Villa Merlano

Villa Merlano lies in the hills around Viterbo, an old town of etruscan origins and with a great history behind it, carrying in its numerous monuments, its renaissance palaces, medieval districts, monastries and churches from several different epochs, towers and elegant fountains, traces of the splendour of the period when it was selected to be the headquarters of the papacy. It lies at the heart of Tuscia, an area embracing the north of Lazio, part of Tuscany and Umbria, where the etruscan civilisation was widespread and where you can still see the traces in the many archaeological sites, which together with the ancient villages, castles and the splendid countryside, open up an area which takes you by surprise with its wonderful atmosphere and its beauty. Once you have gone through the gate which gives you access to the property, you enter the large grounds, where you will find an perfect oasis, a world of its own governed by history, cordial manners and attention to detail in a magical atmosphere. Large grounds surround the villa which has been in the owners' family since 1700 and is of considerable historical importance: the great-grandfather of the current owner was a famous engineer and a keen archaeologist, and he carried out around here some of the most important digs and brought to light in the grounds the remains of a roman theatre, so well-preserved that in the summer they present plays here. The grounds, where there is also a small private chapel, are very well looked-after, with ancient trees, box hedges and imbued with the scents of flowers and aromatic plants. The rest of the estate is covered in olive trees, producing quality extra-virgin olive oil without the use of pesticides. In the grounds and in the garden wooden benches invite you to relax in the shade, and around the villa there are pergolas and tables for taking an aperitif and for dining outside by candlelight, prepared with elegant care by the domestic staff, along with the swimming-pool with a splendid view over the olive groves and the town of Viterbo. Inside, you find the elegance and warmth of an old home from times gone by and an atmosphere enriched by family treasures: antique pictures and books, statues, painted ceilings, decorated fireplaces, refined materials. The rooms are large and light, the bathrooms are elegant, and the most modern comforts blend effortlessly with the rest of the furniture (flat screen TVs, even in the bedrooms). Next to the villas, the old farmhouse has recently been transformed into a refined guest house, which can host in its rooms another 8 guests. It reflects its farming origins in its sober and elegant lines, and has soft, restful colours, linen bedcovers and embroidered handtowels. The owners live in a part of the farmhouse, and are always ready to try to satisfy the demands of their guests, who while staying at Villa Pianicara should only be thinking about their. Next to the villas, the old farmhouse has recently been transformed into a refined guest house, which can host in its rooms another 8 guests. It reflects its farming origins in its sober and elegant lines, and has soft, restful colours, linen bedcovers and embroidered handtowels. The owners live in a part of the farmhouse, and are always ready to try to satisfy the demands of their guests, who while staying at Villa Pianicara should only be thinking about their relaxation and comfort: in fact the domestic staff look after the cleaning and the food shopping and the cook looks after the preparation of the breakfast and dinner, the waiters see to the waiting at table (the hours and costs are defined in the price-list). The lady owner, who is also an expert cook, will on request personally supervise cooking courses, taking her inspiration from the local Lazio cooking traditions and from Sicily, where she comes from, preparing traditional mediterranean dishes that are simple but extremely tasty, using the products of the estate, and above all overseeing the presentation, of which she is real expert.

Pool opening dates (Private pool) 10 May 2014 - 04 Oct 2014

Swimming PoolPrivate pool (14 x 7 m)high-speed internet lineYesBarbecueYeswashing machineYesLaundry serviceYesdishwasherYesTVYesSatellite TVYesStereo with CD playerYes

19 guests: All of the Villa plus in the Guesthouse for 4 people

11 guests: All of the villa.

10 bedrooms/7 bathrooms 750 m2/8250 sq ft