Villa in Umbria
14 guests · 8 bedrooms · 9 baths
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About this villa rental
We wish you a very warm welcome to Villa Gioianna, a classic Villa located in the middle of an area rich in incredibly delicious food and wine, stunning landscapes, culture, outdoor sports, and heart-stoppingly beautiful art and architecture.
Villa Gioianna is a country estate composed of a historic villa sleeping 14, with three floors plus a magnificent cantina, surrounded by gardens, olive grove, orchard and woods. From its location above Lake Trasimeno, it commands a superb view of Tuscany, Umbria and the Lake.
Food, Glorious Food ! Prepare for sensory overload at the number of wonderful restaurants, trattorie and cafes nearby. Lonely Planet named Umbria "Foodie Destination of 2023" and we deserve the accolade!
We can recommend excellent cooks to cook for you at the Villa, each of whom loves to spoil guests with delicious, homemade meals using local, seasonal ingredients. From a traditional nonna to an enthusiastic "New Italy" cook to Michelin-star chefs, we will find the right culinary fit for you. Combine a meal with a cooking, pizza or pasta lesson from a vivacious Italian Mama. Learn to forage, hunt truffles or pick olives and taste the fresh oil right after pressing. Food festivals abound. Or, if you prefer, go completely luxe with a gourmet tasting menu with accompanying wines.
A world-class winery is minutes away, many more within half an hour.
We have been listed on vrbo since 2007 and for 25 years have been welcoming guests to the Villa, many of whom have returned (the record is 16 times!) again and again.
LIMITED SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2026:
The following are priced for single rooms, minimum 3 nights. That price is not for the entire house. There are a few rooms available at these prices in May and July. Since the vrbo platform is not set up to book single rooms, you will need a custom quote. Please provide the number of guests and rooms needed.
May 20-23: 115/night
July 3-10: 165/night
REVIEWS:
We have been listed on vrbo since 2007, but sadly not a lot lately through this site. Recent reviews elsewhere include the following. More updated reviews on the web.
Janice, Nov 2022
“This is a gorgeous villa , we loved our stay in Umbria. The local scenery is spectacular, location excellent . So much to see and do in this part of Italy. The villa itself if filled with beautiful antiques and very comfortable. I am already missing my bed at the villa, it was so comfortable. The host will give you unlimited information about the are too! I would highly recommend a stay!! The villa is rented out most of the year, so it may not be available when you want it. ”
Sue, July 2022
“Anna was a most attentive and helpful host throughout our 14 day stay. Thirteen of us from four generations of the same family - aged 2 to 75 - had a fabulous stay at Villa Gioianna - the well-maintained pool was big enough to accommodate all of us, and our noisy children loved having the run of the extensive estate, in complete safety and privacy. We had two wonderful cooks who prepared and served us our delicious suppers, and one of whom - Nonna - gave the children a memorable treat in the form of a hands-on lesson on how to make fresh ravioli. There are wonderful visits to be had locally in beautiful, unspoilt Umbria - but the best times were spent relaxing in and around this beautiful property. Thank you, Anna, for arranging everything so perfectly for us.”
Marion, Sep 2021
“We stayed at the villa for two weeks. It felt like a dream come true! The villa, the location, the grounds, the pool... We felt so relaxed and comfortable - living the dream! The location of the villa is perfect for short trips to local towns and villages or for longer trips further afield. One of favourite trips was to the winery right next door for a tasting and to stock up on wine. Anna was a joy to communicate with - full of friendly guidance and good tips. We hope to be back.”
Marie, July 2021
“We had an AMAZING family holiday in Anna's lovely house. All our dreams were realised in this stunning environment full of vineyards, olive trees and sunflowers. Mario and Andrea were very kind and helpful during our 2 weeks stay and Anna has been a great host with excellent communication. She's a very talented writer and gave us all info we needed and great tips to make the max out of our visit: Grazie mille per tutti Anna!”
OVERVIEW:
The Villa was constructed in 1918 but experts estimate its origins as much older. The 'padrone', or wealthy landowner, of the surrounding farms built it as his residence and he and his descendants lived here until the 1970s. In the early 21st century, the Villa was renovated and updated, but with respect for the original architecture, spirit and history of the house so that it retains the warmth and ambiance of an Italian family country home. Don't expect a house purpose-built, decorated or run as a rental with no heart or soul! This is a traditional, authentic Italian country villa where the elite of Rome and Florence once escaped the heat. It is full of history and memories and tastefully decorated and maintained to reflect the character of the owner and to delight our guests.
The Villa now has, among other changes, modern mechanical systems and appliances. Terracotta, travertine and hand-painted tile floors, walnut doors and traditional, wood-beamed brick ceilings form a simple background for an interior furnished with splendid antiques, sumptuous textiles, supremely comfortable beds and gorgeous lamps dressed with lampshades designed by the owner and made with vintage and antique fabrics. Each bedroom, the living room and dining room are air-conditioned.
The Villa consists of four floors: ground floor of common rooms, two floors above (each with four ensuite bedrooms), and one floor below, a large cantina/party room with quatre-foil brick ceilings, a billiard table and bar.
You arrive at the Villa via an avenue of cypresses and lime trees, passing through a mature park of 4.5 acres of woods, vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees and flower gardens. The Villa is a small working estate that produces olive oil, fruit, vegetables, wonderfully fragrant roses, flowers and herbs. We garden sustainably and recycle or compost virtually all of the waste produced by the Villa.
OLIVE OIL:
Our olive oil is our pride and joy. In mid/late October we harvest the olives by hand in the traditional method of 'stroking' the tree, then quickly press them at our local mill. Olive oil from our region - the Tuscan/Umbrian border - is highly prized for its peppery, spicy taste and carries its own special regional designation. Every year the yield is different, but if we have surplus, we are pleased to share it with our guests.
NEAREST TOWN:
The medieval town of Castiglione del Lago is the nearest market town (6 km), sitting high on an olive tree-covered promontory jutting into the west side of the lake.
For touring, Castiglione del Lago provides easy access to the superstrada linking Perugia and eastern Umbria to Siena, Chianti and western Tuscany, and is the embarkation point for ferries to the lake islands. The new town has all the conveniences and services of a thriving modern town in a beautiful architectural setting.
LOCATION:
A few kilometers away is Chiusi, whose old town is worth a visit for its Etruscan museum and good restaurants. The new town has excellent transportation links, with high-speed train connections to all destinations on the Naples-Milan high-speed train line, including Rome, Florence and Orvieto, and convenient access to the A-1 Autostrada. Within an hour's drive of the Villa are many historic Umbrian and Tuscan hill towns such as Assisi, Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, Orvieto, Pienza, Perugia, Deruta, Spello and Montalcino, as well as other less well-known, but perhaps more charming, smaller villages. Many of central Italy's other leading historical and cultural centers (Rome, Florence, Todi, Siena, Spoleto, Gubbio and Urbino) are reachable in less than two hours.
AIRPORTS:
The nearest airports are Rome, Pisa and Florence, each about a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive away. Bologna is a bit farther, approximately 3 hours. Perugia airport is the closest (approx 40 minutes).
CREATURE COMFORTS
*High quality linens
*Natural fiber bedding and comforters made from traditional Umbrian and Tuscan textiles, feather down duvets
*Sumptuous ensuite bathrooms
SUITABILITY
*Groups of friends, tour groups
*Yoga, Mindfulness, Pilates retreats
*Women only trips and adventures
*Anniversaries, Family Reunions, Birthday Celebrations
*Business events, seminars, training sessions
*Weddings
*Photo-shoots
*Film locations
INCLUDED
*Exclusive use of the Villa (four floors), grounds and pool
*All linens and towels, including pool towels
UPON REQUEST
We would be happy to recommend other conveniences and services such as:
*Home-cooked and first-class chef-cooked meals
*Cooking lessons
*Refrigerator filled prior to arrival
*Yoga lessons
*Masseuse
*Tours, drivers, airport transfers
*Wine tasting tours
*Horseback riding or biking tours
*Many, many wonderful things to see and do in our area !
GREEN CREDENTIALS
*Recycle 100% of plastic, paper products and glass/metal.
*Compost all garden, vegetable matter and food scraps.
*Severely limit the use of chemicals in the gardens.
*Garden sustainably.
The local Comune charges a small overnight tax, which we are obligated to collect on their behalf and remit to them. In addition, the Italian Government has recently imposed a 21% rental tax on all short-term accommodation, such as holiday rentals.
These are our CIR and CIN numbers, which every Italian holiday rental accommodation operating legally in Italy is required to display on all adverts and which assures you that we are licensed by the Comune and the Region to rent as a holiday home.
Comune: CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO
CIR - Codice Identificativo Regionale: 054009C201009776
CIN - Codice Identificativo Nazionale: IT054009C201009776
Villa Gioianna is a country estate composed of a historic villa sleeping 14, with three floors plus a magnificent cantina, surrounded by gardens, olive grove, orchard and woods. From its location above Lake Trasimeno, it commands a superb view of Tuscany, Umbria and the Lake.
Food, Glorious Food ! Prepare for sensory overload at the number of wonderful restaurants, trattorie and cafes nearby. Lonely Planet named Umbria "Foodie Destination of 2023" and we deserve the accolade!
We can recommend excellent cooks to cook for you at the Villa, each of whom loves to spoil guests with delicious, homemade meals using local, seasonal ingredients. From a traditional nonna to an enthusiastic "New Italy" cook to Michelin-star chefs, we will find the right culinary fit for you. Combine a meal with a cooking, pizza or pasta lesson from a vivacious Italian Mama. Learn to forage, hunt truffles or pick olives and taste the fresh oil right after pressing. Food festivals abound. Or, if you prefer, go completely luxe with a gourmet tasting menu with accompanying wines.
A world-class winery is minutes away, many more within half an hour.
We have been listed on vrbo since 2007 and for 25 years have been welcoming guests to the Villa, many of whom have returned (the record is 16 times!) again and again.
LIMITED SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2026:
The following are priced for single rooms, minimum 3 nights. That price is not for the entire house. There are a few rooms available at these prices in May and July. Since the vrbo platform is not set up to book single rooms, you will need a custom quote. Please provide the number of guests and rooms needed.
May 20-23: 115/night
July 3-10: 165/night
REVIEWS:
We have been listed on vrbo since 2007, but sadly not a lot lately through this site. Recent reviews elsewhere include the following. More updated reviews on the web.
Janice, Nov 2022
“This is a gorgeous villa , we loved our stay in Umbria. The local scenery is spectacular, location excellent . So much to see and do in this part of Italy. The villa itself if filled with beautiful antiques and very comfortable. I am already missing my bed at the villa, it was so comfortable. The host will give you unlimited information about the are too! I would highly recommend a stay!! The villa is rented out most of the year, so it may not be available when you want it. ”
Sue, July 2022
“Anna was a most attentive and helpful host throughout our 14 day stay. Thirteen of us from four generations of the same family - aged 2 to 75 - had a fabulous stay at Villa Gioianna - the well-maintained pool was big enough to accommodate all of us, and our noisy children loved having the run of the extensive estate, in complete safety and privacy. We had two wonderful cooks who prepared and served us our delicious suppers, and one of whom - Nonna - gave the children a memorable treat in the form of a hands-on lesson on how to make fresh ravioli. There are wonderful visits to be had locally in beautiful, unspoilt Umbria - but the best times were spent relaxing in and around this beautiful property. Thank you, Anna, for arranging everything so perfectly for us.”
Marion, Sep 2021
“We stayed at the villa for two weeks. It felt like a dream come true! The villa, the location, the grounds, the pool... We felt so relaxed and comfortable - living the dream! The location of the villa is perfect for short trips to local towns and villages or for longer trips further afield. One of favourite trips was to the winery right next door for a tasting and to stock up on wine. Anna was a joy to communicate with - full of friendly guidance and good tips. We hope to be back.”
Marie, July 2021
“We had an AMAZING family holiday in Anna's lovely house. All our dreams were realised in this stunning environment full of vineyards, olive trees and sunflowers. Mario and Andrea were very kind and helpful during our 2 weeks stay and Anna has been a great host with excellent communication. She's a very talented writer and gave us all info we needed and great tips to make the max out of our visit: Grazie mille per tutti Anna!”
OVERVIEW:
The Villa was constructed in 1918 but experts estimate its origins as much older. The 'padrone', or wealthy landowner, of the surrounding farms built it as his residence and he and his descendants lived here until the 1970s. In the early 21st century, the Villa was renovated and updated, but with respect for the original architecture, spirit and history of the house so that it retains the warmth and ambiance of an Italian family country home. Don't expect a house purpose-built, decorated or run as a rental with no heart or soul! This is a traditional, authentic Italian country villa where the elite of Rome and Florence once escaped the heat. It is full of history and memories and tastefully decorated and maintained to reflect the character of the owner and to delight our guests.
The Villa now has, among other changes, modern mechanical systems and appliances. Terracotta, travertine and hand-painted tile floors, walnut doors and traditional, wood-beamed brick ceilings form a simple background for an interior furnished with splendid antiques, sumptuous textiles, supremely comfortable beds and gorgeous lamps dressed with lampshades designed by the owner and made with vintage and antique fabrics. Each bedroom, the living room and dining room are air-conditioned.
The Villa consists of four floors: ground floor of common rooms, two floors above (each with four ensuite bedrooms), and one floor below, a large cantina/party room with quatre-foil brick ceilings, a billiard table and bar.
You arrive at the Villa via an avenue of cypresses and lime trees, passing through a mature park of 4.5 acres of woods, vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees and flower gardens. The Villa is a small working estate that produces olive oil, fruit, vegetables, wonderfully fragrant roses, flowers and herbs. We garden sustainably and recycle or compost virtually all of the waste produced by the Villa.
OLIVE OIL:
Our olive oil is our pride and joy. In mid/late October we harvest the olives by hand in the traditional method of 'stroking' the tree, then quickly press them at our local mill. Olive oil from our region - the Tuscan/Umbrian border - is highly prized for its peppery, spicy taste and carries its own special regional designation. Every year the yield is different, but if we have surplus, we are pleased to share it with our guests.
NEAREST TOWN:
The medieval town of Castiglione del Lago is the nearest market town (6 km), sitting high on an olive tree-covered promontory jutting into the west side of the lake.
For touring, Castiglione del Lago provides easy access to the superstrada linking Perugia and eastern Umbria to Siena, Chianti and western Tuscany, and is the embarkation point for ferries to the lake islands. The new town has all the conveniences and services of a thriving modern town in a beautiful architectural setting.
LOCATION:
A few kilometers away is Chiusi, whose old town is worth a visit for its Etruscan museum and good restaurants. The new town has excellent transportation links, with high-speed train connections to all destinations on the Naples-Milan high-speed train line, including Rome, Florence and Orvieto, and convenient access to the A-1 Autostrada. Within an hour's drive of the Villa are many historic Umbrian and Tuscan hill towns such as Assisi, Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, Orvieto, Pienza, Perugia, Deruta, Spello and Montalcino, as well as other less well-known, but perhaps more charming, smaller villages. Many of central Italy's other leading historical and cultural centers (Rome, Florence, Todi, Siena, Spoleto, Gubbio and Urbino) are reachable in less than two hours.
AIRPORTS:
The nearest airports are Rome, Pisa and Florence, each about a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive away. Bologna is a bit farther, approximately 3 hours. Perugia airport is the closest (approx 40 minutes).
CREATURE COMFORTS
*High quality linens
*Natural fiber bedding and comforters made from traditional Umbrian and Tuscan textiles, feather down duvets
*Sumptuous ensuite bathrooms
SUITABILITY
*Groups of friends, tour groups
*Yoga, Mindfulness, Pilates retreats
*Women only trips and adventures
*Anniversaries, Family Reunions, Birthday Celebrations
*Business events, seminars, training sessions
*Weddings
*Photo-shoots
*Film locations
INCLUDED
*Exclusive use of the Villa (four floors), grounds and pool
*All linens and towels, including pool towels
UPON REQUEST
We would be happy to recommend other conveniences and services such as:
*Home-cooked and first-class chef-cooked meals
*Cooking lessons
*Refrigerator filled prior to arrival
*Yoga lessons
*Masseuse
*Tours, drivers, airport transfers
*Wine tasting tours
*Horseback riding or biking tours
*Many, many wonderful things to see and do in our area !
GREEN CREDENTIALS
*Recycle 100% of plastic, paper products and glass/metal.
*Compost all garden, vegetable matter and food scraps.
*Severely limit the use of chemicals in the gardens.
*Garden sustainably.
The local Comune charges a small overnight tax, which we are obligated to collect on their behalf and remit to them. In addition, the Italian Government has recently imposed a 21% rental tax on all short-term accommodation, such as holiday rentals.
These are our CIR and CIN numbers, which every Italian holiday rental accommodation operating legally in Italy is required to display on all adverts and which assures you that we are licensed by the Comune and the Region to rent as a holiday home.
Comune: CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO
CIR - Codice Identificativo Regionale: 054009C201009776
CIN - Codice Identificativo Nazionale: IT054009C201009776
Amenities at Ridiculously Beautiful Villa. Lake View, Large Private Garden, Olives, Vineyards
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Map of Umbria
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2016
Our family group of 10: 2 generations (6 adults ~60 and 4 adults ~30) had a wonderful, special time at Villa Gioianna in late May, 2016. The villa is an older property with its quirks and charms (if you want a slick new place this is probably not for you) but for us, the historic feel of the house was part of its appeal.
The house has a very open feel inside. The dining room had delightful painted details, the hobbit door to the ½ bath is a kick, and we loved having a baby grand piano for house music. It can be a bit dark when rain storms come, but they usually pass quickly and we enjoyed the grounds so much.
Special experiences at the villa:
**Breakfast outside on the terrace gazing across the neighboring vineyards
**Sitting by the pool reading, and then ducking under one of the vine covered arbors to read in the rain.
**A music night singing around the baby grand piano
**Meals at our favorite lovely restaurant in nearby, La Cantina, with its outdoor terrace with flowers, in Casteglione del Lago.
**A dinner prepared by the neighborhood nonna; after the first, we arranged a second night as well.
**The special dinner in the vineyards Anna told us about and took us to.
**For some, a visit to hot springs that, again, Anna told us about.
**Wine tasting and horseback riding that, again, Anna told us about.
**A visit to Orvieto with its stunning Cathedral frescos.
**Hiking from the door of the villa into the lovely countryside.
Planning notes:
**Ask Anna for directions before coming, especially if you will be arriving after dark.
**The four bedrooms on the lower floor have big, high windows with views; the four bedrooms on the top floor have low, sloping ceilings with small low windows. Our older generation used the large rooms and the younger generation stayed upstairs in the low ceiling rooms. All the rooms have charming details.
Anna was repeatedly a great help to us and clearly enjoys introducing visitors to the delights of Umbria, especially experiences only the locals know of. She has a very special house in Villa Gioianna.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2016
I've stayed at the villa before and knew what to expect. Stylish, traditional and well equipped Villa Goianna never let's us down. We had a fabulous relaxing holiday in the beautiful Umbrian countryside and can't wait for our next visit. Caio Anna!
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Apr 2016
We visited Villa Gioianna for the olive harvest but found so much more. The home and grounds were amazing -- nightly fireside dinners in the kitchen (each exquisitely prepared by local chefs, and, of course, copious Italian reds), beautifully decorated rooms, entrancing panoramic views as we stripped the precious harvest from the olive trees. The food, the ambiance, the countryside, all an experience of a lifetime.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Mar 2016
I have stayed here before and love it more each time I come back. The house, gardens and pool area are beautiful. Each room has been lovingly restored with antiques and each bedroom has a stunning enough suite bathroom. Anna arranges for a local lady to come in and cook local specialties for us and can make reservations at wonderful local restaurant. The house is secluded and quiet for a really restful break if that's what you want but very close to castglione del Lago for shopping and markets. Corona, nontrivial and sienna are a short drive. I prefer to take a train from the local station to Florence which is a bit too touristy for me. Really excited to go back later in the year with friends.
$$$$
Top rated by guests
9.5Outstanding
(15 Ratings)
"Our family group of 10: 2 generations (6 adults ~60 and 4 adults ~30) had a wonderful, special time at Villa Gioianna in late May, 2016. The villa is an older property with its quirks and charms (if..."
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