of my "must-haves" for an overseas vaction, including: * Location, location, location! Benano was the perfect jumping-off point for day trips to other hill towns in Umbria and Tuscany. In particular, Orvieto, which was only 15 minutes away, had treats for the historians, gastronomists and shoppers in our group. Also, the town of Benano has a lot of charm - don't miss taking walks around and in the town and interacting with the residents. Senora Mara is a treat! * The views. The pictures on this website are what you see! The vistas from the dining room and my 4th-floor bedroom were stunning. * It was clean! I don't know about you, but I am a nut about cleanliness, and this place was spotless. * A fully-appointed kitchen. I loved that we had a choice of eating out or cooking our own meals. The kitchen included lots of little amenities like a coffee grinder & maker, heavy-duty cookware, pantry and refrigerator staples (milk, eggs, cereal, a full range of spices), a dishwasher . . . and a basket of fresh fruit & veggies from the garden. * Excellent support before and during the trip. Questions were answered by the owners promptly and accurately; once in Benano, Sasha & Olga, the caretakers, were available if needed. I would definitely consider having them cook at least one meal for you. * A good night's rest. The beds were fabulous, with soft sheets and mattresses that are possibly more comfortable than the ones in my own home. * Outdoor living. The terrace was the perfect place to sip wine at the end of a busy day of touring or a lazy day of reading. * A myriad of other little details. Having access to a GPS, cell phones, wifi, lots of hot water, a washer & dryer, etc., made it feel like home. I can't wait to find time to go back for a second week and am already looking at the calendar - thank you for providing such a wonderful home away from home for us!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Enchanting place to experience the Italian Countryside
Guest: Pat
(Virginia, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/21/10
Review Submitted: 09/02/10
What an amazing villa. You can experience the history and elegance of a 1000 year old villa while being completely comfortable with modern amenities. The owners have set up this villa for the perfect vacation. And how lovely to have a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables from the surrounding area on the table awaiting us. The charm of this villa is it's strong point. The view of the valley and Orvietto is breath taking. I loved walking the alley ways and seeing the other homes and gardens and finding the paths that lined the hillside where you could sit on the bench under the flowering trees and just comtemplate the valley below. It is located within 30-60 minutes drive to many of the beautiful hill towns. We toured during the day and escaped to our peaceful abode at night. Nothing is so relaxing than to cook your own little Italian dinner and eat it either in the dining room with wall to wall windows overlooking the valley or to take it onto the patio "al fresca". The villa owners give you unlimited free access to their wine cellars and the wines are quite good. There are also some wonderful restaurants a short drive in Torre Alfina and Acquapendente if you wish to eat out. We discovered some amazing food! There are some wonderful trails/roads to hike. The white road in front of the villa winds all the way down the valley past beautiful Italian farms. Last but not least the villagers of Benano are very welcoming. They sit out in the square and will teach you Italian if you don't know it. They called us over for a man who came to sample and sell his cheese. They will tell you with a gleam in their eyes that the next time you come to Benano you should "learn to speak Italian!"
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Fantastic Italian Villa; Great Location in Umbrian Countryside; Excellent Access for Daytrips
Guest: Don
(Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10
Review Submitted: 08/12/10
What a perfect place to call home for a trip to Umbria and Tuscany. The villa is perched atop a hill in walled cluster of homes. It is beautifully decorated. The kitchen is modern and very user friendly. The bedrooms are lovely and the beds themselves are fantastic. It has all the amenities one could hope for -- air conditioning to cool you down after a day of travel in the Italian heat, wireless internet to keep you as connected as you wish; and satelite television if you wish to watch TV (which my sons, ages 9 and 11 did nightly). The terrace is a perfect spot for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine, and the wine cellar is fantastic. It is everything it is advertised to be and more! It was the perfect place for our family's 2 week trip to Italy. Our sons loved exploring the area around the villa and interacting with the other residents of Benano in the evenings. It was also perfect as a launching point for day trips to virtually all of Umbria and Tuscany. We traveled by car for day trips to Siena, Assisi, Todi, Montalcino, Bolsena, Torre Alfina, and Civita di Bongioregio to name a few. The driving was easy -- thanks in large part to the villa's pre-programmed GPS device -- and the countryside is beautiful. Orvieto is a short 15 minutes away and is a fantastic town with a gorgeous cathedral and great food. Our sons asked to go to Orvieto multiple times over the 2 weeks of our trip. We loved many things about the city, but the Zeppelin restaurant holds a special place for us as they came to the villa to prepare our son's birthday dinner one evening during our visit and were delightful. Orvieto's train station is also easy to access from the villa. We traveled by train to Florence and Cinqe Terre with ease. The villas' owners were extremely gracious and helpful. The caretakers (Alex & Olga), who live nearby, were fantastic -- be sure to inquire about the possiblity of having Olga prepare a breakfast for you. It was delicious and made our first morning in the villa (after the long trip from the US) a dream start to a great vacation. The villas' owners also put us in touch with Francis, a concierge, driver, and all around great tour guide/companion, who made our trip even easier and more enjoyable by assisting with rental car arrangements, day trips, and tours in Rome and Umbria. He was a great resource and has become a family friend. We highly recommend the villa for your trip to Italy. We know we will be returning!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
What a lovely spot!
Guest: Amanda P
(Sacramento, California)
Date of Stay: 06/01/10
Review Submitted: 06/12/10
Benano is a tiny hill town, and walking into the city wall is like walking into a fairy tale. It is so quiet and peaceful, and the air is filled with birdsong. Step back in time and visit this pretty villa. Day trips are easy from here- Orvieto has great food in addition to one of Italy's finest cathedrals, Assisi is not far, the lovely towns of Bolsena and Todi are easy drives. And the gelato in nearby Torre Alfina is incredibly good. The countryside is beautiful, and spring wildflowers were abundant during my trip. The villa is lovingly restored and very comfortable, though you do need to have a car and be able to negotiate stairs. The bedrooms are quiet and well-appointed, the bathrooms are up to date, and the view from the dining room is stunning! Thanks for such a lovely stay!
Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
The perfect combination of rustic and comfort!
Guest: Jonathan28
(-)
Date of Stay: 04/21/09
Review Submitted: 09/30/11
Wild beauty to the horizon does grow. A setting capped with a fine Brunello; The perfect vacation, It's pure relaxation: Don't miss Umbria's Rocca di Benano! I can't say it clearly enough: Rocca di Benano was the perfect week vacation. The villa was amazing, the scenery was postcard-esque, the food was to die for, and the comfort and ease were ideal. It was a great chance to get away into the rustic Italian countryside and it was a vacation that my wife and I will do everything we can to repeat!
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Must go!`
Guest: John
(Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 09/20/08
Review Submitted: 09/08/10
Just spent a wonderful week with my wife and some friends in this villa in the town of Benano. It was a great way to forget the stress of work. Sitting out the back patio and drinking the very good wine of the villa (which by the way is provided free) and just learning the Italian "art of doing nothing". Although I must admit that I also thoroughly enjoyed the town of Orvietto and many other of the surrounding hill towns - being an architect I had plenty things of interest to view while the women shopped. Loved walking the roads around the villa and picking fresh blackberries. This villa during the summer was beautiful but I couldn't help thinking it would also be a fantastic place to return during the winter and enjoy the fireplace and the beautiful stone walls - could be a great second honeymoon! This was an easy and comfortable place to stay. You get so much for your money. Owners provide a GPS with most of the nearby towns and sites pre programed. No worries about getting around. They also provide wireless and a lap top so I didn't have to drag mine with me. Didn't have to pay roaming charges for my cell phone either as the owners provide 2 cell phones. The care takers Sasha and Olga will also cook for you on request. You haven't enjoyed good bar-b-q until you've had Sasha make you an Italian bar-b-q on the back deck. Olga makes great breakfasts. The owners have thought of everything - including a book with nearby restaurant recommendations and enough day trips to keep the restless occupied. This is one of the great undiscovered finds of the Italian countryside. Go now before word gets out!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.