Hotel Castello di Reschio - Fact Sheet

It has been our lifelong dream to convert this castle, our former home, into a private family run hotel. The first sketches and ideas came about when sitting around the kitchen table back in 2001 when we lived here with our five children. Our array of family members and friends frequently visited staying in quite charming but drafty quarters with little furniture, heating or bathrooms. Nevertheless their many visits helped fuel our desire to create and build something extraordinary.

A loved house with a well-run household. A hotel with traditions and customs that respect the 1000 years of history and curious stories of its walls.

We are well stocked up - come and stay for a month ”

How to arrive Flying

Fly into Perugia, Florence, Bologna, Pisa or Rome and be met at the airport by Reschio’s driver service. (Rent a car or have a rental car waiting at your house or at the Hotel Castello di Reschio).

By Car

Travelling by car from the North, or South, take the A1 Firenze - Roma motorway (autostrada), exit the A1 at Valdichiana. Follow the blue signs for Perugia and take the dual carriageway. Exit at Tuoro and follow directions to Mercatale and on arrival follow the road to the right in the direction of Umbertide. Several kilometres after the hamlet of Mengaccini, you will see on your right a sign for Reschio and one for Lisciano Niccone and the Castello di Reschio up on a hill.

Turn right and then to the left following the signReschio. Turn to the left again and you will see in front of you our offices located in the Tabaccaia di Reschio. The journey from the A1 to the Estate will take less than 45 minutes by car.

Trains

The nearest station is Terontola di Cortona on the main Florence - Rome line.

Asti Alessandria

Savona

Imperia

Genova

Genoa

La Spezia

Parma

Modena

Ferrara

Bologna

Pistoia

Lucca

Pisa

Livorno

Firenze Florence

Siena

Grosseto

The Reschio Centre

Just a short stroll from the Hotel Castello di Reschio is the heart of the estate where our horses, an intrinsic part of Reschio, have their stables. Dressage is practiced in the manéage and riding lessons for all ages and all abilities are available. Tennis courts are up a few steps with a pavilion and, for the less energetic, drop into the Bar Centrale for coffee, a refreshing drink or an aperitif before lunch or dinner in the Alle Scuderie Restaurant. Adjacent is a shop with farm produce including wines, olive oil and honey as well as many of Reschio’s favourite things.

The Castello, dating back to 1050, is a historical gem brimming with interest and intrigue. Now, after careful restoration, it has been transformed into a singularly unique hotel filled with wit, whimsy and effortless style.

The C ourtyard

If these walls could talk… they’d probably tell thrilling tales of the 13th-century owner Marques del Monte, or about the Archbishop of Todi, whose coat of arms from 1610 still hangs above the entrance.

The rooms and suites contained within these ancient castle walls are imbued with personality and panache, thanks to our organic approach to contemporary design coupled with a discerning nod to the intriguing characters who once called this home.

The P alm C ourt B ar

A cool respite from the summer heat or a blazing fire in the winter chill, the Palm Court Bar is a place to relax while luggage is whisked to the castle suite.

The B oot R oom

Our open entry Hall has lofty beamed ceilings and a baronial fireplace - a home for your wellies and boots.

The Palm Court

A corner of the castle courtyard holds a marvel of design: the Palm Court’s wroughtiron columns and glass ceiling create an exotic fin-de-siècle space, with an air of Agatha Christie mystery (but without the murder). On arriving at the Castello, it is a perfect first port of call. A place to take in an invigorating Negroni, while also absorbing the majesty of the castle’s walls from within. Avail yourself of our afternoon tea trolley too. Or pluck a book from our library, and sit back with another icy glass of something delicious.

R istorante Al C astello

The western ramparts echo with history, after all this fortified castle was built a 1000 years ago to defend the southern territories from the rampaging north. Reschio’s second restaurant has tranquil views with stunning sunsets and fig trees that gloriously perfume the terrace.

The B athhouse

The castle’s ancient wine cellars, below the Palm Court, have been transformed into our otherworldly Bathhouse. Warm stone steps lead down to a tranquil sanctuary of therapeutic interconnecting spaces, offering holistic, nurturing treatments to soothe both body and soul

The Bath

The star of the show is the large, ethereal salt-water pool, lit by a high-up window allowing atmospheric shafts of sunlight to slant into the space. Sink into the water and float across through a vaulted stone arch, to wallow in the connected circular base of the three-storey tower. Sit on the stone bench in the warm water and gaze up at the walls, flooded with natural light from up high and from a window beneath the water levelor release the tropical rain shower, which cascades dramatically from the ceiling.

The Private Room

Our original red wine cellar has become a private, cosseting space to enjoy with family or groups of friends of up to six people. Set beneath soaring ceilings, this large room includes a crackling fireplace, two “conversation” baths, two massage beds, a soft and welcoming daybed and a well-equipped tea kitchen and juice bar. Adjacent is a private changing room and steam shower.

Down a couple of worn, stone steps is an ancient cave carved out of the solid rock, transformed into a tepidarium - a warm space inspired by the ancient Romans, and the perfect place to relax, stretch and limber up before a tailor-made treatment.

Sunk like a glimmering optical illusion into the verdant lawns is our incredible outdoor pool. Located just outside the castle walls - and mirroring the historic, time-worn ramparts - the water gently overflows the stone rim of the pool to the grass at its edge, while tall umbrella pines provide balmy shade. Showers and changing rooms are available beneath the deck of the adjacent Il Torrino, and another pool-side deck offers a perfect front-row seat to the water. Leafy niches between the trees and around the gardens, meanwhile, offer more secluded spaces for families or couples.

The Swimming Pool

Il Torrino Bar

The former watchtower continues to play a vital role providing castle-dwellers with poolside sustenance. Il Torrino is an airy pool bar where everything from a quick espresso or cappuccino, freshly-made juices or cocktails, tempting gelati or madeto-order panini are served to those on its chic outdoor deck beneath imposing umbrella pines or tucked away in leafy niches offering secluded spaces to hide away.

Rooms

The Bedrooms are all situated within the castle, on the ground and second floor. The custom-designed furniture includes a four-poster Campaign Bed, the Drinks Bar, the marble & brass basin Wash Stand and in most rooms the Dressing Table. There are also antique and historic pieces in all rooms. If you are travelling with children, please contact us directly to enable us to suggest the best options for your family.

Grand Rooms

Situated within the heart of the castle, these rooms are grand and spacious. Purposefully designed to encourage guests to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of being within their room. They have the custom designed furniture by ‘B.B. for Reschio’, including the four poster Campaign Bed (kingsize), a bar, the wash basin stand and the dressing table to complement the antique pieces. Some rooms are a little more quirky than others but all contain history from the family that once lived here, from photographs to paintings or sculpture. Size of rooms starting from 50 square meters.

Suites Castello

Bespoke furniture - the smooth marble and wood bar, say, or a brass and marble washstand - mix merrily with hand-picked antiques, giving each suite a distinct character. Intriguing touches, such as old photographs and ornaments discovered in local antique markets, reflect the eccentric characters who once lived here.

Suite Castello Twin

A light, spacious and airy twin-bedded Suite Castello on the 2nd floor. This corner suite has panoramic views in both directions, overlooking Reschio’s San Michele Church to the Sorbello Castle in Tuscany beyond and our Spanish horses in the meadows below. In its mediaeval incarnation this room was where silk was produced, now with its rich textures of hand embroidered linen sheets to velvet Poggibonsi Lamps, the two sumptuous queensized double beds make it ideal for a family or perfect for friends exploring Umbria.

Grand Suites

Our generous Bedroom Suites follow an organic style, with wood-beamed ceilings and pleasingly eclectic furniture. Bespoke pieces, crafted by our in-house B.B. for Reschio team, stand cheek-by-jowl with antiques, while characterful accents include original oil paintings and vintage photographs. Some rooms have large stonecarved fireplaces, perfect for lounging next to with a book.

Grand Two Bedroom Suite

Combine a spacious Grand Suite with the adjacent double room and create a flexible two bedroom suite with its own main door to an inner hall, ideal for families. Indulge in old world glamour in this elegantly designed space, with magnificent beams and an exotic hint of the Silk Road trade routes with an intricate embroidered Turkish suzani draped on the sofa while antique pieces stand alongside custom designed furniture by ‘B.B. for Reschio’, including four poster Campaign Beds (king-size), both rooms have a bar and wash basin stand. The sitting room has a simple daybed, an open fire and the master bedroom has his & hers dressing areas. Combined size of the Grand Suite with 2 bedrooms is 150 square meters.

Suites San Michele

Exposed stonework, terracotta bathroom floors and an Umbrian feel make themselves at home alongside custom-made furniture, beautiful Italian fabrics and unique four-poster beds. The feel is warm and vibrant with antique oil paintings and traditional photography on the walls. Located just next to the Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo, outside the castle walls, these suites have heart-soaring views along the Niccone valley, and those on the ground floor have their own private gardens.

The Tower Suite

Combine a spacious Grand Suite with the adjacent double room and create a flexible two bedroom suite with its own main door to an inner hall, ideal for families. Indulge in old world glamour in this elegantly designed space, with magnificent beams and an exotic hint of the Silk Road trade routes with an intricate embroidered Turkish suzani draped on the sofa while antique pieces stand alongside custom designed furniture by ‘B.B. for Reschio’, including four poster Campaign Beds (king-size), both rooms have a bar and wash basin stand. The sitting room has a simple daybed, an open fire and the master bedroom has his & hers dressing areas. Combined size of the Grand Suite with 2 bedrooms is 150 square meters.

Ristorante Alle Scuderie

Step into the cool shade of Alle Scuderie and take a seat amongst the lofty fern-trees, head out onto the broad terrace or perch at the long, marble Bar Centrale. With its soaring ceilings, hand-crafted furniture and wide-reaching views, it exudes an air of old-world Italian glamour. Our organic kitchen garden does most of the hard work here, which combined with the freshest local produce, creates simple menus with elegant touches, and pizzas straight from our outdoor oven. Bar Centrale is just the place to pause for a pre-dinner cocktail or post-dinner drink.

From light red wines and rosés, to golden honey and fragrant olive oil, all our products are fully organic and made right on the estate.

Horses

Our outstanding stables, launched by our founder, Count Antonio Bolza, in 1999, is home to some of Italy’s finest, most highly skilled dressage horses. Lessons, wild hacks across the estate and early evening performances will introduce you to these magnificent creatures.

Activities

There are a variety of activities for guests to enjoy at Reschio including an estate lake with its well-equipped cabin, two Astroturf tennis courts complete with a tennis pavilion, horse riding and miles of mountain bike tracks.

Naturally the flavours of Reschio are readily available from foraging walks, olive oil or wine tastings to cookery classes and, on summer evenings, the open air cinema is a great attraction.

The Private Spaces at Reschio

If you feel the urge to be tucked in a special place where no one can find you, book one of the secret spaces at Reschio, where two or, sometimes more, can be secluded in luxury. Maybe dine, or drinks at sunset, an especially indulgent time in the Bathhouse or be lost in your own wild experience, whatever you choose, contact Concierge and they will be able to book somewhere for your exclusive use.

FACT SHEE T

reschio.com / info@reschio.com / instagram.com/reschio

RESCHIO ESTATE

- A private Estate of 1500 hectares / 3750 acres in Umbria, bordering Tuscany, in the heart of central Italy

- Two restaurants, stables, cookery school, bottega, outdoor summer cinema, Art & Antiques Dealership, B.B. for Reschio in the Tabaccaia di Reschio

THE CASTLE

- 36 rooms and suites

- Bathhouse SPA - featuring a saltwater heated Roman bath, Hamman, Sauna & a Private Room

- Swimming Pool - outdoors beneath ancient umbrella trees

- 2 Astroturf Tennis Courts and outdoor fitness area

- Ristorante Al Castello with outdoor terrace

- Palm Court Bar leading into the Palm Court, where the piano plays each evening

- Ristorante Alle Scuderie with indoor and outdoor seating

- Bar Centrale at Ristorante Alle Scuderie

THE FAMILY BUSINESS

- Conte Antonio Bolza created concept, whilst his wife, Contessa Angelika created initial design and image. Both retired in 2013, but the stable of over thirty prestigious Spanish horses remain his jurisdiction.

- Their son, London trained architect Benedikt, returned to Italy in 1999. He is Managing Director and Chief Architect of Reschio. His DNA runs through all projects at Reschio, together with his team he is responsible for working with nature through architecture, landscape, garden design, furniture lighting and accessories, no detail is too small to be meticulously considered. His furniture collection, B.B. for Reschio.com ships worldwide.

- Donna Nencia, Benedikt’s wife, an accomplished artist has instigated synergic vegetable & flower production, She is a registered biodynamic farmer and keeps a keen eye on the balance of nature and foraging at Reschio

- Benedikt and Nencia have five children, all born and brought up at Reschio, their passion for the Estate is evident and no doubt this third generation will continue to live and work at Reschio, continuing the family role as custodians.

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THE PROPERTIES & CONCEPT AND PHILOSPHY OF RESCHIO

- There are 50 farmhouses at Reschio, 29 have been restored for private owners, who purchased the ruin freehold, with a tailor-made turn-key restoration project by Count Benedikt. All costs and the finishing date is guaranteed

- Upon completion, a full service and maintenance is confirmed with use of amenities and sporting facilities

RESTORATION AND INTERIOR DESIGN

- Properties designed & restored to suit individual owner’s taste and requirements

- Meticulous attention to detail and highest standards of craftsmanship, including furnishing

- 500-year-old farmhouses equipped with latest infrastructure and state of the art systems

- Reschio design department ensures gardens and pools blend into rural surroundings

THE SPORTS AND LEISURE FACILITIES

As well as the listed facilities at Reschio below, there is a comprehensive booklet of activities available for guests ranging from bee keeping; nature walks with the gamekeeper; bird watching on the Estate or Lake Trasimeno; star gazing; drawing & painting classes; truffle hunting; olive oil and wine tasting; cookery courses; foraging with Reschio’s resident botanist for either cooking, health or calligraphy; basket weaving; Italian classes; yoga; fly fishing and many, many more. Concierge is always happy to tailor make tours of the hill top towns incorporating guests’ interests of art, crafts, wine, cheese or just a classic car trip to outstanding restaurants.

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, INCLUDING:

. Dressage and High School training centre for pure bred Spanish horses and riders with indoor and outdoor arenas for all levels of experience

. Currently approximately 30 horses

. Stabling of house owners’ private horses

. Highly experienced multi-lingual instructors and trainers providing riding instruction on all levels, including dressage

. Horse riding trails are in abundance on the Estate

- FISHING

On the small lakes of the Estate & fly fishing nearby

- WALKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING

. Many paths and bridle paths meander into the hills, offering impressive panoramic views, where one can totally relax among the fields, pastures and woodlands. A map, with QR codes, circumnavigates the Estate

. Bicycles and e-mountain bikes are available to rent, including guided tours within the Estate

- THE LAKE

. The widest of the Estate, can be booked for the day for private use including its own charming cabin with indoor bar

. Picnic trays or a full lunch can be delivered

. Private Chef can be booked for a barbeque

. Fishing equipment, two boats and paddle boards are available