Villa Ai Colli Berici

Grandeur, beauty and history are abundant in this comfortable and characterful villa which sits on a tranquil hillside overlooking the idyllic “Valley of Silence” on the edge of the historic city of Vicenza, easily accessible to Verona, Padua and Venice. Once lived in by a famous Italian author, it is now owned by his descendants and has hosted many distinguished guests over the years.

Villa Ai Colli Berici is just ideal for a group of friends or family who would like to explore this glorious part of Italy but would also relish spending days by the pool in a beautiful setting. The ancient trees in the lovely garden have shaded generations while roses, lilies and osmanthus bring sensory delight to contemporary visitors. The pool area, offering a fine view of nearby Villa Valmarana, has lounge chairs, a changing room and fridge for that post swim, pre-croquet refreshment.

A large sitting room opens onto the terrace for al fresco breakfasts and there’s a log fire for chillier days indoors. The pretty bow window annexe in the dining room has views of the garden, the perfect spot for a quiet read. Four of the comfortable furnished bedrooms are en suite while two have an adjacent shower room and bathroom - the master bedroom enjoys sitting and dressing areas and direct access to the garden and pool, tempting for an early morning swim.

Vicenza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a beautiful town, mainly due to the fine architecture of sixteenth century architect Andrea Palladio. “La Rotonda” and Teatro Olimpico are two of his finest pieces but there is so much else to see and explore here. The splendours of Venice, only 45 minutes away by train, are sure to tempt you but there are other historic places to visit nearer home.

Padua is a picturesque Renaissance city of squares and bridges with magnificent Giotto frescoes in Scrovegni Chapel. Verona is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world - look out for Juliet’s balcony and the atmospheric Roman amphitheatre hosting concerts and opera productions.

Visit the canals of Treviso or sample some cheese in the hillside village of Asiago. Travel further afield to reach the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda or the seaside town of Chioggia.

Features:

Villa Interiors

Ground Floor (split-level)

-    Living room with doors leading to terrace
-    Dining room with TV area
-    Master bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning, living area, dressing room and en suite bathroom with bath and shower. Doors lead to garden and pool
-    Bedroom with double bed (small queen-size) and en suite bathroom with shower.
-    Guest WC

Lower Ground Floor

-    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, range with electric oven, gas hobs, fridge-freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, blender, food lift (to dining room) and fireplace
-    Staff accommodation
-    Laundry room (staff use only)

First Floor

-    Bedroom with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
-    Bedroom with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
-    Bedroom with double/twin bed
-    Bedroom with double/twin bed
-    Study with sofa-bed (can be converted into single bedroom on request)
-    Bathroom with bath
-    Small bathroom with shower

Please request if you would prefer double or twin beds.

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (5x8m, depth: 2.2m). Open approximately mid-May to end-September
-    Changing rooms with fridge
-    Shower
-    Sun-loungers
-    Terrace with log-burning fire (for winter)
-    Barbecue
-    Garden
-    Badminton and croquet
-    Enclosed and gated grounds
-    Parking

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning (in communal areas and master bedroom only)
-    Ceiling fans (other bedrooms)
-    Heating
-    Satellite TV (Sky and international channels)
-    DVD player
-    Hairdryer (in each bathroom)
-    Alarm system
-    Iron and ironing board

Location:

Villa Ai Colli Berici can be found on a hillside on the edge of Vicenza, in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy with great views across the “Valley of Silence”.

In a beautiful setting, you are within striking distance to all that Vicenza has to offer – the heart of the town is around 2.5km away, a leisurely stroll in around half an hour. Even closer are local restaurants and a good supermarket. Stop off for a coffee or lunch in the pretty café-bar in the nearby 17th century villa which is open to the public, just a very short walk away, famous for its Tiepolo frescoes.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Vicenza was a prosperous town under Venetian rule and much of its fine architecture survives, mainly due to sixteenth century architect Andrea Palladio whose villas give the town its distinctive character. Palladio’s greatest masterpieces are “La Rotonda” and Teatro Olimpico whilst Palazzo Chiericati houses the museum and art gallery. The town is also famous for its jewellery production whilst wine-lovers will be able to arrange tastings in the villa or visit vineyards in the surrounding area and Prosecco DOC wineries.

Of course, the wonderful city of Venice (70km) is around a 45-minute train ride away so take a boat trip on the Grand Canal, sip a coffee in St Mark’s Square or just follow the trail of  tiny squares and canals until you are away from the tourists. The romantic town of Verona (54km), also easily accessed by train, is associated with Romeo and Juliet and you can still visit that famous square and balcony.

Nearby Padua (37km) is a picturesque Renaissance city of squares and bridges, home to an ancient university and has a lively studenty feel. Book tickets beforehand for the popular Scrovegni Chapel and view the amazing Giotto frescoes or marvel at the world famous Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padova. Browse in the markets around Palazzo della Ragione or picnic in the gardens near Corso del Popolo.

Bassano del Grappa (34km) is another great day trip, a pretty town known for its wooden 13th century Ponte Vecchio Bridge designed by Palladio. It’s situated where the flat Veneto plains reach the hills leading to the Alps. Call into the elegant medieval city of Marostica (29km) on the way back from Bassano to see the 14th century Piazzo Castello with its markets, bars restaurants and shops - a lovely spot to while away an hour or two. In the middle of the square is a huge chess board where people are the chess pieces!

The village of Asiago (64km) stands on its namesake plateau and is a popular holiday destination during winter and summer. It’s famous for its cheese, honey and jam and is a great place for outdoor activities - the old train road for walkers or cyclists connects it to the other nearby villages and there is skiing and snowboarding during the winter.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
€700 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time?
4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m.

Departure time?
By 10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes, including air-conditioning.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

End of stay cleaning included?
No, extra €295, payable locally. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately mid-May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.

Tax?
Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).

Minimum stay?
3 nights.

Changeover day?
Flexible.

Pets welcome?
Not allowed.

Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.

Other Ts and Cs?
Breakfast preparation (laying out of the table, no cooking) is included but there is an extra cost for the food/drink, payable locally.

Insurance?
Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay.

Internet access?
Wi-Fi internet access included.
Smoking - not allowed