Location: Cortona, Tuscany, Italy, Europe
Accommodations: Country Villa, 5 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 5 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
THE HISTORY
Villa Torre degli Elci is the result of the restoration of a big farmhouse dating back to the beginning of 19th century which belonged to the historical cortonese Baldelli family. The Villa preserves until today the architectural structure of an old farmhouse, with the characteristic tower and the porch where you can still see the emblem of the Baldelli lineage, made of three ivy leaves on an asymmetric band.
Running through cortonese history, the most famous member of the Baldelli family was the Abbott Onofrio, who in Rome gathered an important collection of books, artwork and naturalistic objects; the donation of these objects to his nephews – the Venuti brothers- allowed the constitution in 1727 of the first patrimonial core of the Etruscan Academy and inspired the foundation of the academic Museum (the current MAEC).
The farmhouse and surrounding properties, located in Cegliolo, were already documented about in the lorenese cadastre in 1823-1824, where you can read the names of the owners in the old maps: Baldelli Cav. Giuseppe, Girolamo Luca, Antonio, Girolamo and Onofrio di Giovan Battista.
The original inhabited part which is still visible today was defined by the tower-house on 4 floors with an entrance portal from the 18th century with next to it another monocellular element with a beamed loggia with wooden beams on the second floor and a window on the first floor which recalls the decorative motifs of the tower. The building completed itself with a two-storey construction which presented in the oldest door the same formal elements as the previous building.
THE VILLA
Villa Torre degli Elci is set in the greens of the Tuscan countryside, midst olives and cypress trees and just 4 km from Cortona. The name of the Villa derives from the old sighting tower which has testimonials from 13th and 14th century and which became a monastery and then at the beginning of 19th century, a big country house. Set on the slopes of the hill, the Villa has a great view of Cortona and of the Chiana valley. The position is strategic, just 5 minutes away from Cortona but far from main roads and noise. The Villa is surrounded by a big park of holm trees and is fenced to assure our guests the most privacy and relax. The country house has an automatic gate.
Villa Torre degli Elci occupies a surface of more than 300 sqm on three floors and divided into a main building and two outbuildings, with the following characteristics:
The Villa
Ground floor: living room (TV-sat.) with fireplace and double davenport, bedroom with double bed, bathroom with shower.
1st floor: big living room and dining room with fireplace (TV-SAT, DVD), kitchen (oven, freezer, dishwasher, microwave), reading room, bedroom with double bed, bathroom with shower.
2nd floor: living room with panoramic view, 2 bedrooms of which one has a double bed and bathroom with shower. From that room you can access the attic through a steep wooden staircase where you have 2 single beds and bathroom with shower, suitable for children.
Outbuilding “The oven”
Ground floor: kitchen (oven, freezer, dishwasher) with dining area, toilet. It is possible to eat outside under a gazebo with table and benches from where you have a spectacular view of Cortona’s hill. Next to the kitchen you will find the old stone oven for delicious pizzas, to be eaten in good company.
Outbuilding “The Holms”
Ground floor: bedroom with two single beds (minibar), TV, bathroom with shower, laundry (washing machine, ironing board and iron)
Garden and swimming pool
The big garden (over 1 hectare) extends all around the property and has a swimming pool of 5m x 10m for exclusive use of the guests with deckchairs, umbrellas and towels.
THE SWIMMING POOL AND PARK
The big swimming pool (5x10m) is open from May to September and is surrounded by secular trees, oak and holm trees, olive and cypress trees. The swimming pool has umbrellas, sun beds and towels and is for the exclusive use of the guests. The exposal to the sun is perfect towards south, and allows you to enjoy the sun for the entire day and admire a wonderful sunset with the views on Cortona.
On the big courtyard you see an outbuilding furnished with rustically Tuscan style with a kitchenette fully equipped with to cook and eat outside with the possibility to use the old stone oven.
Guests can dispose of a ping-pong table, bicycles, and gazebo. Further to that mini-volley field with net. In the neighboring areas you can play tennis, do swimming, play soccer, do horse-riding, and with 10 km distance play golf (near the Valdichiana Outlet Village).
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Covered Parking
- Gas Fireplace
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Pool
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Gazebo
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Euros)
High Season (Jul-Aug) ............ €3500/week
Mid Season (May-Jun & Sep) ...... €2500/week
Low Season (Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec) .. €2200/week
For Easter & Christmas week, the high season price is applied.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1992
Property Photos
- Complete view of Villa and the two extra units - Cortona, Italy Vacation Villa with 14th Century Tower & Private Pool
- view of the pool with Villa in background - Cortona, Italy Vacation Villa with 14th Century Tower & Private Pool
- outside kitchen and dining area - Cortona, Italy Vacation Villa with 14th Century Tower & Private Pool
- Inside view of outside kitchen
- View of the extra unit with two single beds
- inside view of extra sleeping unit
- Ground floor bedroom
- Ground floor living room with sofa bed
- Main living room on the first floor
- Bedroom on first floor
- Bathroom on first floor
- Bedroom on second floor
- Bathroom on second floor
- Attic with two single beds and bathroom, suitable for children
- Swings in the garden overlooking the swimming pool
- Ping pong table near the swimming pool
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #261729
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Date last modified - October 15, 2009
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