It's hard to envision this oasis of sheer tranquility is less than 15 minutes from the bustling heart of ancient Orvieto. Gazing across gently rolling wooded hills, Villa Mirabella is lavishly private. From one end of the property, Montepulciano in nearby Tuscany is seen rising up in the distance.

Villa Mirabella's splendidly tended grounds appeal to those of any age. A gazebo by the pool and a covered portico with built-in barbecue at the entrance are equipped for outdoor dining under the stars. A bocce court invites everyone to play a simple game loved by all yet mastered by few. Past guests tell us their children are fascinated by the ministrations of the caretaker as he tends to the colorful family peacock and gathers fresh eggs from the henhouse, 30 yards away. Behind this fenced area, the owners keep a small apiary to make their own honey. Two cats lazily patrol the estate and provide all the security required in this corner of paradise.

A recent renovation accomplished the owner's dream as the original stone walls, brick archways and terracotta floors come to life against a backdrop of soft pastels and comfortable furnishings. Overall, the feeling is one of harmony, light and space especially in the generous sized main dining room designed to include a country style kitchen at one end. A second comtemporary style kitchen, new baths and screened windows add functionality to the country decor. A mid week cleaning with a towel change and a laptop with WiFi are included in the price. Meals, a cooking class and additional cleaning may be arranged when booking.

Villa Mirabella may be rented to smaller groups with 8 guests at a reduced price. In this case, 4 double bedrooms and 4 bathrooms are available.

From the property, a wide gravel lane winds through three wooded miles before merging with the main road to Orvieto. The entire route from house to town takes under 15 minutes by car. Orvieto, built on a high volcanic outcrop is stunning to look at from afar and even more thrilling to explore from within. Orvieto's Etruscan roots go back thousands of years and run deep through an amazing cave system carved beneath the city.

Orvieto's main square showcases one of Italy's best loved cathedrals. Il Duomo is revered for both its art and the impressive architecture. Unlike most hill towns, an elevator leads from the parking area up into the mostly level town. A walking path outside the medieval walls circles the town making it a joy for walkers and joggers. Restaurants featuring Orvieto's signature white wine, Orvieto Classico abound. Intriguing shops of all kinds fill the streets, including one belonging to the owners of the villa, who for three generations have run an organic butcher shop featuring homemade Umbrian sausage. Stop in, say hello and stock up for some seriously good grilling back at home.

While there is much to see and do in this part of Italy, many of our clients fall in love with Orvieto and hardly ever venture out beyond the medieval walls. Orvieto's train station has frequent service reaching downtown Rome in 70 minutes. Within easy drives from Villa Mirabella are: Lake Bolsena reached in 30 minutes; Città della Pieve or Todi: 45; Perugia or Pienza: 60; Montepulciano or Cortona: 70; Siena, Spoleto, Assisi or Rome 90.

Technical Description
For 8 Guests:
Ground floor: Entrance from furnished portico with built-in barbecue into living room with fireplace, TV and CD player. Kitchen with five burner stove top, oven, fridge and dishwasher. Small dining room. Large main dining room with a country kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge, dishwasher and door to outside. Two bathrooms with shower, one with a washing machine.

First floor: Two bedrooms with a queen size bed, one with en suite bathroom with shower and one with adjacent bathroom with shower. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds and en suite bathroom with shower. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds. One bathroom with shower.

For 9 to 14 Guests, a split level between the two floors is opened with these additional rooms:
Mezzanine: One bedroom with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with shower. One bedroom with a queen size bed. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds. One bathroom with shower.