43°16'47"N, 12°11'58"E Castello di Reschio, Umbria, Italy

With a history that spans a thousand years, this fortress in the sky is guarded by 1,500 hectares of Cypress trees, olive groves and ancient oak forests. Once neglected, the Bolza family’s vision to protect and revive this unique swathe of land has seen it brought back to life and preserved for future generations.

The castle ramparts now encircle a tranquil, secluded hotel; the vaulted wine cellar transformed into a cocooning spa; a former tobacco warehouse turned into a creative hub, with architecture, and design studio producing stunning houses, a furniture and lighting range all made by local producers.

Pause in a place that has endured for a millenium; its custodians ensure that nature comes first. The gamekeeper will guide you to glimpse roe deer, wild boar and nightingales; follow in the footsteps of the trufflehunter and his hounds; learn the secrets of the honey bees from the apiarist.

Rooms As well as custom furniture and lighting designed in the Tabaccaia di Reschio by architect-owner Count Benedikt Bolza, the castello’s 36 rooms and suites all showcase family heirlooms and hand-picked antiques. Four-poster beds, roll-top baths and beautiful linens perfectly balance simplicity with comfort.

How far to the nearest…

• Resident neighbour 1km
• Shop 200m
• Town 14km
• Café/Restaurant 1km
• Airport 45km (Perugia); 150km (Florence)

Location A private 1,500-hectare estate on the border of Umbria and Tuscany. Complete seclusion, but within an hour’s drive of medieval and Renaissance jewels including Siena, Assisi and Montepulciano.

Altitude 583m.

Build As far as possible, the original castle and its outbuildings – including a chapel, stableyard and water tower – have been sensitively restored, preserving original wood beams, stone fireplaces and ornamental stonework.

Environment The estate fosters biodynamic organic farming methods and produces its own olive oil, wine, honey, and herbal remedies; the successful, and continued rewilding of the estate has also seen its native flora and fauna thrive.

Digital detox Free high-speed wifi means you’ll need discipline to switch off completely.

Creature comforts Minibars, air-conditioning, rainfall showers, linen sheets.

Spring brings carpets of buttercups and curtains of wisteria. Summer’s arrival is signalled by fluttering irises, fragrant lavender and swallows swooping to sip from mirror-flat lakes. Porcini mushrooms, grapes and juniper berries are harvested in the autumn mists to be savoured in winter by a roaring wood fire.

Engage

Borrow mountain bikes and explore the estate. Slow the pace down at the Bathhouse spa, in the castle’s original wine cellars. Float in the Roman saltwater pool or try a treatment using medicinal herbs grown just beyond the walls. Take a cooking lesson and create a dish using fresh-foraged ingredients. Push the tables back and practice your swing dance when the band plays.

Savour

With olive groves, vines, farmland and a kitchen garden to plunder, there’s no shortage of incredible, hyper-local organic produce – pasta is handmade using eggs from the estate flock. Traditional Italian dishes and breakfast spreads are served in the Ristorante al Castello on the ramparts. Seasonal, elegant dishes are created at Ristorante alla Scuderie, set in the former stables. Indulge in vintage low-key glamour in The Palm Court bar with the best Negroni of your life. Sip espresso or savour a gelato at il Torrino pool bar.

Go slow

Stargaze under a light-free night sky. Wander amid the wildflower meadows, or search for savoury treasure on a truffle hunt. Ride out thorugh flower strewn meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for roe deer, porcupine, and wild boar. Find a quiet spot to sketch or paint the inspiring views.