Villa Il Gufo
Key Highlights
Sustainable Collection
This property has been handpicked for its low environmental impact.
- The sense of history and character around you is incredible
- Admire gorgeous sunsets from the wonderful terrace
- Spend winter months drinking red wine by the antique fireplace and Steinway piano
- All bedrooms have air-conditioning, TVs, mini-bars and lovely views
- You are surrounded by beautiful private parkland with a huge variety of flowers - forage in the woodland amongst century-old trees looking for mushrooms, truffles, blackberries and more
- You are also close to the medieval town of Anghiari, famous around the world for its art and culture
- A full service can be offered by the dedicated owner who can organise everything you need and help you to unlock the many joys the local area has to offer
1) 4 double bedrooms (8 guests). The main villa is at guests' disposal. The other bedrooms will be closed.
2) 7 double bedrooms (14 guests). The number of bedrooms at guests’ disposal will depend on the group composition, though some bedrooms might be closed.
3) 7 double bedrooms + sofa beds (20 guests). All rooms and sofa-beds at guests’ disposal.
The Villa (access to the villa is from 3 different entrances: one from the kitchen, one from the leaving room and an entrance that leads directly to the bedrooms).
Ground Floor
- Large living room with huge antique fireplace, Steinway piano, 3 sofas, 5 square tables and chairs
- Small sitting area with armchairs
- Fully-equipped kitchen with 6 burners, a large oven, 2 large fridges, two sinks, a dishwasher (that completes a full load in 60 seconds!), washing machine, coffee machine, kettle, microwave, dryer, toaster, deep fryer and a kitchen table next to a working fireplace
First Floor
- Living room with original working fireplace
- Large terrace with stunning views
- Suite with a double bed, ensuite bathroom and a corner bath tub
- Suite with a double bed, ensuite shower room and access to the terrace
- Suite with a sitting area with a double sofa bed (suitable for two guests), ensuite bathroom and French doors leading to the terrace. This room can also sleep 4 (2 children on the sofa bed)
Second Floor (said to be an old watchtower)
- Mezzanine library
- Suite with a double bed and a living room with fireplace and double sofa bed (the two rooms are separated by a door but share the same en-suite bathroom)
The Cottage
- Master bedroom with two bathrooms (a disabled toilet and a bathroom with hydro-massage shower)
- Compact kitchen
- Garden with table and chairs, suitable for 2 or 3 people
Former Chapel
Ground Floor
- Suite with a double bed and en-suite shower room
First Floor
- Suite with a master bedroom and en-suite bathroom with shower
- Kitchenette with refrigerator
Outside Grounds (1 hectare)
- Swimming Pool (12m x 6m, depth: 1.5m), open approximately beginning-June to mid-September
- Large outdoor terrace furnished with sun loungers, tables, chairs and parasols
- Extensive lush gardens
- Ancient well
- Games area with table tennis, hammocks, rackets and balls
- Pergola with a table and chairs near the kitchen and another by the pool
- 5 acres of woodland
- Laundry room with a washing machine and tumble dryer
- Parking
Facilities
- Heating (available for use from 1st November, unless requested in advance)
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms)
- TVs (in each bedroom)
- DVDs
- Stereo with CD player
- Mini-bar (in each bedroom)
- Board games
- Iron and ironing board
- Mosquito screens
Extra Sustainability Gems About the Property
The owners have installed solar panels to provide hot water, the park is home to centuries-old plants and the property benefits from no air pollution meaning the starry skies, sunrises and sunsets are truly amazing.
Nestled within the small medieval village of Anghiari, Villa il Gufo is comprised of several Tuscan farmhouses, restored with love and passion to create a magical estate of distinctive earthy colour tones and subtle aromas of jasmine and rose.
The property consists of three units dating back to 1000, that include a monastery that housed Camaldolesi monks for over a thousand years, a main house spread over three stories with private terracotta terraces, and a charming stone cottage about 30m away from the main building. All of these fascinating buildings have long and varied histories, and have been restored with respect to their heritage, keeping many of the original features such as the floor tiles, stone steps and thick wooden trusses.
Surrounding the buildings are carefully maintained landscaped gardens boasting a wide array of colourful blossoms, and a further five acres of woodland home to one of the oldest cypresses in the valley and many resident squirrels, hares, deer, pheasants, and owls. This strong connection to nature is one of the standout attractions of the property, where guests can relax in the sun by the large outdoor swimming pool, hide away in a small wooden snug secluded among the olive trees, enjoy the children’s playground with hammocks and games, or dine al-fresco on a veranda surrounded by roses.
It's a foragers paradise too with mushrooms, truffles, blackberries and all sorts of spices - the owners would be delighted to accompany you into the fruitful woodland.
Indeed, the family behind the renovation of this wonderful property is extremely passionate about the experience that each guest enjoys and encourage you to specify any needs you may have before you arrive in order for them to ensure they can provide you with the perfect tailor-made service. To ensure that the culinary heritage is fully appreciated, the owners who live in a cottage opposite the villa, are on hand to help organise meals, wine and oil tastings in many oil mills and wineries in the area. They can even arrange all of this within the estate so you never have to leave the comfort of Villa il Gufo! For ceremonies, the villa can host civil ones as the municipality is only a kilometre away. The villa is also well suited as the living room can comfortably sit 24 people and room for a 40 person standing buffet.
- An exceptionally friendly owner lives in the cottage directly opposite and is always at hand, both for carrying out usual property maintenance tasks as well as for providing optional catering and range of local services.
- During winter the old buildings can get a little chilly, so make sure you request the heating be turned on (charges apply). The antique fireplace also creates a warm ambience in cooler months.
- The pool is accessed via a staircase with wooden steps.
- The cottage benefits from having a disabled toilet for guests with reduced mobility.
- The first floor of the main villa can also be accessed via an external staircase from the garden.
- Villa can be rented with the following capacities: 8 guests: 4 double bedrooms. The main villa is at guests' disposal. The other bedrooms will be closed. 9-14 guests: 7 double bedrooms. The number of bedrooms at guests’ disposal depends upon the group composition, though some bedrooms might be closed. 20 guests: 7 double bedrooms + sofa beds. All rooms and sofa-beds are at guests’ disposal.
Oliver's Extras
- Maid Service Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Cooking Classes Available
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Transfers Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Property host
- Shopping Service Available
- Air Balloon Rides Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help.We can help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available on request at the property (payable locally):
- Welcome basket (on request) with jam, butter, biscuits, cookies, pastries, juices, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, cleaning products. It's free of charge, but still on request, for bookings of 2 or more weeks
- Extra cleaning (no kitchen)
- Extra cleaning of the kitchen
- Towel and linen change
- Shopping service
- Cooking demonstration and classes
- Tasting of local products
- Hairdresser
- Airport transfers
- Car rental
- Mountain bike rental
- Local guide/Guided walks
- Horse riding
- Tennis
- Golf
- Air balloon rides
- Italian classes
- Wine tasting
- Foraging: mushroom, olive, strawberry, blackberry amongst others (according to the season)
Optional Meals
You can enjoy delicious breakfasts, snacks, lunches and gourmet dinners lovingly prepared by the owner Laura and her team, or even picnics in the woods (always fondly remembered by previous guests).
Meal prices vary depending on the season and ingredients required.
Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted.
Please note that all services are subject to availability and must be requested in advance and that due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. Prices are on request. We will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Weddings & Events Information
Ask a questionThis gorgeous secluded estate nestles in the Tuscan hills near Anghiari, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy.
It’s such a romantic venue for a wedding and can accommodate a lengthy guest list in its beautiful landscaped gardens filled with colourful, fragrant blooms. There are olive trees, acres of woodland, a large swimming pool and a rose covered veranda for your guests to enjoy during their stay here.
The owners, who have a reputation for superb Tuscan cooking, can cater for smaller groups inside the villa and with so many wineries in the area you will be spoilt for choice.
Indoor Capacity - 36
Outdoor Capacity - up to 200
Wedding Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony is possible in any of the reception locations listed above.
A civil ceremony could take place at the local town hall only 1 km from the site.
There is a chapel for up to 60 people 600m from the villa which could be used or there are larger churches 2km from the villa.
The owners can provide details of an English-speaking celebrant.
Wedding Reception
Up to 200 guests can be hosted for a reception in the villa gardens. Alternatively, there are many other areas throughout the grounds for varying group sizes. By the pool, up to 30 people could be seated or an unlimited number could have a standing buffet.
Up to 36 could be seated inside the villa, 28 under the outdoor wood-covered pergola or up to 20 seated on the terrace.
Dancing could continue in any of the same locations with music outside until 11:30pm and inside until 1:30am. Events should finish by midnight, but an extension can be permitted on request, for an additional fee.
Additional Fees for Events
Pricing is created on request, please enquire for details.
Wedding Planning
The venue can do all the planning in-house or can put the client in touch with a wedding planner.
Catering
Venue provides some event catering – groups of around 30 people are catered for in-house. Larger groups will be provided with external caterers. There is an extra fee for external caterers using the villa’s kitchen.
Wedding Packages
Day before and after events are permitted at an extra cost, please enquire for details.
Where To Stay
Up to 20 people can sleep at the property.
All remaining guests would be able to find accommodation 500m to 1km away from the villa.
The owners are able to supply details of local transport firms and, at extra cost, could provide help with booking additional guest accommodation.
Venue Accessibility
There are limited public transportation options available. There is complimentary parking on-site. There is limited access for wheelchair users.
Venue Back-Up
An external structure such as a marquee etc would have to be put up in case of rain.
Wedding Suppliers
The venue can supply lists of recommended suppliers for all aspects of the day. External suppliers can only be used on request.
Flexibility on Duration
There is a minimum stay of 7 nights in high season and a 5 night minimum stay for all other times.
Children
Children are welcome (no event childcare services are available).
Noise Restrictions
Noise should be minimised after a certain hour to respect neighbours - this is to be discussed at the time of booking.
Other Information
There are no restrictions on decoration and themes - bring your creative ideas!
There is limited security measures in place (as always, guests are responsible for their belongings).
Venue’s usual event timings are:
Lunch 12pm-2.30pm.
Dinner 6.30pm – 11.30pm.
Event to finish by midnight (extra hours available on request/for a fee).
Outdoor events run from May until mid-September.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
