Villa Gioianna


THE PARK Built in 1918 as the residence of the "padrone", or wealthy landowner, of the surrounding farms and vineyards, Villa Gioianna is one of the few grand houses of its type in the area. The Villa is approached via an avenue of cypresses and lime trees and sits in a mature park of 4½ acres of woods, vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees and flower gardens on a hill above Lago Trasimeno. The gardens are landscaped with carefully selected flowers and herbs in order to provide maximum fragrance as well as color and shade. The large rear terrace runs the entire length of the house, overlooking the neighboring vineyards, farms and villages and, in the distance, Mt Amiata and Mt Cetona. A lavender-edged, gravel path forks at the base of the terrace steps to, on one side, a gazebo covered in jasmine and, on the other, a putto-topped fountain. The path then curves around to the west side of the Villa and under a rose arch before terminating in a stone patio shaded by pine and oak trees and interplanted with thyme and mint. On the opposite side of the terrace, the path leads under another rose arch and around the east side to the driveway, passing rose, oleander, rosemary and lavender bushes, a rose and honeysuckle-shaded pergola, the potted herb garden and the swimming pool, before continuing on through the vineyard. The 6 x 13 meter tiled swimming pool sits in an elevated position on a small rise in the olive grove, protecting it from the sirocco winds blowing from the south, but allowing fresh afternoon breezes coming from the mountains in the north. Yet more lavender, roses and honeysuckle edge the large solarium surrounding the pool. Comfortable teak steamer chairs and tables furnish the pool deck. Villa Gioianna is a small working estate that produces its own olive oil, grapes, fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs. Guests are invited to help themselves during their stay to the ripe produce in the orchard and gardens.