The Mirror of the Valley

An early 20th-century villa with a vintage swimming pool, just a stone’s throw from the village

Ref. COR415

On the lower slopes leading up towards Cortona, where olive groves give way to gardens and the Etruscan walls are just a short walk away, an early 20th-century villa overlooks the valley from a privileged position. Unobstructed on three sides and facing south, it basks in the sun from morning until sunset, when the plain glows golden and the village bell towers stand out against the sky behind it. It is one of those rare places where the tranquillity of the countryside and the life of a city of art coexist just a stone’s throw from one another.

A swimming pool from another era

The heart of the property is the 160 m² swimming pool, a size that today’s building regulations no longer permit. Stretching between the lawn and the sky, its water seems to extend the horizon and, on summer evenings, reflects the colours of the valley as it slowly fades into the night. Precisely because it is one of a kind, it represents a rare privilege and a value destined to stand the test of time.

The house and its rooms

Built in the early decades of the last century, the villa is spread over two storeys, with a gross floor area of 220 m² and a net floor area of approximately 200 m², divided into nine rooms. On the main living floor, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining room lead into the large living room, which opens directly onto the garden and lets in the scent of freshly cut grass. The sleeping area comprises three bedrooms and three bathrooms, whilst the cellar and built-in cupboards discreetly store everything the house needs.

In 2011, the building underwent essential refurbishment, including restoration of the façade, thermal insulation and re-roofing. The structure is therefore solid and sound, whilst the interiors await a renovation that will blend the house’s original character with contemporary comfort, leaving its future occupants free to write its next chapter.

Garden and terraces overlooking the valley

The villa is set within 6,535 m² of land. The 2,603 m² private garden envelops the house in greenery and shade, whilst the landscape continues across 3,900 m² of natural terraces that descend in tiers towards the plain, like an amphitheatre overlooking the Valdichiana. Each level offers a different view, a spot for reading in the morning or a table to set at sunset. A 40 m² garage and additional parking spaces complete the property, along with independent propane gas heating; the energy performance certificate is pending.

Between the lake, the hills and the cities of art

From here, central Italy opens up in every direction. Lake Trasimeno, with its clear waters and villages along its shores, is around 20 km away, whilst Arezzo is 30 km away and Montepulciano, with its wineries, 35 km away. Siena is 75 km away and Florence 110 km away. For those arriving from further afield, Perugia Airport is 60 km away, Florence Airport 120 km and Rome Fiumicino 210 km – distances that make the villa easy to enjoy all year round, whether as a permanent home or a holiday retreat.