VILLA ABBAZIA
A country house jewel in the Veneto
VENETIAN GENTRY used to travel to the Treviso region years back to escape the urban blues. Green, tranquil and set against the foothills of the Alps, it still makes a great getaway.
Bang opposite a 13th century abbey, Villa Abbazia sits in pretty Follina. The original 17th century villa retains many old architectural details while a second, clad in ivy, was added 200 years later. Linking them is a
pretty courtyard garden with magnolia trees and blooms bursting from pots. There’s a come-hither terrace (
perfecto for al fresco), a café and little wine bar. It's very much a family affair, with a warmly hospitable vibe that mixes English country house with old-time Italian elegance.
Villa Abbazia's decor is pulled off with taste and flair, while the Zanon family’s warmth and welcome gives it the appeal of a private home. Softly lit with
trompe l’oeil murals, the villa's elegant La Corte restaurant offers
Veneto classics with an imaginative twist.
Hit the Spot
At the foot of the Dolomites in pretty Follina.
Bedtime
Suites with a jacuzzi, private terrace and garden views should do the trick.
Be Savvy
You're on the Prosecco Trail here, so build in some vineyard visits.
Be Smitten
This place fizzes stylishly – break open the prosecco!
Evocative old towns
Breakfasts are big here too: good food and a great start-the-day setting under the magnolia tree has landed the hotel a Best in Italy award.
The uphill, down dale scenery hereabouts is popular with movie makers and you can see why; evocative old towns,
Palladian villas galore, vineyards producing some of Italy’s finest bubbles. Villa Abbazia sparkles in equal measure.
Villa Abbazia was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Mike North
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
The hotel’s La Corte restaurant majors on traditional Veneto cuisine with a cosmopolitan twist. Dinner is served against a backdrop of frescoes or outside in the candlelit courtyard.
Try radicchio risotto, white asparagus tagliatelle and numerous dishes featuring delicious local porcini mushrooms.
Dining out
You’ll find the wine bar and restaurant Al Milani, Enoteca con Cucina, in the main square of medieval Follina.
Where?
La Corte at Villa Abbazia
What’s cooking?
Tuck into the chef’s risotto, home-made pastas and local mushrooms-based dishes.
Dress the part
It’s elegantly relaxed
Top table?
In the candlelit courtyard or beside the frescoed wall
See & Do
Visit Palladian villas, the pre-Roman town of Asolo with its magnicficient hilltop views, pretty Castelfranco and of course the Dolomites. You’re also on the Prosecco wine road here, so enjoy!
Shop
Great local buys include silks, wool and cashmeres.
After dark
Get tickets to a summertime classical music concert, or linger in the courtyard with a limoncello.
Dates
March
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss Primavera del Prosecco, for a taste of the latest vintage
July – August
Make a big day – or night – of it at the Verona Opera festival
GETTING THERE
Location
Piazza IV Novembre, 31051 Follina
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Conegliano station – 20km
Taxis
EUR 75 - 90 from Treviso airport.
Airport
Treviso – 45km
Rooms and suites
12 rooms and six suites
Special features
Luxurious rooms have satellite TV, safes and a minibar. DVD players are available on request.
Also…
The hotel has a hot tub for up to six people in the garden. Tennis, riding and golfing are close by, and there are bikes for guests’ use.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 180 – 350
Open/closed
Closed January - February
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
A buffet breakfast is available from 10am.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Accepted
Pets
Dogs are welcome with advance notice
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English, German and French.
Wedding license?
Yes. Weddings are based on exclusive hire of the property and can cater for up to 70 guests.
Your contact
Giovanni Zanon – owner/manager