Italian Property Offers a Taste of the Tuscan Highlife

September 03, 2008, Press Dispensary. One of Italy’s largest independently operated real estate and restoration agencies has procured a number of prestigious properties in and around the classic Tuscan hill town of Cortona. Italian Property ( http://www.italianproperty.eu.com ) has a range of high-end houses ready to show prospective buyers, from fabulously renovated farmhouses amidst cypress and olive groves to rare finds such as a romantic Tuscan tower.

Cortona, an Etruscan walled city known as the ‘grandmother of Rome’, is steeped in history. Its museums play home to artistic treasures by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli; ecclesiastical masterpieces, including a Romanesque church and the 11th century Duoma, grace the city; and its hilltop is crowned by a Medici fortress. But even a ramble around Cortona’s steep cobbled streets is a treat for the culturati - its medieval passages and classic piazzas are rich in examples of Renaissance architecture.

And it’s not just art and architecture lovers who will fall for Cortona’s charms. Every August, the city hosts the Tuscan Sun Festival, offering visitors the chance to catch some of the biggest names in classical music in the intimate Teatro Signorelli and other stunning settings. In addition to its music programme, cookery, wine tasting and exhibitions complete the festival line-up.

Property in Cortona is at a premium but Italian Property is able to offer prime real estate, thanks to its 20 years of market experience and intimate knowledge of the area – the agency is based in the city. Its Cortona portfolio includes an impeccably resorted 18th century farmhouse, complete with pizza oven, terrace and heated pool, a hillside villa built in the traditional Tuscan style, a four floor tower with panoramic views of Cortona and the Pergo valley, and a traditional house, equipped with all modern comforts, set in a mature garden of cypress trees.

Jason Jones, managing director, says: “Cortona is the star of the acclaimed book and Hollywood blockbuster ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, since when the area has become even more popular. Coupled with its close proximity to Florence and Rome - the cultural heart of the country – you can see why property is in such high demand with both native Italians and overseas investors.

Cortona’s central Italian location, in Tuscany’s eastern hills, sees it well served with transport links: the airport in Perugia is just 30 minutes away by car, with Pisa, Florence and Rome no more than 2 hours away, it is close to the Siena/Perugia motorway and the A1 autostrada, and on the main train line between Naples and Milan.

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Notes for editors
About Italian Property
Italian Property was established in 1985 by British businessman Anthony Dunkley. Based in Cortona, Tuscany, it provides a bespoke sales and renovation service in Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche, with a network of affiliate agencies covering many of the country’s other popular regions.
About Cortona properties
Villetta Pergo sits in a perfect hillside position, ten minutes from Cortona, overlooking one of the most prized Tuscan valleys. Nestled amidst terraced olive trees, this new build was constructed in time-honoured Tuscan style, using traditional materials including terracotta floor tiles, exposed beams, stone surrounds and an old stone fireplace. With four bedrooms over 270 square metres, an outside terrace and large pool, this villa is designed for easy living and entertaining. It is on the market at €1.4m. More details can be found at http://www.italianproperty.eu.com/property/1167/

Fondo Caprile is an 18th century stone farmhouse affording stunning views of Cortona, with two hectares of woodland and gardens. It has been restored to its former splendour, conserving old materials where possible, while ensuring that all modern day comforts are included. Spread over 400 square metres, with four bedrooms in the main house and two more in an outbuilding, all with en-suite bathrooms, the property is idea for a large family or for entertaining guests. There is also a cellar for wine and olive oil storage, a pizza oven, outdoor kitchen, dining terrace and heated swimming pool. It is on the market at €3.5m. More details can be found at http://www.italianproperty.eu.com/property/2019/

Torre di Lombardi is a traditional tower situated in an exclusive hamlet outside Cortona. Carefully rebuilt using original materials including terracotta floor tiles, worked iron for the star rails and local grey stone for the finishings, it truly one of a kind. Four floors high, over 160 square metres, it offers outstanding panoramic views. Residents have the use of a private swimming pool, and the whole hamlet is under the control of the Ministry for Culture and Environment, which no longer grants building concessions for anything other than simple restructuring works. It is on the market at €495,000. More details can be found at http://www.italianproperty.eu.com/property/1907/

Cypress Garden is within an exclusive estate, ‘I Lombardi’, once owned by Cardinal Passerini, patron of Vasari and tutor of the Medici family. Taking its name from its private position in a mature garden with cypress trees, it is a traditional house with two bedrooms, retaining exposed beam work, oak stairs and original ceiling tiles, but with modern amenities including an ISDN line for internet and satellite TV. The owners have made the garden a feature of their home with various sitting areas that enjoy the view and offer shade or sun as the day progresses, and the property includes the use of a communal swimming pool. It is on the market at €495,000. More details can be found at http://www.italianproperty.eu.com/property/1966/

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