Monteleone

Small three bedroom/four bath Palazzo with indoor, four season pool and spa, on the edge of an Umbrian hill town bordering SE Tuscany with gorgeous decor and views.

Umbria Villa 6

The house is a truly unique vacation destination located in one of the most charming corners of Umbria. It is a luxurious and romantic residence with its own private 4 season pool, spa and wine cellar perched on a cliff with a majestic view of a fertile Tuscan valley....a private retreat designed for travelers seeking to rest, to explore, and to enjoy the beauty of the area. The home is located in the heart of the town of Monteleone d'Orvieto inside a medieval palazzo that was modified over four centuries and became an elegant noble residence in the 1800's: Its second floor complete with a beautiful terrace, the vaulted stables and underground caves that were used to store local wine and olive oil production, became “Mazzini 31” in 2012 after we purchased it in a state a disrepair. During the process of renovation we discovered its inner beauty as we stripped away layers of wallpaper, paint and plaster to reveal an enchanting combination of wall and ceiling frescoes which span four centuries. With the love and passion that distinguish all of our projects we infused this noble treasure trove with elements of luxurious modern design that transformed it into a unique residence with 21st century comforts and old world charm.

Mazzini 31 is composed of an elegant noble apartment—an apartamento nobiliare-- with terrace, the adjacent stables, and underground caves, all part of a medieval palazzo at the edge of the old town with an incredible vista of the fertile Chiana Valley. The four story building was the home of a wealthy family with vast estates in the area and was reconfigured multiple times over four centuries to meet their changing needs Its current layout is typical of the late 1700’s and features a central grand stairway that gives access to a few private residences, one of which is Mazzini 31. The grand stairway is fully restored with cast iron railings, frescos, and the crest of the Marocchi family which owned the property for centuries visible on the vaulted ceiling. The palazzo is constructed of exposed terracotta brick typical of this area with a carved grey stone entry on Via Mazzini, one of the principal streets of the town. The grand entry hall which showed off the wealth and position of the Marocchi family takes you to the three bedroom residence and terrace on the second floor as well as to the stables which have been converted to a spa/pool and the caves which now house a fully stocked wine cellar both entered on the ground floor.

Terrace & Views

Sitting astride a vaulted brick arch adjoining the kitchen is a dramatic terrace. Built over a charming pedestrian street, the terrace provides a panoramic view of the Chiana Valley. This historic fertile valley was the breadbasket of the Etruscans, the object of conquest by the Romans, and the subject of an engineering project for Leonardo da Vinci. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful spot for enjoying the beauty and serenity of the valley dotted with the quintessential elements of the Tuscan landscape-- olive orchards and vineyards, stone farm houses, and fields of grain. In the distance, the silhouette of Mount Cetona looms. This ancient mountain is the site of settlements dating from 3000 B.C. as well caves in which Francis of Assisi had revelatory visions. Beyond is Mount Amiata, the highest mountain in Tuscany. The terrace features a restored wrought iron railing, terra cotta floor, lounge chairs, and a dining table that seats eight. A sheltering umbrella offers protection from the elements. This beautiful terrace just off the kitchen provides a place to relax on a lounge chair or to enjoy a meal while soaking up the sun, enjoying the gentle breezes from the valley, or watching the sunset over the mountains beyond.

The library was originally the formal dining room of the residence which we transformed into a welcoming entry with comfortable chaises for reading, chatting, and napping. It has a selection of books as well as objects acquired during our travels around the world. The walls are covered with rich, striped frescos and the vaulted ceilings decorated with floral designs both typical of the 18th Century. These creations were carefully restored by skilled local artisans who are descendants of the original artists who worked for the Marocchi family in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.

Living room & Library

The living room is the largest room in the house and to our surprise its walls had no frescos, probably because they were once clad in elegant silk wallpaper. An intriguing feature of this room are charming pencil drawings on the walls which are clearly the work of the artists who sketched designs as they planned the frescos for the walls and ceilings of Mazzini 31. There is even a caricature of one of the heirs of the Marocchi family who commissioned the artist’s work. In addition, the ceilings are filled with lunettes of imaginary landscapes in frames of pink, yellow, and green that imitate stucco. The floors throughout are made of “terrazzo” tiles typical of the 19th Century in varied colors and complicated patterns that give an eclectic feel to the entire residence. Today the living room blends all these features to provide a vibrant and varied living space with a salvaged marble fireplace, modern sofa, and bold credenza, complemented by precious locally sourced antiques.

Kitchen & Dining

The kitchen combines the square footage of the original small kitchen and the maid’s quarters that were originally adjacent to the formal dining room and connected via concealed doors. We stripped the original plaster from the walls of these rooms and demolished the vaulted plaster ceiling to make structural repairs. Rather than re-plastering, we left all the stone walls as well as the old and new beams of the ceiling fully exposed. In addition to providing a warm space to dine, this treatment shows off ancient and modern elements of the palazzo’s construction. To complement the rustic finishes of the space, we installed modern kitchen cabinets and counters in white lacquer, stainless steel, and quartz. In the modern Italian style all appliances are concealed to offer a clean, elegant 21st Century touch. A rustic farm table with a mix of chairs and three custom chandeliers made from a collection of old plates and dinnerware complete the totally renovated space. The gourmet kitchen is full equipped and will please any ambitious cook. With access to the terrace directly from the kitchen, you can choose whether to eat any meal al fresco or indoors.

Bedroom suites

Mazzini 31 has three large and luxurious bedrooms all with their own private bathroom, All bedrooms have frescoed ceiling and walls, terrazzo tile floor and their own very unique feel. Two of the rooms also have a sitting couch that doubles as an extra twin bed. The work of restoring all the frescoes was daunting and long but the results speak for themselves. Each room has its own distinctive look and feel with, in some cases, frescoes that have been unveiled under layers of plaster, paint and wall covering and are more than 400 years old. IOn some of the walls we found layers upon layers of different frescoes and in restoring them we decided to keep and blend ones from different eras creating a unique effect and blend. As for the rest of the residence we infused the old with daring touches of modern elements like floating colored glass shields concealing wardrobes, classic 60’s italian furniture, custom made marble sinks, modern light fixtures and humorous yet poetic touches that are the trademark of all our renovations.

Details & Amenities
  • Residence with 3 bedroom suites & 4 bathrooms
  • Accomodates 6 in king size beds + 2 in convertible beds
  • Private Spa with heated Pool and Hot tub
  • Private terrace with beautiful views & out-door & indoor lounge areas,
  • Gourmet kitchen with microwave, espresso machine, gas stove, oven, toaster, blender, etc..
  • Private wine cellar
  • Washer/dryer & dishwasher
  • Wi fi internet, Mp3 players
  • Hair dryers, Iron/board
  • Books and games
  • Maid service
  • Parking available
  • Children welcome
  • NOT wheelchair accesible
  • NO smoking. NO pets

Pool and Jacuzzi are heated and this is included from April to October but for the rest of the year it is charged separately

The price of rental includes gas, water, electricity, Wifi internet, bed linens, bath & hand towels, pool towels, soaps, shampoos and detergents. It also includes final cleaning, 1 midweek cleaning, use of all appliances and equipment. Rents from Sunday to Sunday

Property Type
Villa
Region
Umbria
Capacity
6
Special Selection
  • Best Value Property
  • Deluxe World Class Property
  • Our Favorites
Features
  • Indoor Pool
  • Within walking distance of a village

Staff

Maid service two days per week. Additional made service available at additional cost. Cook available at additional cost.

Exclusions

The price does not include house heating costs in winter. Refundable security deposit: $1200. Additional maid service and cook at extra cost.

Distances

The house is located in the town of Monteleone D’Orvieto, perched on the edge of the town with magnificent views of the surrounding Valley. Easy access to main highway and sites of Umbria and Tuscany. Cite della Pieve: 5 minutes, Chiusi: 15 minutes, Orvieto: 30 minutes, Perugia and Assisi: 40 minutes, Pienza and Montalcino: 30 minutes, Cortona and Arezzo: 30 minutes, Florence: 90 minutes, Rome Airport: 140 kms.

Recommended Local Restaurants

MONTELEONE: 5 minute walk

L’Ape Regina
Located a few hundred yards outside the old town this restaurant is in an antique mill and serves genuine traditional food in the Umbrian style with friendly service and rustic decor. Great fresh made past is served daily (Moderate)

Seven Café
This is the main hangout snack bar for locals in the newer part of town next to the public park. At lunch they serve great salads and traditional cold cuts with local cheeses in the traditional Tuscan style. The decor is simple but the service is very friendly in a family run atmosphere. In the evenings they have nice Aperitivi and cocktails too. The owners also rent mountain bikes by the hour or for the day and can arrange a private tour of the surrounding countryside!

La Tana del Gufo
Is located a few steps outside the old town of Monteleone and is known by locals for their grilled meats an Pizza. A good value with simple decor. (Moderate)

CITTA’ DELLA PIEVE: 7 minute drive

Trattoria Pizzeria Serenella
This is one of the oldest institutions in Citta’ della Pieve and a place where locals go for plain and simple good traditional cuisine. Located right in the center of town and with tasty food ranging from bruschette to pizza and main courses, all freshly prepared and a good value (Moderate)

Coppetta Bruno Trattoria
Bruno's Trattoria is family run and has a nice updated rustic feel swith a wood burning oven in the back of the restaurant. Located right on the main drag in the center of town, this place is as authentic as it gets with the owner still working the floor. Their specialty is meat and all their food is always tasty with friendly genuine service. Always full of locals at any time of the day (Moderate)

Taverna del Perugino
This is a lovely place to have a nice Italian meal: the service always pleasant, the food delicious and the atmosphere friendly. Their pizzas are large and tasty and they serve great fresh made pastas. They also have quite an extensive wine selection from Umbria and Tuscany (Moderate)

CHIUSI: 15 minute drive

La solita Zuppa
This restaurant, run by a husband and wife, prides itself of using only fresh and seasonal ingredients and everything is hand made. The food is good and originally prepared with subtle flavors such as ricotta ravioli with ginger, slow cooked beef cheek and a good selection of wines. The service at times is a bit intrusive which is unusual in an Italian restaurant but the experience is still worth it (Modreately expensive)

Tuscany Divine
A family run restaurant that is authentic and genuine with friendly service. Classic staples like bruschetta, prosciutto and figs, great pastas., always very fresh and of high quality. Very well priced for the atmosphere and the quality of food (Inexpensive)

Il Punto
Another great restaurant in the best of local traditions with innovative and high quality dishes that are also presented in an original way. Lovely atmosphere, great service and really good meats, pasta, pizzas and desserts. Definitely worth trying (Moderate)

FABRO: 10 minute drive from

Bettola del Buttero
This restaurant is located right off the highway exit of Fabro and is a favorite spot for truckers as well as celebrities traveling between Rome and Florence. The food is always fresh and well prepared. They have a giant fireplace where all the delicious meat is grilled and it is overall a very good value for the quality of food.

TREVINANO: 30 minute drive

La Parolina
This is a wonderful restaurant but slightly out of the way from Mazzini 31, located in the small hamlet of Trevinano. One of the most original in the area it is run by two young creative chefs serving delectable food that is respectful of Italian traditions but totally original and innovative. With formal service and a lovely room with great views. Nationally recognized. Reservations are a good idea (More expensive)

SAN CASCIANO DEI BAGNI: 25 minute drive

Daniela
Daniela is the place to see and be seen as well as to eat wonderful traditional Tuscan cooking. The restaurant, situated in the former stables of the palace of the Bologna family, is simple and elegant. Reservations recommended (Moderately Expensive)

La Fontanella
In the newer part of town, the comfortable dining room of a small hotel. Savor the very best of regional cooking. Meats, pastas, and desserts are prepared with care and are always delicious. A great wine list. Reservations recommended (Moderately expensive)

ORVIETO: 30 minute drive

Trattoria Vinosus

This restaurant is considered one of the best in the area and is especially known for their exquisite wine selections. The owner Luca will guide you personally through the wine list and the chef Rita will delight you with typical Umbrian recipes with an updated touch. It is located right next to the beautiful gothic cathedral of Orvieto and In the summer you can eat outdoor on the terrace with a lovely vista of the impressive black and white marble flank of the cathedral (Moderately expensive)

Charlie
This is one of the most popular spots in town for pizza! The restaurant/pizzeria has a beer garden style courtyard for outdoor dining in the summer and a spacious interior during the rest of the year. It can be hard to find a table especially on weekends but it is worth the wait! Their appetizers of cold cuts and local delicacies and cheese are always very satisfying and their dessert called “sbrisolona” just perfect! The atmosphere is relaxed and casual and the service very informal (Fairly inexpensive)

Osteria del Grillo
This restaurant is not in the center of town but just above the train station in Orvieto Scalo. While the location is not ideal if you are touring the old town, the food is very good. They do not serve any pasta but only fresh and beautifully prepared appetizers and delicious local organic meats. The restaurant in fact has a butcher counter where you can pick your own cut of meat and have it roasted on the spot in the wood burning oven. Yum said the vegetarian! The place is full of locals and the wine list, while not extensive, is delightfully local (Moderate)

Al Pozzo Etrusco
Orvieto has many good and established restaurants but this one is one of the most authentic, genuine and a relatively newcomer. Serving great traditional recipes with the freshest ingredients and a special touch. Friendly service, great street side experience (Moderate)

CETONA: 30 minute drive

La Frateria di Padre Eligio at Mondo X
http://www.lafrateria.it/pagina.asp?lng=2
This 12th Century Franciscan Monastery has been converted into a hotel and gourmet restaurant and is a self-sustaining community for recovering drug addicts. It is worth a visit just to see the monastery and its art but it is also a wonderful place to have dinner and support a good cause. Make a reservation and be sure to get a tour. Plan a stop in Cetona before your visit and take a beautiful walk toward the highest point in town to see intimate views of the unique landscape that has made this town a haven for the rich and famous. You are in good company as you admire the landscape. Valentino has a house here (Expensive, resrevations needed)

Il Sobborgo
Refined local cuisine served in the well restored cantinas of an old building on the main piazza or under a pergola in a secluded alley. Either experience is delightful. Don’t forget to take a stroll before or after dinner in the street of beautiful medieval Cetona. A snack bar part of the same establishment serves good ice cream and drinks on the piazza (Moderately expensive)

PIENZA: 30 minute drive

Osteria Sette di Vino
Known for its pecorino and its piazza, the mother of all Renaissance piazzas, this delightful, not to be missed town in the magnificent Valley of the Orcia River is also home to the unique 'small plate' Tuscan style food served here. This is simple tasty peasant food prepared with love by its charming owner who does it all, including telling you what to order (Moderate)

MONTEPULCIANO: 30 minutes drive

La Grotta
Just outside of Montepulciano near the church of San Biagio. Considered one of the best restaurant in the province of Siena. It offers exquisite food that is refined and inventive with local and genuine ingredients. Good service and a great selection of wines. The patio next to the beautiful church of San Biagio is delightful in the summer months and the entire experience of eating here is memorable (Moderately expensive)

PERUGIA: 40 minutes drive

La Taverna
A great and well known restaurant where owner and chef Claudio attends to every detail and is very welcoming. All food is very flavorful, thougtfully prepared and served in a lovely room with vaulted ceilings. Staff is attentive and delightful (More expensive)

Osteria A Priori
Both a restaurant and a wine shop. It is small and cozy and sometimes hard to find a table but worth it if you do. They are part of the “slow food” movement and provide wonderful locally grown and sourced ingredients....quite affordable considering the high quality (Moderate)

Deposit

55% of rental

Availability

Most of year

Documents

Rates

Prices include all taxes, agency fees, foreign exchange fees, and credit card fees.

2019 Prices

Mar 17 - Apr 12 $2,915 Weekly

Apr 20 - May 25 $3,795 Weekly

Jun 01 - Jun 08 $4,345

Jun 08 - Aug 31 $5,445 Weekly

Aug 31 - Sep 21 $4,345 Weekly

Sep 21 - Oct 19 $3,795 Weekly

Oct 19 - Dec 21 $2,915 Weekly

Dec 21 - Dec 31 $3,795 Weekly

A DISCOUNT OF 5% OF TOTAL RENTAL COST WILL BE APPLIED FOR 2 OR MORE CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

Reviews

September 2014
Steve
Rare Treasures...

This is one of those rare treasures that does not come along often and that should not be missed. The pictures shown above only begin to capture the full extent of what awaits behind the doors of this amazing property. Located in a lovely hill town and just a short drive off the A1 is this marvelous gem of a residence. Everything has been restored combining the original features with all the conveniences of a modern home. This is truly a relaxing masterpiece that pleases all your senses. Spending time on the terrace, whether enjoying a breakfast of local pastries or an evening meal after touring this charming little village, is magical. The wine cellar is located in a cave discovered during renovation and features local reds and whites that you won't find elsewhere. The baths, the bedrooms, the living spaces are all comfortable and spacious with architectural details everywhere you look. This is a perfect jumping-off point for day trips to Orvieto, Civita della Pieve, Perugia, Chiusi, and Cortona. Bring back some wine and olive oil and relax on the terrace as the sun sets over the green valley below. Can't wait to go back!

August 2014
Walt & Friends
Loved this home

Words hardly do justice to this 15th century/ultra-contemporary home in Umbria, Italy. Staying as a guest in this home was to experience deeply reflective art/architecture and, simultaneously, wonderful and soothing everyday comfort. The owners have restored every possible hinge, floor tile and ceiling fresco of this house, and created a contemporary and oh-so-comfortable and relaxing masterpiece. Everywhere you look, from the balcony off the dining room to the spa (pool and jacuzzi) to the restored 18th century frescos, you will be delighted and stimulated by that mix of very old and ultra-new. Take a look at the stained glass panels and Patrizio-created bathroom sinks framed and illuminated by inset floor lighting. Check out the original chesnut window frames and hardware, all lovingly restored. Hang out with a glass of wine in the jacuzzi while your kids swim in the pool right next to you. Fling open your shutters in the morning and look down ancient streets, still alive with people. The worst part of the week for us was leaving.

September 2014
Marian
Breathtaking, a real gem.

I most highly recommend this breathtaking home as a base to explore the area. You will definitely want to come back here again! The combination of medieval bones and modern design throughout the home is just exquisite. Each room is beautifully appointed and has original frescoes that make the space quite magical. A highlight is the large outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside – we enjoyed starting the day with breakfast on the terrace, and in the evening watching gorgeous sunsets over the valleys. The terrace is off the kitchen which is well-equipped for cooking meals together and a real plus is the home’s pool, jacuzzi and its own wine cellar on the lower level. We took some wonderful walks in the beautiful countryside that surrounds the quaint little town of Monteleone d’orvieto where the home is located. This home is a real gem. We’ll definitely be back again!

July 2014
Astha
Absolutely Fabulous...

Hi Patrizio, I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you how absolutely fabulous Mazzini 31 was. Your eye for décor is phenomenal! Each room was as amazing as the next, and had the most interesting details and unusual pieces. We were all completely in awe and in love! And that balcony and the view!! Also, we loved Gustavo – he was very helpful and friendly. The meal he cooked for us was also fabulous – we were just sad we couldn’t secure him for another one! We’ll know for next time! I hope to visit your other properties in the future! OH and also forgot to mention how beautiful the wine cellar was. I think we cleaned out your whites and a lot of your reds! We also really appreciated the very reasonably priced wines you had down there. Recos: Restaurant "Osteria la Porta" in Monticchiello near Pienza; "La terrazza del Chiostro" Restaurant in Pienza.

May 2014
Karen
…stunning property

Thank-you for paying such great attention to detail and putting so much thought & care into the restoration of this stunning property. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to hear from you first hand the stories & process that went into the project. Your passion & dedication to your work truly speaks. The colors, textures, materials & objects that you have carefully selected are all perfect. A ‘noble’ selection of modern pieces set against the 18th century frescoes - makes you not want to leave. Oh and those sunsets from the terrace overlooking the valley of orchards & olive trees - unforgettable - so magical. We loved your suggestions for the neighboring towns and revisited Coppetta Bruno Trattoria 3 times - they treated us like family. Day trips were easy drives. M31 is the perfect launching pad for exploring Umbria. Oh and how can I forget to mention the little grocery store right next door - we bumped into the Grocer several times outside of the store - so lovely - what a smile. We really felt like locals, and love how the town embraced us as ‘one of them’ !  

Monteleone Availability Request

To request information about the availability of this property, please enter your travel dates and provide your email!