Villa delle Sophore 12

Property Description

Property Summary

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy, Villa delle Sophore is an extraordinary eighteenth-century residence located just a few kilometers from Lake Trasimeno, with the ancient Etruscan city of Cortona visible in the distance. This remarkable vacation rental occupies what was historically a border and smuggling area between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal States, lending the property an atmosphere of rare historical depth and romance. The villa has been thoughtfully restored through a decidedly conservative renovation that has preserved its original character while ensuring every modern comfort is at hand. Painted frescoes, vaulted ceilings, a majestic atrium, and a collection of antique furnishings sourced through years of patient research by the owners create an environment that feels both timeless and deeply welcoming. LCD televisions, stereos, and Internet WiFi connectivity are seamlessly integrated into the interiors, ensuring guests enjoy contemporary convenience without compromising the villa's historic charm. The surrounding yard and park-garden, shaped by the mild lake climate and planted with species of rare botanical beauty, extend the sense of grandeur beyond the villa's walls. The owners reside in a private annex of the property with a separate entrance, making themselves available to guests throughout their stay. When renting this property in this configuration, no other guests will be present anywhere on the estate, guaranteeing complete exclusivity and privacy.

Outdoors

The exterior of Villa delle Sophore is a carefully maintained park-garden that reflects the nineteenth-century tradition of blending English and Italian landscaping styles. The grounds are home to oak forests, local flora and fauna, and plants of rare beauty, including the pair of giant pendulous Japanese sophoras from which the villa takes its name, considered the finest examples of their kind in the entire territory. A beautiful period lemon house, an ancient gazebo, a solarium area, and a magnificent contemporary fountain complete the park and create a series of distinct outdoor spaces to explore and enjoy. The non-heated pool is positioned just a few meters from the house, set slightly lower in the landscape and easily reached from the garden via a gentle slope. Open from the last Saturday of April to the first Saturday of October, the rectangular pool measures 11 meters by 7 meters with a constant depth of 1.25 meters. Access to the water is provided by a Roman staircase, and a cold shower is available poolside. The interior of the pool is finished in PVC, while the outer edge and solarium area are laid in traditional terracotta. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided, and centuries-old trees surrounding the pool naturally create shaded areas throughout the day. Privacy in the solarium area is ensured by a laurel hedge that separates it from the rest of the park. Adjacent to the pool, a large open veranda houses a fully equipped kitchen and a generous dining table with chairs, creating an ideal setting for outdoor meals. A barbecue is also available in this area, perfect for alfresco dining in the warm Tuscan evenings. Please note that photographs of the property are typically taken in spring, so the colors and blooms of the gardens, lawns, and park may vary depending on the season of your visit.

Unit Layout

Villa delle Sophore is arranged across 2 floors and is designed to accommodate up to 12 guests across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main entrance is located on the ground floor, which is divided into a living area and a sleeping area. The living area comprises a living room, a dining room featuring a large fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. The sleeping area on this floor contains 2 double bedrooms, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a separate bathroom with a shower. A spectacular square spiral staircase connects the ground floor to the first floor, where 2 double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms are located, one of which features a hydromassage shower. An additional bathroom with a bathtub is also found on the first floor, along with a double bed configuration in that area. The first floor is further completed by 2 communicating rooms used as single bedrooms, one of which includes a mezzanine level housing a reading room and a playroom. The mezzanine also features an equipped gym and a dedicated relaxation corner. It should be noted that the fireplaces located in the reading room and in one of the bedrooms are ornamental in nature. A second fully equipped kitchen is situated on the open veranda adjacent to the pool, providing additional culinary space for outdoor entertaining.

Amenities Included

Villa delle Sophore is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Air conditioning is available in all rooms throughout the villa, providing a pleasant indoor climate during the warmer months, while heating is also available for cooler periods. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and a dishwasher is provided to simplify meal preparation and cleanup. A washing machine is available for guests' use, conveniently located within the property's period lemon house alongside the laundry facilities. Outdoor dining and entertaining are made effortless with the barbecue situated on the open veranda near the pool. Satellite TV is available for guests who wish to enjoy television programming during their stay, and the villa is also equipped with stereo systems throughout. Pets are welcome at Villa delle Sophore, subject to advance authorization by the owner, as described further in the relevant section. The villa has been inspected and verified by a technical manager to ensure that all described features, accessories, and equipment are present and in proper working order.

Other Information

Smoking is strictly forbidden inside Villa delle Sophore. Guests are kindly reminded to observe this rule throughout their stay. The admission of animals to the property must be authorized in advance by the owner, who requires prior communication of the number of animals, their size, and their breed before approval can be granted. When booking this property in the configuration described, no other guests or customers will be present anywhere on the estate, ensuring complete privacy for the duration of the stay. In the villa's underground cellars, the owner, a passionate antiquarian, maintains a private collection of more than a thousand antique pieces. The furniture and collectibles have been artfully arranged to create what the owner describes as antiques in progress, making the cellars an exceptional destination for lovers of restored antique furniture and for connoisseurs who appreciate pieces still in their original patina. The owners themselves reside in a private annex of the villa with a separate entrance and are available to assist guests as needed throughout their stay.

Distances and Attractions

Villa delle Sophore enjoys a strategic location that places a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural destinations within easy reach. The Etruscan city of Cortona is just a few kilometers away, offering guests access to its remarkable historic center, museums, and hilltop panoramas. Lake Trasimeno, one of the largest lakes in central Italy, is also only a short drive from the property, providing opportunities for lakeside walks, boat excursions, and relaxed afternoons by the water. The historic centers of Montepulciano, Pienza, and Chiusi are all reachable within a short distance, each offering their own distinctive character, local wines, and architectural heritage. For those wishing to explore further afield, the celebrated art cities of Siena, Florence, Perugia, and Rome are all accessible from the villa, making it an ideal base for cultural excursions throughout central Italy.

Costs & Services

Included services
- Utilities: electricity, water, gas for kitchen use and hot water included in the rental rate
- Weekly linen included in the rental rate
- Initial and final cleaning included in the rental rate
- ZeroDep Guarantee: security deposit waived, with EuropAssistance coverage for accidental damage up to €1,500.00 (conditions and restrictions apply)

Extra costs
- Mandatory extra cleaning in case of the presence of animals: €50.00 per pet per week or part of the week
- Tourist tax: €1.00 per person per night for the first 4 nights (from 01/11 to 30/11); €2.00 per person per night for the first 4 nights (from 01/12 to 31/12 and from 01/01 to 31/10); children under 12 are exempt

On request
- Extra cleaning: €22.00 per hour per cleaner
- Extra linen change: €15.00 per person
- Heating: charged on consumption at current market prices
- Gym: €50.00 per week
- Firewood: €20.00 per 100 kg
- Finnish sauna: €30.00 per week

Licence or registration number

CIN: IT054009C201016359

Amenities

•   Internet
•   Internet Wifi
•   Yard
•   Private Pool
•   Air Conditioning
•   Washing Machine
•   Barbecue
•   Dishwasher
•   Pets Ok
•   Window Screens
•   Satellite TV
•   No Smoking
•   Heat Available

Location Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Availability

Reservation Policies

Policies and conditions of this page are demanded by the property's owner/manager.

Easy Reserve Limited operates as an internet editor and services provider for owners, property managers, agencies, tour operators and hotels; Easy Reserve Limited is not responsible for any direct or indirect damage, accident, theft or robbery caused to renters, their relatives or to their properties during their holiday, both in the rented property or elsewhere.