Castello di Reschio, a 36-room hotel housed within a thousand-year-old castle, has opened its doors in Umbria. Located on the 3,700-acre Reschio Estate, the property marks the latest chapter in a legacy project by three generations of the Bolza family, who have been restoring the manor to its former glory since 1994.
Originally bought over 25 years ago by Count Antonio Bolza, who still casts a watchful eye over proceedings at Reschio, the transformation of the estate now lies with his son, Count Benedikt and his artist wife Donna Nencia – who lived for many years in the castle with their five children. A London-trained architect, Benedikt is personally responsible for every architectural decision on the estate – for example, not allowing any corridors in the hotel – but his scope of work also extends to interior design and landscaping, together with the creation of bespoke furniture, lighting and accessories via his own design studio, BB for Reschio.
Interiors celebrate Italian craftsmanship, featuring fine Italian linens, handcrafted furnishings and unique BB for Reschio masterpieces designed by a team of local artisans, carpenters, stonemasons and tilemakers. Intricate stucco work, stone-carved fireplaces, antique artworks and Donna Nencia’s unique form of trompe l’oeil fill the spaces with an artful nostalgia and pay homage to the estate’s storied history, whilst sweeping vistas over the central courtyard garden and undulating valleys showcase the estate’s natural surroundings.
Championing a farm-to-fork ethos, the hotel sources the majority of its produce from the ground’s very own organic kitchen garden, vineyards and beehives, with the rest brought in from trusted local suppliers and producers. As such, guests can order traditional dishes eminent of a bygone era at Ristorante Al Castello, whilst the glass-walled Palm Court and adjoining Bar serves up afternoon tea and tipples. Elsewhere, Il Torrino – a converted watchtower with views over the swimming pool and surrounding countryside – offers laidback all-day dining, whilst Ristorante Alle Scuderie is a go-to for those wanting simple, fresh favourites.
Hidden within the Castello’s age-old vaulted wine cellar is The Bathhouse, an ethereal spa inspired by ancient Roman baths with exposed brick walls and worn stone steps. The serene haven is home to a salt-water plunge pool, hammam, sauna and two treatment rooms – including The Private Room, which features a tepidarium, steam shower, two tubs and a crackling fireplace – offering a menu of relaxing therapies.
Guests looking to immerse themselves in the Umbrian countryside can explore its valleys and forests via hiking or cycling trails, join the estate’s gamekeeper for wildlife watching or clay-pigeon shooting, or head out with the chef for truffle hunting before learning about Italian cuisine at the cookery school, where they can taste Reschio’s wines, honey and olive oil. The hotel is also home to some of Italy’s most skilled dressage horses, and residents can visit the Equestrian Centre for lessons, wild hacks and evening performances.
