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Setting:
Situated on 25 acres (10 hectares) of parkland dotted with
centuries-old olive trees, the resort overlooks the placid blue waters of
Lake Trasimeno. The medieval walled hill town of Cortona, which garnered
fame as the setting for the book and film
Under the Tuscan Sun
, is less
than 6 miles (9 kilometers) away.
Back Story:
The 18th-century property has served many functions in
its storied past, from a customs office of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
to the administrative headquarters for the wine and olive oil enterprises
of an Italian noble family. The resort’s developer acquired the site in
2003 with plans to convert it into a resort, taking great care to preserve
components of historic significance, including original tilework, wooden
beams, frescoes, fireplaces, and coats of arms.
At the Resort:
Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool,
sun terrace, and a barbecue area during spring and summer months.
The on-site restaurant serves Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine year-round,
and the small spa boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and
massage rooms.
Accommodations:
Each apartment has a very small kitchenette with
a fridge, cooktop with two gas burners, electric oven, and sink. Units
include ceiling fans, a TV, Internet access, and weekly housekeeping,
and bear creative names — the apartments dedicated to timeshare are
the Garden Suite, Customs Officer Suite, and the Duke’s Suite.
Activities:
Concierge service is available to arrange with nearby
agencies for tours and excursions, including vineyard visits and olive
oil–pressing tours. Visitors can take a boat ride on Lake Trasimeno to its
three islands: Maggiore, Minore, and Polvese.
Units and Sizes:
15 one-bedroom units, with three dedicated to time-
share, 538 to 645 square feet (50 to 60 square meters)
In the Area:
Cortona Manor House’s location on the border of
Tuscany and Umbria is ideal for day-trips to both regions, including
Perugia, Assisi, Siena, and Florence. Lake Trasimeno, Italy’s fourth-
largest lake, is just 20 minutes from the resort.
The Product:
30-year right-to-use
Target Market:
U.K. consumers
Marketing Strategies:
Using rentals to generate leads for the prop-
erty’s active on-site sales program. As sales progress, the developer
hopes to convert more units to timeshare.
Price:
€
7,840 to
€
21,600 (US$8,871 to US$24,441) per week
Website:
cortonamanorhouse.com
And We Quote:
“Cortona Manor House and Spa is the perfect
location for vacationers seeking a quiet and simple atmosphere in the
Italian countryside. This resort has all the ingredients for an authentic
experience.” — Sergio Viterbi, owner
42
RESORTDEVELOPER.COM
vacation industry review
JULY – SEPTEMBER 2016
CORTONA MANOR
HOUSE AND SPA
Location:
Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Perugia, Italy
Developer:
The Viterbi family
Interval Affiliation:
2015
By Jacquelyn Kalis
Historic Restoration
in the Italian Countryside
Once a resting point for weary travelers passing
through on horseback,
Cortona Manor House and
Spa
lies within a historic circa-1745 structure on the
border of Tuscany and Umbria. Purchased in 2003 by
the Viterbi family, the tranquil rural property has been
transformed into a 15-unit condo-hotel with a
timeshare component.