Tranquil…Secluded…Peaceful. Atop a tree-shrouded series of hills that had once been its own independent fiefdom under the direct influence of the Holy Roman Empire, an eleventh century castle has been reborn, lovingly and most tastefully transformed. Over 3,706 acres of rolling hills, Castello de Reschio is a royal-worthy retreat created by the Borza family who have been nurturing and protecting this pristine corner of Umbria since 1984. Loving fall as I do, I couldn’t resist creating a post on this beloved part of the world where hazy misty morns burn off to mellow sunny Autumn days. I have my dear friend, Norma Thiessen @mybeautifulpari, a recent guest at Reschio, to thank for many of these yummy images. Like the curving blue ellipse of a pool that is under umbrella pines in the shadow of the castle’s ramparts.

The castle is the centerpiece of 9 additional guest houses of varying sizes (once ancient farmhouses) each representing the pinnacle of exquisite taste and Italian craftsmanship.

Interestingly, every element of architectural and interior design, furniture making, stone work and landscaping is overseen by the on site Architecture and Design Studio of Benedikt Bolza, one of the five children of the Count and Countess Antonio Bolza who purchased the property in 1994. Mixing antiques and historic Italian design with contemporary pieces set off with richly embroidered heirlooms gives the interiors of both private and public spaces a timeless quality.

Soaring ceilings, wooden beams, a palm-shrouded three-story atrium, terraces to retreat to, fireplaces to sit by, and candlelight everywhere embrace guests in a warm glow of serenity.

With three bars and two restaurants (which give new meaning to farm-to-table dining sourced locally as well as from the estate).

Of course, flowers from the estate provide color throughout the rooms as well as reminding you of the striking examples of nature to be found on these hills dominated by chestnut and ancient oak trees.

Take tea, sip a cocktail, dine on a terrace, gaze at the everchanging views, warm yourself by a fire pit, swim in your private pool or take a horseback ride across the hills, Castello di Reschio has well earned its name as an estate of bliss…

whose entrance is reached by twisting roads lined with “Paintbrush” cypress.

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All images courtesy of, Castello di Reschio unless otherwise noted.