Villa Orvieto

Our family first rented Villa Orvieto 11 years ago and, with the exception of last year (summer 2020), have returned every summer since. We have also rented villas in other areas of Italy every summer, but always return with many of the same friends to Villa Orvieto as part of our summer holidays in Italy.

Villa Orvieto is situated in a perfect location for exploring a beautiful, but less-touristed (Umbria), part of Italy. Day trips can be made to Rome and Florence, but there are many other towns that we love to visit as well including Assisi, Bevagna, Siena, Spoleto, Spello, Todi, San Gemini, Perugia, Lake Trasimeno, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, to name but a few of our favourites.  And the jewel, of course, is Orvieto, 20 minutes or so drive from Villa Orvieto. It’s one of the most beautiful hill towns in Italy with one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the country. We, and all the guests who have stayed with us over the years, have never tired of Orvieto and its winding cobblestone streets, medieval towers and piazzas, as well as its many great restaurants. After several years, we continue to find new places to go and interesting things to see. 

The villa comfortably accommodates several families with each bedroom having its own full bathroom. The indoor spaces are open and airy, but as we are always there in the heat of August, we spend most of our time outdoors where there are many areas for relaxing and places for children to explore and play. The covered outdoor eating area is perfect for long, lingering dinners and there is a comfortable outdoor seating area nearby where we like to gather before dinner for a glass of Prosecco and a view of the setting sun. There is another large covered outdoor area at the “front” of the villa with cozy sofas and chairs overlooking a large green lawn which is perfect for quiet reading in the afternoon, or card games and long conversations after dinner with a view over the valley below and the stars above.

The pool and tennis court are very well used during our stay. The pool is located at a height that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. The last year that we stayed atVilla Orvieto, the owners added an outdoor tennis table which we also enjoyed. There is a hammock which is perfect for tired children (or adults) to have an afternoon nap.

In our minds, Villa Orvieto’s greatest treasure is the housekeeper, cook and solver of all problems, Mirela. The house is kept spotless and her cooking is wonderful. Our family and friends look forward to her cooking every year and while we know of many amazing restaurants in the area, we all prefer to “stay home” at night to enjoy Mirela's cooking and the comfortable outdoor spaces. Many of my family's favourite recipes were learned as I watched and chatted with Mirela in the kitchen.

Last year, we were unable to stay at Villa Orvietofor the first time in 10 years because of the pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions. We and our friends missed being there and can’t wait to be able to return and create more memories. For many of us, it is “our happy place”.

Baker, August 2019