Villa Gran Giardino - a Renaissance Villa with Pool & Tennis

This gracious villa, owned for centuries by one of Italy´s oldest families, is set in wonderful gardens full of history, half-way between Bologna and Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. Villa Gran Giardino is a rare example of an authentic Italian villa preserved in its entirety in a wonderful setting surrounded by gardens of major historic interest. This centuries-old estate consists of the main villa offered to you here, the estate parkland with its classical gardens, magical woodland inhabited by deer and pheasants, neighboring vineyards producing the finest wines. The annexes include a farmhouse, orangery and a granary, as well as a private swimming pool and a tennis court - all set in 10 hectares of private land.

The park is featured in the list of Italy´s finest gardens. The gem of an estate, the Villa Gran Giardino is one of the regions best kept secrets since it is not open to the public, but those lucky enough to visit it renting it are entranced by the beauty of its interiors and the mystique that envelops it, making this magnificent estate and gardens the pride of the region. The villa is the perfect destination for discerning groups who appreciate high quality comfort in a secluded environment. Such famous Italian poets as Pascoli and Carducci used to visit the family of the owner a century ago, as well as important political personalities. And more recently, one of the crowned heads of Europe was a private guest of the owner, a descendant of one of Italy's noblest families whose members have played many an important role in the history of the nation.

The origins of this noble house date back to the 15th century. Originally it was a Renaissance tower, which was transformed into a villa during the 18th century. It is elegantly laid out, over two floors, the rooms leading off, on each floor, from an imposing central hallway, decorated with delightful frescos in pale green and blue pastel shades, depicting romantic landscapes. Each floor measures approximately 350 square metres - a total of 700 m2 of living space! There are 5 bedrooms, all with views over the garden, and 4 bathrooms. The rooms are large and comfortable with authentic period furnishings and decor. 4 extra guests can be accommodated in a dependance. Rented additionally sleeps a total of 14 people.

Ground floor:
1 entrance hall
1 large hallway decorated with frescos
1 living room with fireplace
1 dining room with fireplace
1 fully equppied kitchen
1 guest cloakroom

Upper floor:
1 large hallway decorated with frescos
1 double bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower
1 double bedroom with en suite bathroom with tub
1 double bedroom
2 double bedrooms each with two single beds pushed together
2 bathrooms (one with shower, one with tub) on a mezzanine floor located between ground floor and upper floor

Garden:
Extensive lawns
Italian garden with hedges and flower beds
Al fresco dining area with seating for 10 people in a gazebo
Swimming pool 13 x 6 metre
Pool furniture and towels
Tennis court (artificial surface)
Parking space for several cars

2 extra double bedrooms each with bathroom are available in a dependance. Rented additionally a total of 14 people can be accommodated.

You may be aware that comparable houses have, almost without exception, been converted into self-catering establishments or hotels, and the scourge of modernization has all too often stripped them of all their unique historical ambience and style, rendering them sadly anonymous. The property offered here has escaped such depredations as it has always been privately run by the family, thus retaining its authentic atmosphere. Villa Gran Giardino remains utterly unspoiled with all its original furnishings intact, giving you the chance to experience life as it may have been in the 18th century.

This is the place to embark on a voyage back in time, to long-gone eras and other worlds. You will find the warm glow of seasoned terracotta floors, one spacious room leading on to the next, gracious halls giving way to elegant drawing rooms, paintings adorning many a wall. The villa is completely furnished with antiques all in perfect keeping with the period and, as you sink into one of the many comfortable sofas, you will drift right back into the past. Then the gardens will beckon you, just a step or two away, the perfect setting for a romantic stroll with your beloved among the roses and fragrant lavender.

THE SURROUNDING AREA

1 km Imola: a picturesque old town with charming churches and houses. Visit the Palazzo Tozzoni and the ceramics factory and shop. Imola has a railway station and good connections to Bologna and Ravenna.

5 km Castel San Pietro Terme: a popular spa town with a superb golf course and excellent restaurants.

5 km Riolo Terme: a popular spa town with a superb golf course and excellent restaurants.

16 km Faenza: a picturesque old town with a world-famous ceramics museum and factory.

30 km Bologna: home to Italy´s first university, a magnificent art gallery, archaeological museum, elegant arcaded shopping area and airport.

50 km Ravenna: breath-taking Byzantine mosaics, the world's finest outside Istanbul. Excellent restaurants, 12 km of glorious sandy beaches and a lovely sea. Visit the Milano Marittima pine woods with more excellent restaurants and one of the finest golf courses in Italy.

80 km Rimini: an international playground with great beaches and such famous buildings as Tempio Malatestiano - a rare example of Renaissance architecture with some amazing Renaissance masterpieces.

100 km Urbino: a beautiful old town, the Palazzo Ducale and a number of churches are well worth a visit.

Venice, Florence and Padua: just over 2 ½ hours´drive away.

Car-lovers can visit the famous Ferrari factory of Maranello near Modena.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
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Keywords: A Stately Retreat Poised Between Bologna and Ravenna, in Good Driving Distance to the Adria Sandy Beaches, Rimini, Florence and Venice! The Emilia-Romagna Region is Synonymous with Fabulous Food and Wine, Renowned for its Ceramics, Mosaics, Classical Music, Gently Rolling Hills, Parks and Beaches.