In a stunningly lush valley of the Niccone river that runs between Umbria and Tuscany is a magnificent estate surrounded by gnarled olive groves, Mediterranean oak and chestnut woodlands and vineyards. Castello di Reschio is a real pearl, a Renaissance kingdom with its own 11 ^th century castle and 50 hilltop farmhouses in the tranquil countryside.

This appearance is all part of the philosophy and vision of the owners, Count Antonio Bolza and his family who are regenerating and renovating the estate whilst preserving the historic integrity of the countryside and yet have ingeniously incorporated all the luxuries for modern life. Lovingly restoring the derelict farmhouses with extraordinary flair and attention to detail, the Bolzas are offering an idyllic holiday sanctuary; a unique combination of world class service and lifestyle opportunities to be savoured and enjoyed.

A selection of farmhouses is available to rent; scattered on hilltops around this vast area of outstanding beauty. The views are breathtaking and the location of each property ensures complete privacy. Sleeping from 2 – 14 people, each farmhouse is highly individual in character with stylish elegant interiors. The spacious living rooms and shaded dining areas, grand master bedrooms with luxurious beds and fabulous bathrooms all discretely incorporating the latest technology. Exquisite antique furniture sits alongside more contemporary pieces but the overall effect is traditional, understated and above all welcoming. As indeed are the bowls of ripe figs and pears, a scrumptious chocolate cake in the kitchen and a superb bottle of wine in the fridge to greet guests on arrival.

Each property has a beautiful garden with terraces of lavender, santolina and salvia, and the private infinity swimming pools are carefully landscaped to meld with the surrounding countryside.

The lifestyle at Reschio is superlative with the Italian love of food very evident. Guests can take advantage of the Osteria, the private restaurant on the estate where Marco Pellegrini, the chef creates delicious Italian food using the wealth of fresh, seasonal ingredients he sources from the estate. Meals can also be ‘taken away’ and enjoyed by the pool or Marco will cook dinner at your farmhouse.

“Exquisite antique furniture sits alongside more contemporary pieces but the overall effect is traditional, understated and above all welcoming.”

Guests can also learn how to cook classical Umbrian dishes at the Reschio cookery school. Under the expert guidance of Marco, guests will learn how to forage for food, from wild asparagus in spring to fungi porcini and truffles in the autumn and then create their own meals. Visits will also be made to artisan cheesemakers and local vineyards. At harvest time guests can also take part in the pressing of the olive oil and grape-picking to make the estate’s own wine.

Reschio offers a full concierge service to rival a 5* hotel with a daily maid service, personal drivers and gardeners who ensure that every need is not only catered for but anticipated in a completely understated manner.

A wide range of recreational and sporting activities are on offer. Horse riding and walking trails crisscross the estate with paths meandering into the hills, through fields and woods all offering panoramic views. There is also mountain biking, tennis, wild boar hunting and fishing in the small lakes Castello di Reschio is also a renowned equestrian centre with a stud for pure blood Spanish horses and guests can learn dressage from highly experienced multi-lingual instructors. Painting classes can also be taken with watercolour a popular medium to try and capture the ever changing landscape. Water sports are also available at the nearby Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy’s largest lakes.

For those looking for further inspiration, art and culture and can tear themselves away from the tranquility and peace at the estate, Reschio is ideally located for wonderful excursions and activities within an hour’s drive and a guide and driver can even be provided.

“Under the expert guidance of Marco, guests will learn how to forage for food, from wild asparagus in spring to fungi porcini and truffles in the autumn and then create their own meals.”

The renowned towns of Florence, Assisi, Siena, Todi, and Orvieto with their magnificent cathedrals, churches shops and galleries are all close by and fabulous art collections can been seen at Cortona, and Sansepolcro with works by Luca Signorelli (1445 - 1523) and Piero della Franscesca (1412 – 1492) including the very unusual pregnant Madonna. At the church of San Francesco in Arezzo, Piero della Francesca’s History of the True Cross frescoes can be seen.

There is plenty to please music, opera and theatre lovers with the Umbria Jazz festival taking place at Perugia in early July and a classical music festival in Preggio in August. Montone hosts the Umbrian film festival as well as local festivals such as The Sacred Thorn, a re-enactment of the gifting of one of the thorns from the crown of thorns to the local town by a crusader knight Braccio Fortebraccio.

There are also some wonderful shops, furniture and flea markets where beautiful Italian leather, fashion, cashmere and pottery can be found and of course every town and village has its own superb trattoria to sample local delicacies and wine.

Secluded yet accessible, Castello di Reschio is easily reached by road, train and air; Perugia airport is only half an hour drive away with others at Pisa, Bologna, Florence and Rome.

To find out about renting a farmhouse contact Castello di Reschio on

By Claire Symonds