Enveloped by the effortless natural beauty of the Reschio Estate

The essence of historic serenity

Its 1,500 hectares of pristine grounds have seen it all, from a war between the factions of Umbria and Tuscany to a lecture of admonition from the Pope; and yet, to stroll through this lushly forested Estate is to feel as if no soul has walked here before. Each spot stands alone as a landmark not to be missed, while sharing an effortless level of harmony with every other element of its surroundings.

From the abundant olive groves, waiting with arms outstretched to embrace visitors in cool, silver shade, to rolling meadows which mirror the changing of the seasons by adorning new colours at every turn, and the lake which sparkles like a gem year-round, there’s always a new enchanting vista for guests of the Hotel Castello di Reschio in Umbria to discover.

The Castello, which houses the hotel, comprises a remarkable view on its own. A legacy that started in 1050 has offered it unsurpassable character, which has only evolved under the auspice of the Bolza family.

Now, its every room is a reflection of the unbreakable pact between the past and the present; for each has been designed meticulously by Count Benedikt Bolza, son of Reschio’s founder, Count Antonio Bolza, to embody modern-day castle living at its finest. Architectural training in London has provided the perfect outlet for his deep respect for the Castello’s past, which has been honed over 25 years of living within its walls.

From the moment one steps into a room or suite of the Castello, they are swept up by the undeniable feeling of visiting an old friend; for each space sparks an inexplicable sense of familiarity meant to put guests instantly at ease.

Smooth, ocher-toned walls meet with a ceiling of artfully exposed wooden beams, to preserve delicate, handcrafted furnishings, artfully woven linens and antique portraits of the castle’s former inhabitants. Marble and claw-foot tubs mark each bathroom with an essence of royalty; but nothing can quite surpass the fairytale feeling of waking up in the 5-floor Tower Suite, where the view from each window looks like an artistic masterpiece.

It is quite impossible to resist the pull of the unfettered natural environment all around the Castello; hotel guests will spend hours upon hours enjoying the total respite that it embodies with a collection of select outdoor activities and pastimes.

The medieval stables have been remarkably restored into an equestrian theatre by Count Antonio. Now, these are home to 40 Andalusian purebred horses, available for anything from equestrian training and family lessons to hours spent gallivanting around the countryside, all under the guidance of dressage expert, Antonello Radicchi. 

A stroll through the Estate’s rolling meadows with Count Benedikt’s wife, Donna Nencia, will uncover a wealth of healing herbs in the spirit of “careful foraging”; for those who prefer just to observe, wildlife watching with the gamekeeper will provide an opportunity to catch a glimpse of boars, deer, porcupine and foxes.

The more gastronomically inclined can join a truffle hunter for a day of foraging in a neighbouring farm, try their hand at fishing in the quiet calm of the lake or even opt to learn Italian cooking of any skill level. From fresh pasta to an entire 4-course meal, any regional dish can be mastered right next door to Ristorante Alle Scuderie, which opened in the summer of 2019. 

The simplest, cleanest of dishes burst with flavour thanks to locally sourced produce and traditional methods, with laid-back but elegant furnishings and stately potted ferns exuding the essence of la dolce vita. For guests who long to bask in the glory of the sun setting over the rolling hills, Ristorante Al Castello will provide the desired ambience, while Il Torrino is a restored watchtower from which to take in more expansive vistas whilst sipping on exquisitely prepared cocktails.

For a truly ethereal experience, visitors will bask in the tranquility of the Bathhouse. Reachable by descending worn, stone steps into the ancient wine cellars, it’s now been transformed into a haven of interconnecting spaces, including a heated cave, plunge pool, Hammam and treatment rooms.

Most visitors to the Reschio Estate never want to leave; this is why 10 of its quaint, 500-year-old farmhouses have been meticulously restored to be rented for the long term or even bought by their truest admirers. The level of serenity present in its natural surroundings and the cultural significance of its Castello make it an idyllic place, where diversions are always abundant but never a necessity.