Perfectly embedded between Umbria and Tuscany, amidst enchanting panoramas and precious traces of history, the Hotel Villa di Piazzano of Cortona has a vitality and a "breath" that regenerates the senses - smell, sight and, above all, taste.

Surrounded by 1 hectare of gardens, this splendid historical estate has travelled through time. Since 1464, the villa was initially the hunting manor of Cardinal Silvio Passerini, and later became a convent for nuns. In the last two centuries it was operating as a tobacco and vine growing estate. Today the Hotel Villa di Piazzano and its lands are protected by the Environmental Authorities due to its historic importance.

The Wimpole family, originating from Australia, purchased the property in 1999 turning it into one of the most refined residences of central Italy. Of English origin, Mr Wimpole was born into a family of hoteliers. His great grandfather, Horatio Frederick Wimpole, left England to establish himself in Melbourne, Australia where he founded a grand hotel, furnished with antiques which he had brought from Europe. Today some of this furniture can be admired at the Hotel Villa di Piazzano, in particular a beautiful grandfather clock and an old photo depicting Horatio with his beard and moustache, as was the fashion of that time.

The guests at Hotel Villa di Piazzano will be overcome by the serenity of the area, which retains its greenness even during the August heat thanks to its tree-lined avenues and extensive tobacco plantations which, after centuries, still enhance the landscape. The structure of the Hotel Villa di Piazzano of Cortona is a marvellous example of the Italian style which is particularly appreciated by Anglo Saxons. The simple noble façade articulated by grey stone work in ‘pietra serena’ features sixteenth century doorways which open into a homely entrance hall and living room. In every corner one is reminded of the local atmosphere by terracotta floors, fireplaces in the sitting room, bar and dining room, along with furniture, lamps and prints of other times, which have been collected by the Wimpole family in their travels around the world.

A gracious circular staircase leads to the first floor reading room which has an impressive ceiling supported by exposed wooden beams. Even in the 15 guest rooms, each one different from the other, one can sense the Wimpoles’ passion and care for detail, which has been maximised in this enchanting place. Wood and terracotta are dominant features in every room, as well as exposed beams, antique furniture, and even an antique cot where many of the earlier Wimpoles had spent their nights. In the Cardinal’s room, on the first floor, a magnificent frescoed ceiling in the shades of pink adorns the ceiling. It is the only room in the Hotel Villa di Piazzano with a fresco, but each one has its own identity starting from the name. “Tramonto Toscano” (Tuscan Sunset), for example, has a wooden beamed sloping ceiling and overlooks the Italian garden which enjoys the most beautiful sunsets.

A walk through the garden, amongst the century old Italian oaks, linden trees and cypresses, allows one to loose track of time. The scent of the garden accompanies the ritual of the aperitif, after a swim in the Villa’s large pool. This is but a pleasant pause, before sitting at the dinner table where the palate is tempted by the kitchen’s specialities, prepared under the careful supervision of the Signora Adriana. The cuisine focuses on Italian and Cortona, dishes with a tendency towards the local Umbrian and Tuscan traditions: roasts, fresh pasta, typical pâtés and many vegetables which still grow wild in the country side, mushrooms and salame. It is a feast to the palate culminating in the difficult choice of dessert.

It is not easy to depart from this oasis of peace and return to everyday life. It is for this reason that the Hotel Villa di Piazzano can count on many regular guests who return whenever they can, to enjoy the Villa’s proximity to some of the most beautiful sites in Italy, as well as the most famous road through the vineyards of the Brunello di Montalcino. From Piazzano you can reach, in just a few minutes, the beautiful Cortona, Lake Trasimeno, Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Siena and Arezzo. This is the heart of Italy which is most loved and rich in history. The Villa di Piazzano fits perfectly into this scenario.

For more info about the city of Cortona please visit the site promocortona.com
   

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