Villa Il Bacchino Property Description
Nestled into the side of the mountain just outside of and below the walls of Cortona, Villa Il Bacchino, (“Little Bacchus”) is a secluded paradise. Officially named after a small, whimsical statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of the vine, riding a wine barrel that was found during an excavation of the property and is currently displayed in the gardens, the property is locally known as Il Bobolino, (“Little Boboli”), a reference comparing the elaborate gardens on the property to the larger and more famous Boboli Gardens surrounding the Pitti Palace in Florence.
The approach to the property begins where the paved road ends. A semiprivate, gravel drive will bring you to the property in approximately 3 minutes by car. Although the gate entering the property is only an 11 minute, scenic walk from its counterpart Roman gate entering the town, the property’s isolated and wooded location renders the town, as well as any neighbors, unseen from the Villa and vice versa. The views during your approach of the valley below and through the woods are lovely.
Built in 1790, the Villa sits on approximately 4 acres of terraced and elaborately landscaped grounds, traversed by scenic walking trails which reveal seating areas unique to each level from which guests can enjoy tranquil overlooks of the valley below. The property is completely surrounded by original stacked-stone walls with numerous wrought iron gates, which provide beauty as well as security. The swimming pool on level 4, is flanked by a beautiful fountain at one end and an al fresco, vine covered, dining pergola with another gorgeous view of the valley below, at the other end. The pool and 2 fountains are tranquil works of art. The estate is home to olive trees, fruit trees and a burst of color at every turn from the myriad of blooming trees and flowers adorning the property in the spring, summer and even fall. The grounds are equally beautiful during the day or when dramatically lit at night.
The Villa itself features 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, all windows swinging open to views of either the gardens or the valley. The first floor consists of a foyer/sitting room with a fireplace, a small office, a beautiful dining room with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and a living room looking out onto the garden. There is gated, on-site parking for up to 4 vehicles. The home has just undergone a tasteful update, including remodeling of the bathrooms, adding air conditioning to all bedrooms, new stucco on the entire exterior, interior painting and “new” antique furniture throughout. The current owners like to cook, so guests will find that the kitchen is unusually well equipped, including modern appliances and cutlery that actually cuts. Somewhat unusual for Europe, the home also features a small bar complete with an icemaker. Although the Villa has 5 bedrooms, the seating inside and around the pool and grounds is all set up for 8 guests, which is what the owners recommend as a maximum for the property, to ensure a spacious and uncrowded feel in keeping with the property’s ambiance.
There is even a beautiful chapel on the grounds, which remains unlocked and available for use if a guest is so motivated.
The home’s property manager, Rita Mezzetti, who has been with the home for 27 years and speaks Italian and English, is available nearby to assist with any needs you may have during your stay.
The historic and beloved "Villa del Bacchinc" in Cortona, which belonged to the family of Corrado Favolini, changes hands. From today a beautiful American family from Virginia will enjoy it who was fascinated by it and decided to make it their Tuscan retreat. A sale, moreover worth 6 figures, which also brings with it a curiosity within the curiosity. Because the intermediaries of then and those of today are father and son, Paolo and Giovanni Alunno, with a tradition in the real estate market that has been handed down through generations who took care of the sale together with Lorenzo Lucani's real estate agency. Closing the circle today is Giovanni Alunno himself who tells the story that links him to this property. "In my career as a real estate agent I must say that there are some sales that have, compared to others, a truly special meaning: this is absolutely one of those", confirms Giovanni Alunnc. Over 30 years ago, his father Paolo was responsible for the transfer of ownership from the Pavolini family to an English buyer and thanks to this opportunity he had become a very dear friend of the family of the well-known writer Corrado Pavolini. "Our families had become so close that Mrs. Pavolini, on the occasion of my birth, gave me a wool blanket that I still jealously guard", says Giovanni who took care of the sale together with his colleague Lorenzo Lucani, owner of Toscana, Real estate services, exclusive agent for sellers. "It was a great team effort both Lucani and Alunno confirm — and its not every day you can sell a piece of Cortonas history so rich in anecdotes. The customers fell in love with it at first sight. "
A villa located in one of the most beautiful areas of Cortona, called Bobolino, a few steps from the church of Santa Maria Nuova, which the then Corrado Pavclini had fallen in love with. Corrado Pavolini had a strong bond with Cortona where he fled to find refuge with his wife Marcella Hannau of Jewish origin from the racial persecutions of the Second World War carried out among others by his brother Alessandro, one of the most ruthless and powerful fascist hierarchs who was also Minister of culture during the twenty years. Once the war was over and with his heart now marked by the beauty of Cortona and the extraordinary experiences he had lived there, Corrado Pavolini began to frequent it assiduously so much so that in 1961 he moved there permanently, choosing the villa in Bobolino which he and his wife renamed " Villa del Sacchino" for a small statue of Bacchus found in the garden.