This is Tuscany’s ‘Golden Triangle’ — an area with an unbelievable wealth of artistic and historical treasures. Motorway and rail links are excellent, so you can easily make trips to Arezzo, Perugia, Siena, Assisi, Florence and the other attractions of central Italy. 

The villa sits in a sprawling, well-kept park of 12 acres, with enormous old trees and long-established flora providing a perfect backdrop. Peaceful and private, the gardens offer an encouragement to wander gently, enjoying the panoramic views of Cortona and the surrounding countryside. Other diversions include the swimming pool and a two-hole golf course.

Relais Villa Baldelli is named after the the powerful local family who originally owned it. Neglected for decades, it was purchased by the current owners a few years ago and has been painstakingly restored and converted into a four star hotel.

The external appearance of the villa has changed little since it was build in the 1600’s — this is a striking structure with distinctive, irregularly placed windows, brick arches and doorways in worked pietra serena — the hard, grey stone that was a mainstay of Renaissance artists.

The inside is similarly unchanged. Characteristics of a bygone age include the lime-plastered walls, brick ceilings supported by huge beams of seasoned chestnut, traditional doorways and fittings, and — of course — terracotta floors.

The warm colours of cotta, wood and brick have been cleverly complemented with the colours, patterns and decorations of the Renaissance. The result of this care is a delightful, intimate hotel with echoes of the middle ages, perfect for a peaceful, relaxed stay.

Public rooms at Relais Villa Baldelli include a well-stocked bar, a tasting room with a range of fine wines and spirits, and a comfortable lounge with period furnishings and large, original fireplaces. The elegant dining room offers delicious, creative breakfasts based on rediscovered, traditional recipes; in fine weather, breakfast can be taken on the terrace in the shade of centuries-old trees.

There are fifteen bedrooms, split between the villa and a dower house. Each is distinctive in size, shape and decoration, but a common theme links them: they are all elegantly furnished with antique pieces and carefully selected fabrics which emphasise the grandeur of the surroundings. Each room has satellite TV, and a subtly placed safe and minibar. The large bathrooms come with a hairdryer and have either a bath or a shower with hydromassage.

How to get there

The Relais Villa Baldelli can be reached easily from the major Italian cities and airports: the two local stations, Camucia and Terontola, are on the main Milan - Florence – Rome railway line. By car, you take the A1 motorway, exiting at Valdichiana in the direction of Perugia. After just a few kilometers, follow the signs to Cortona. By train: the closest station is the one in Camucia, but some express trains and Intercity trains stop at Terontola (approx. 10 kilometers from Cortona) while others stop in Arezzo (30 kilometers from Cortona and 25 kilometers from Relais Villa Baldelli).