Adige Estate

About this property

If you’ve ever dreamt about living like the royals do, the artistic phenomenon that is Adige Estate – a Venetian villa that used to belong to aristocrats who wanted to own a piece of heaven in the countryside – has all the right ingredients. Enveloped by rolling plains and overlooking the right bank of the Adige River in the northern Italy’s Veneto region, it’s conveniently positioned near the famous Lake Garda.

As soon as you arrive at this Italian country house, you can park your car in the courtyard and soak up panoramic views of the entire property. Built in a classic Venetian style in the 16th century, the main house and its adjacent apartments are under the control and protection of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, having undergone radical restoration work in the 1960s.

The villa’s past splendour is still visible in the interiors as well as its aromatic gardens framed by majestic trees. Inside, grandiose furnishing and accessories – think botanical wallpapers, floor-to-ceiling curtains, fine Italian paintings and patterned sofas – decorate the communal spaces such as the frescoed living room and characterful library. Retaining much of the villa’s original features, each of the six suites showcases exposed beams, oak furniture and has an en-suite bathroom.

If you are travelling with a larger group then the two farmhouse apartments within the estate offer some extra space with a touch of privacy. Finished with the same attention to detail, they feature cosy living rooms, large bedrooms and their own kitchens. Although the estate's sprawling park is big enough for large groups, al-fresco meals can also be served in the shade of the apartments' chic porticoes, designed for those who like the fine things in life.

Outside, a large swimming pool provides a place to cool down on a hot summer’s day, while the many siesta corners hidden in the gardens channel the Italian motto of ‘dolce far niente’ – the art of doing nothing. As you walk down the stone staircase at the back of the villa, consider the spacious garden a glorious invitation to flop beneath olive and cypress trees amid the soothing peace of a wraparound, 4-hectare private park.

When you want to take a pleasant stroll, you can reach local amenities and a couple of local trattorias dishing up fresh plates of pasta in less than 15 minutes, before continuing your journey alongside the river or through the enchanting woodlands.

It wouldn’t be a proper visit to the Veneto region without making a stop at Italy’s largest lake, Lago Di Garda – and we recommend spending at least one entire day here. Located on the edge of Dolomites and formed by a glacier in the last ice age, it’s known for crystal-clear water, mild climate and charming towns dotted along its shores.

Verona is located a 20-minute drive away, excellent for a day trip if you feel like exploring. With a mediaeval old town built between the meandering Adige River, the romantic city is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and is bursting at its seams with art galleries and notable historic landmarks.

The lush green surroundings and proximity to the water combined with the property’s old-world flair make Adige Estate the ideal riverside retreat for a restorative break brimming with character.

The Adige Estate is nestled in the lush countryside overlooking the Adige River and facing the hills of the Valpolicella region and the Lessinia pre-Alps. It is only a short stroll to local restaurants and vantage spots with picturesque views. When you wander north of the estate, you can cross a small bridge that will take you to the closest grocery store, allowing you to stock up on the essentials needed for the refreshing aperitifs you’ll want to enjoy at one of the villa’s many sun-flooded terraces. The closest restaurant is also located only a 5-minute walk away.

Walking, hiking and cycling trails await outside the spacious estate, with the glistening river providing a dreamy backdrop for lunchtime strolls. In Parco delle Cascate you can embark on adventures through craggy canyons and forests before refreshing with a dip in one of the many natural waterfalls – one of them even features a giant swing, great for one-of-a-kind holiday photographs.

However real nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will want to head to Parco Naturale Regionale della Lessinia. Spreading over 10 hectares in the Lessinia highlands, this nature reserve lures holiday-goers with many breathtaking views of the valleys below, as well as exciting paths and abundant fauna and flora. Don’t forget to stop and admire the Santuario de la Madonna della Corona – a scenic 17th-century church built into the mountain.

Located only a 20-minute drive away, Italy’s largest lake, Lago Di Garda, is sprinkled with many pretty towns such as the ancient Simione located on the southern bank. Buzzing with restaurants, cafés, hotels and fashion boutiques, visitors can explore the Scaliger castle dating back to the 13th century as well as the archeological site set at the tip of the peninsula, the Roman spa Grotte di Catullo. Just below the ruins, you can discover a secluded, rocky beach with flat stones that’s perfect for wild swimming.

Drive for around 30 minutes to reach the centre of Garda, the main city of the lake. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide range of restaurants available, where you can taste local dishes and wine from the region’s many vineyards. The lakefront offers hours of uninterrupted relaxation by simply watching the sailboats go by, or by hopping on one of the many boat tours. Explore other fascinating places at the lake such as the island Isola del Garda, frequented by tourists for its 19th-century Venetian Gothic-style building.

The region’s biggest city Verona is known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet and you can even visit Juliet’s balcony and take a picture up there. The old town is home to the Verona Arena, a grand Roman amphitheatre that still holds operas, as well as the Venetian church Santa Maria Gloriossa dei Frari and Scaliger Tombs.

Vicenza is a 45-minute drive away, and this cosmopolitan city is home to many museums, art galleries, churches as well as cobbled piazzas that will allow for a change of scenery (from one beautiful Italian city to another).

For even more culture, drive for around an hour to reach the city of Padua. Known for its Giotto frescoes and the 13th century Basilica of St. Anthony with domes and many artworks, the university city has a lovely old town with arcaded streets and hip cafés, inviting you to unwind and watch the bustle unfold.

Accommodation

1) 12-person price = villa only
2) 16-person price = villa + one apartment
3) 20-person price = villa + both apartments 
Villa Interior
Ground Floor
- Kitchen with a dining table and chairs, gas hob, electric oven and cooking plate, two fridges, freezer, microwave and dishwasher
- Dining room with sofas, dining table and chairs
- Main hall with a piano with double doors opening to the garden
- Frescoed living room with sofas, armchairs and a fireplace
- Library with sofas and a fireplace
- WC
First Floor
- Suite 1 consisting of a bedroom with a double bed, walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom with a bath, detachable shower head and WC
- Suite 2 consisting of an entrance hall leading to a bedroom with a double bed, bedroom with a single bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- Suite 3 consisting of a bedroom with a double bed, walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom with a bath, detachable shower head and WC
- Suite 4 consisting of an entrance hall leading to a bedroom with a double bed, bedroom with a single bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
Second Floor
- Suite 4 consisting of a bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with a bath, detachable shower head and WC
- Suite 5 consisting of a bedroom with a double bed, sofa and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- Laundry room with a washing machine
Facilites
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms on second floor only)
- Portable air-conditioning (bedrooms on first floor)
- Heating
- Washing machine
- Iron and ironing board
Farmhouse Apartments
Ground Floor Apartment
- Kitchen with a gas hob, oven, microwave, fridge and dishwasher
- Portico with dining table and chairs
- Living room with a fireplace, armchairs, sofa bed and dining table with chairs
- Bedroom with a double bed
- Bedroom with a double bed (can be split into twin beds)
- Bathroom with a shower, washing machine and WC
First Floor Apartment
- Kitchen with a gas hob, fridge, microwave and dishwasher
- Portico with a dining table and chairs
- Large living room with sofas, armchairs, dining table with chairs and a double bed
- Bedroom with a double bed (can be split into twin beds)
- Bathroom with a bath, detachable shower head, washing machine and WC
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Heating
- Ceiling fans in the bedrooms
Outside Grounds (4 hectares)
- Private swimming pool (17m x 8m, max depth: 1.40m). Open approximately  May to September
- Pool terrace with sun loungers and umbrellas
- Outdoor shower
- Park (1.5 hectares) with hedges, lemon plants, cypresses
- Vineyards (3 hectares)
- Front lawn with a courtyard
- Al-fresco dining table with chairs
- Outdoor lounge furniture and armchairs
- Parking