Olimpia - Spacious stone villa with private terrace overlooking the pool
Conveniently located 10km from the RIOVEGGIO exit of the PANORAMICO branch of the A1 motorway, backbone to Italy, between Bologna and Florence, 6Stanco is situated at the beginning of the Appennine mountain range on the southern slope of Monte Stanco, with stunning mountain views towards Tuscany. Set in the intimate village of Stanco, 6Stanco is a group of stone buildings surrounding a courtyard, originally the main landowner's home, with private chapel, barn and haywain, residence of their farm workers and harvesters. Refurbished from the converted chestnut-drying barn, Olimpia is now a three-bedroomed independent villa, beside the garden and the 5x11m outdoor pool. Giacomina and Giuseppina are the two mirror-image, studio flats on the raised ground floor of the converted haywain and cattle stalls, each with its own balconied entrance. We can accommodate groups of friends or extended families for unforgettable holidays! We live most of the year in the restored main stone house; also a Bed & Breakfast with three double rooms available. The lower level of the barn is the 60sq.m Course Room; adjacent to the main sun terrace. There is Horse riding at our local Pegasus Riding Stables and trekking for seasoned riders. At 600m.a.s.l. no air-conditioning is necessary here in July & August as even after very hot days, a cooler woodland breeze arrives in the evenings and the mountain panorama is breathtaking.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Giacomina - Converted stone barn, mountain village, spectacular views, pool
Bologna
Giacomina - Converted stone barn, mountain village, spectacular views, pool
Pets allowed: less than 10 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Dogs must always be accompanied + business cleaned
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Come over and say goodbye :)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number IT037031B4WMMJDT7X
Property # 8948418
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Grizzana Morandi
Located in Grizzana Morandi, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Rocchetta Mattei and Sacrario dei Caduti per le Stragi Nazifasciste are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Pliocene Contrafforte Natural Reserve and Montovolo. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Does Olimpia - Spacious stone villa with private terrace overlooking the pool have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is Olimpia - Spacious stone villa with private terrace overlooking the pool pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 10 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Olimpia - Spacious stone villa with private terrace overlooking the pool?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Olimpia - Spacious stone villa with private terrace overlooking the pool?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Olimpia - Spacious stone villa with private terrace overlooking the pool?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Olimpia - Spacious stone villa with private terrace overlooking the pool located?
This family-friendly Grizzana Morandi holiday home is located on a river, 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Museum of Giorgio Morandi, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Montovolo and Rocchetta Mattei. Caves of Labante and Sacrario dei Caduti per le Stragi Nazifasciste are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a fantastic week at this accommodation. Ruth was very welcoming and really helpful.
A beautiful setting and a great location to explore Bologna and Florence
The accommodation was fantastic. We loved the location, easy travel to Bologna and Florence. The food and locals made our holiday very enjoyable.
Ruth was attentive to our needs and answered questions quickly.
We had a really wonderful week at Ruth's place. The surroundings are fantastic, the pool area is great, the terrace area nice and cozy and the apartment is really good and equipped with everything you need.
Majken W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jul, 2024
So glad your family enjoyed a great holiday here. It was a pleasure to host you :)
We stayed for 6 nights in Villa Olimpia. We had a very good arrival at the house with Ruth, the host. She gave us some tips to eat and made the reservations to the restaurants because I don't speak much italian. The house was very wel equiped and very spacious. Big kitchen, good quality beds and 2 bathrooms. And a nice swimmingpool outside with fantastic view on the surrounding mountains. At a few miles you have Grizzana Morandi where you can find a small grocerieshop, a bakery and even a small bar where you can have a drink. We loved our stay. Reccomended!
The location was amazing. Ruth is an amazing host and was helpful from the moment we booked. We will definitely return to this area in the future. Also several wonderful restaurants nearby in small friendly villages. The views were breathtaking and we really were able to relax the whole week while we were there.
Heather R.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2025
It was my pleasure to meet you and host you all :)
So pleased you appreciated the local restaurants too.
Waren im Juni 2025 drei Wochen in Stanco6 in Grizzana und fühlten uns dort sehr wohl. Für zwei Personen bietet das ruhige Haus mit drei Schlafzimmern viel Platz. Die Terrasse liegt vorteilhaft nach hinten, direkt vor dem Pool, der immer sauber ist. Die Anlage ist gut gepflegt und Ruth kümmert sich um alles. Da nebenan Feriensprachkurse für Jugendliche geboten wurden, war es am Pool abends nicht immer ganz ruhig. Um nach Bologna zu kommen, braucht man etwas mehr als eine Stunde, da Grizzana hoch auf dem Hügel liegt, die Straßen dahin zum Teil etwas eng und kurvenreich sind. Insgesamt eine gute Wahl, die wir empfehlen können.
Wir haben uns wunderbar erholt, das Haus war sehr gut ausgestattet und Ruth hat uns ganz unaufdringlich verwöhnt- wir haben sogar Gemüse aus ihrem Garten bekommen
Sehr schöner Ort, um Land und Leute kennenzulernen, insbesondere auch Bologna und Florenz. Sehr schöne Villa mit allen Annehmlichkeiten. Sehr sauber und sehr gut ausgestattet. Sehr empfehlenswert!
Nous avons passé un agréable séjour chez Ruth, reposant et dépaysant. Le cadre exceptionnel nous a laissé sans voix…. Cependant, la canicule de cet été n’a pas facilité nos nuits qui ont été plutôt compliqués entre cette chaleur et les moustiques très présents. Vraiment dommage qu’il n’y avait pas de climatisation ou des ventilateurs. Il manquait également cruellement de volets nous permettant de profiter pleinement des grasses matinées tant attendues en vacances….
En revanche, Ruth est une hôte très agréable, disponible et serviable.
After a busy 4 days in Venice, the tranquility of 6Stanco was just what we needed. For us, the hosting was spot-on; welcoming and helpful, whilst giving us the space to feel at home. The villa was spotless and we took full advantage of the pool, abundant fig tree, and nights gazing at the stars. There would have been more beach volleyball if it hadn’t been so hot! We were slightly disappointed with the trip to Rochetta Mattei, only available with English audio guide, half of which didn’t work. However, we more than made up for it with trips to Bologna, picking up delicious pastries at the bakery in Grizzana, and porchetta at Vergato market. Wonderful introduction to Emila-Romagna.
Really fantastic place, great view, silent. The house is clean and huge, you find everything you need for cooking and relaxing. Pool is right there and Ruth is always available.
Io e la mia famiglia abbiamo soggiornato nella bella villa Olimpia presso la struttura 6stanco nel periodo di agosto'21.
Ruth è una ospite fantastica, instancabile e sempre attenta alle esigenze degli ospiti, impeccabilmente discreta.
La villa è bella ben arredata pulitissima e completa di ogni attrezzatura.
E che dire della bella piscina proprio di fronte alla villa? Comodissima nelle calde giornate di questa torrida estate, al rientro da gite, escursioni e passeggiate.
Ambiente collinare con bei paesaggi e tramonti impagabili. Un'appennino a mio avviso poco valutato ma che vale la pena di scoprire entrando nel merito di cultura e tradizioni locali.
Consiglio vivamente a tutti coloro che cercano un oasi di tranquillità e relax abbinato a confort e ricercatezza.
Grazi di tutto Ruth un caro saluto.
Paola e famiglia.
Wonderful walks, gracious folks, delicious breads at Antica Forneria bakery in Grizzana Morandi & meals at La Prada just south of rental. Olimpia is very relaxing and well stocked. A keeper!
Zu viert haben wir in dieser sehr schönen Unterkunft im kleinen Bergdorf gewohnt, ungestört und naturnah. Radfahren (vorher bitte das passende Ritzelpaket für erhebliche Anstiege montieren) war wegen der geringen Verkehrsdichte wunderbar möglich, Wandern genauso. Man konnte aber auch einfach mal zu Hause bleiben und Pool und Terrasse genießen. Der Ausflug nach Bologna hat uns viel Freude gemacht, die Stadt ist sehr sehenswert.
Ein rundum gelungener Aufenthalt. Vielen Dank
6Stanco is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The villa is a gorgeous mix of old and new and is well equipped for a family of 6 which we were. The pool is fantastic and even with other people staying at the same time as we were it never felt crowded. Stanco itself
is very small and quiet with a lovely, traditional Italian feel. There are 2 restaurants within walking distance. We tried La Prada and it’s worth going just for the sunset views. Amazing. Ruth is a perfect host. So welcoming from the first enquiry to greeting us when we arrived and hosting a fabulous dinner for all the guests on our third night. If you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxing week in beautiful surroundings then I can’t recommend 6Stanco highly enough. Thank-you Ruth and Andrea!
Hilary F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Susan B.
21 Aug, 2018
This is a lovely place to either stay and relax - or stay and explore the wider area. We did both.
Ruth and her husband Andrea are very welcoming hosts. We were lucky to arrive at the time of community festivities and made welcome by the local community. Sunset by the pool or on the small terrace adjacent to Olimpia was a lovely way to end a day. The villa is well appointed. Only slight niggles are that the internet is slow at times and I don’t like paying ‘extras’ - would rather cleaning and pool towels were included in the price.
Susan B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
We were delighted to meet this very interesting, cultured group of great travellers who were very well organised to visit many of the best sites and places to see from here.
Very happy you came to the village pizza evening and to our weekly summer guest dinner and thanks for bringing wine! As stated clearly on our insertion, being on the foothills of the Apennine mountains, our locality does not have city speed- internet connection, but we do offer guests complimentary wifi connection - our own connection - at the speed that we have to run our business all year long. Almost half our guests elect to do their own final cleaning so we're not planning to obligate all our guests to have to opt for a final cleaning service: Those who have chosen to take up this service, (when we call in a cleaner), have so far all been happier to have had the flexibility to decide on it and pay for it, once here, so avoiding the increased Homeway service charge that this would have incurred, had it been chosen and included with the online booking. Almost all of our guests bring their own pool towels; We supply two bathroom towels for interior use, per guest, but started charging for pool towels for outdoor use, when some guests abandoned them outside, so as to be impossible to properly clean for other guests or irrevocably damaged them with tar, when they took them to particular beaches. However, we're taking note of your points and would alter our routines should more guests make similar comments. Thank you, also for flagging up the chair breakage before your departure. Very best regards to fab Aussies, Ruth
Verified
10/10 Excellent
sarah l.
14 Aug, 2018
Perfection!
This is the third time we’ve stayed at 6Stanco ... and we come back for good reason. Ruth, our host, delivers an outstanding service. She’s completely in the background unless you need something - then she’s right there, sorting it for you if you need help. For example, my husband is a wheelchair user and we wanted to use the local train to Florence (only an hour away, incidentally - I’ll come on to location next...). She got up incredibly early and escorted us to the station, helping us load the train with husband, wheelchair and 2 kids (I could manage myself!). She and her husband host a meal with all the residents each week (villa & 2 loft apartments) which is lovely - they speak fluent French, Italian (obviously) and English. They also do a bit of German & Dutch.
6Stanco is positioned LITERALLY perfectly for exploring so many parts of northern Italy. Bologna (where we usually fly in to) is 40 mins away (and as stunning as Florence, in our view), Modena (worth it just for the authentic balsamic), Ravenna, Parma, Pisa, Ferrara and, of course, Florence are easily doable as a day trip.
You won’t find more stunning views across the border in Tuscany...we don’t think, anyway. There are two fab restaurants within walking distance of the property and they’re very reasonably priced too. If you want to stay in, the villa has its own patio with STUNNING sunset views. It also had a full kitchen with many basics included for your use (who wants to buy a bottle of olive oil or condiments on holiday??) it even has fresh filter coffee waiting for you in the fridge (alongside the bottle of Prosecco). The loft apartments also have cooking facilities and a shared large patio - you can even use a BBQ.
We’ve always had a really good time with the other guests - but you can keep yourself to yourself too, if you prefer. The pool is plenty big enough for all the guests, but is often free during the day as many people go visiting the numerous cities and towns on day trips. So if you fancy an indulgent rest one day, you’re likely to have peace & quiet.
We’ll be back again - we can’t imagine a better place to spend quality family time together...and we’ve done a decent amount of travelling over the years.
You need to hire a car to get to places, but you won’t be disappointed - be ready to experience the best of italy!
sarah l.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jeffrey B.
16 Jul, 2018
Wonderful family holiday location
As a family of 6, we stayed in the Olimpia house at 6Stanco in July 2018. It was very clean, spacious and really well equipped with a washing machine, dishwasher, cooking utensils and books for example. The owners Ruth and Andreas were very helpful and welcoming.
Our children had hours of fun in the great pool, trampoline and spacious cool play room. The WiFi was excellent supporting many devices at once, our family really tested the bandwidth!
With lovely views all around it felt like we were on top of the world.
The local pizza night was lovely, with tasty pizza and a friendly community.
Great location for Etruscan heritage, WW2 history, and visits to Florence, Bologna, and the Lamborghini and Ferrari museums.
Fab pizza in Bambu in Vergato and lovely meal in Nel Castagneto. Superb in every way.
The B family.
Jeffrey B.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Many thanks for your review; it was a pleasure to meet your family. Thanks also for fixing our bike and glad that you were able to make use of it and meet us on the local Etruscan walk! Over your two-week stay, you organised the right balance of day trips to Bologna, Florence and local places of interest, interspersed with relaxed days hanging out by the pool - so keeping every member of your family happy! We have your daughter's painting in pride of place! Thanks!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Steve T.
17 Jun, 2018
In an old italian hillside village, this is a wonderul place to stay.
What a great holiday in the clean fresh hillside air. But it was still hot too, so the pool and its loungers were so inviting. We stayed in Olimpia, an excellent house and very comfortable with its old world feel of stone wall and wooden beams. The furnishings are attractive and it all bears testimony to Ruth's architectural design skills. She is very helpful indeed.
We so enjoyed the terrace for al fresco eating, the peace, the birds flying, the starry skies and those beautifully surprising fireflies which drift around like mini flashing torchlights. It is all only a short car ride to the train station for Florence, Bologna and beyond. We recommend this very highly indeed.
Steve T.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018
About the host
Hosted by Ruth Hodkinson
We probably watched too many 'buy a ruin and do it up ' television programmes, but that's what we chose to do, left the city and now we live in the community of this small mountain village. Ruth, an architect by profession, was born and educated in London, UK. Andrea is Bolognese and is a Restaurant food company director. We have two daughters and a son. We like good food, wine and when not travelling, at least planning and discussing the next trip!
Why they chose this property
For wonderful holidays relaxing by the pool, eating out in the garden with your family, walking in the woods, horse riding or visiting amazing castles and waterfalls nearby. Beautiful, stylish, comfortable and well-equipped, historic, stone buildings. New, modern convenience but with architectural character where you can relax and enjoy yourselves. Situated in a safe, peaceful village with friendly locals and very helpful hosts next door! Lovely swimming pool and plenty of space for al fresco dining, sun bathing or just reading a book in the garden. Only 12 minutes to the closest motorway exit which is between Bologna and Florence so very well-located for daytrips all over Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, even as far as Venice. The perfect combination of cultural visits to a variety of important Art Cities, or more low-key trips locally, by day, then coming back to your beautiful 6Stanco apartment each evening to cooler, balmier temperatures, after a sometimes stiflingly-hot, inner-city visit in mid-summer, with no need for air-con up here, breath-taking sunsets across the Reno valley, less noise than the bustling towns and cities and easy parking! Unforgettably fantastic holidays!
What makes this property unique
Our complimentary, weekly, summer dinners under the ancient grapevine in the company of the other interesting guests. In the summer, your kids may well find similar aged playmates. Evenings relaxing in a private homestead and garden, rather than a huge impersonal complex, with the lovely pool. Regional cookery, English, Yoga, Painting, Horse-riding and Ceramics courses can be offered if requested in advance and dates confirmed: We run English language courses for 4 weeks each year, in June and September. Johann Rosenboom runs a Painting Course every September. The local 'Nel Castagneto' restaurant offers a regional cookery demonstration course if requested ahead of time. Hatha Yoga sessions available down in Pian di Setta. Massage can be organized, if requested at the time of your booking. Our shared, inside- knowledge of the best places to visit in this relatively un-tourist-trodden area, plus what to avoid when you day-trip further afield.
Languages:
English, Italian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests