Convento di Novole

A promise of the true Tuscan lifestyle: slow & delicious

Restored in a manner to recapture the magic and mystery of a time long gone, the Agriturismo il Convento di Novole has maintained its promise. The beautiful all stone buildings meld with the abundance of nature which surrounds it on all four sides, to create a retreat for those who are looking to get back to the nature. The four separate holiday rentals will accommodate from 2 to 10 persons and each is located in a piece of history: the Farmhouse, the Convent, the Chapel and the Cottage.

Lucio, the owner, has funneled his passion for nature and a slow lifestyle into the vacation rentals by focusing on the surrounding private gardens, highlighting the unique panoramic views, the organic farm and olive harvest. The combination of rich wood furnishings, simple (almost monastic) decor and useful modern amenities like free WiFi offer a totally relaxing and enjoyable setting for creating special memories in an area rich with Tuscan history and ambiance.

BRAND NEW:  An environmental friendly pool for cooling off in the summer temps! Come and enjoy in the hills of Cortona!

True to its History

It has taken Lucio, the owner of Novole, over 20 years to carefully and faithfully restore these four holiday rentals ranging from 40 to 250 sqm. Following the original architectural layout, each apartment was an important part of the convent. Though fully furnished with modern amentities, he took special care to highlight the beauty of these simple structures especially the dreamy fireplaces, high ceilings, terracotta floors and carved stone and wood accents. Using soft natural colors, the apartments provide not only a comfortable place to pass your holidays but invoke a slowing down of time where nature is an integral part of the holiday experience.

The apartment Convent, is one of the oldest building in the group and boasts high ceilings, prominent arches, a private garden with rosemary and lavender plants as well as the nearby whisper of Cypress trees. This holiday rental will easily accommodate 2 adults with 2 children, and if necessary can be arranged for 4 adults.

The apartment called Chapel, which features the rose window above the front door and the original altar still in place, is built for 4 persons with a loft housing a double bed and the possibility of two single beds in the living room area. The soft natural colors blend with the natural stone walls to create just the right atmosphere for a holiday retreat.

Small to Large, the Perfect Solution

Perhaps the smallest of the four, the Cottage is made for 2 persons but is could be considered the most romantic of them all with the loft like double bed overlooking the massive all stone Tuscan fireplace. This self catering apartment  features a private cobblestone courtyard for appreciating the sounds and colors of nature where a glass of wine and a moment of silence seem absolutely appropriate.

The largest of all four holiday rentals is the Farmhouse with over 200 sqm, 4 bedrooms and two full bathrooms. This can be rented for different size groups, and the price will flucuate according to the number (4 - 10 persons).  Furnished with antique pieces in polished natural wood the layout is set up on two floors. The ground floor with its fully equipped kitchen, dining room and living room area with a spectacular traditional Tuscan fireplace all open to a panoramic terrace. On the first floor there is one double bedroom with an en suite bathroom and three bedrooms which share a bathroom.

Join in the Fun

Working the land and reaping the benefits of going back to nature was one of the driving forces behind Lucio’s choice to restore Novole. And he has made it all so accessible for those who want to experiment in the delicious results. Every November and December he opens up the possibility to assist in the harvest of one Italy’s delicious resources: olives. And even if you don’t come in the months of the olive harvest, there is always something fresh and delicious in the organic gardens. This year, the newest addition, is an environmently friendly pool.  The special dark lining melds with the natural setting and has the added plus of warming the water more than other types of linings.

The possibilities are unlimited at Novole, one can simply stay at home and lose themselves in the endless scenic vistas, walks in the wilderness, biking on the many trails. Or you can use Novole as a base to recharge your energy as you venture out in the day to explore a land that is rich with Tuscan history. Start with the town of Cortona, only 10 km away which was an important mecca for the Etruscans who worked and ruled this land long before the Romans came to conquer. The Lake of Trasimeno with water sport fun, sandy beaches and even boat rides promises a refreshing place to relax for those summer hot months.

Visit all the Corners of Tuscany … and more

From this position in Tuscany, one can wander the many back roads for the perfect picture spot of sunflower fields, vineyards and olive groves. Or you could follow them to intriguing medieval towns like Lucignano, Monte San Savino or even the romantic hamlet of Gargonza. The unique position of Cortona practically straddles two enticing areas: on one side you have all the bounty of Tuscany including the wines of Chianti, the art of Florence, the Roman ruins in Arezzo and the soft hills of Siena. Yet on the other side you can explore the towns of Assisi, Perugia and Umbertide.