A Castle With a Life of Its Own

Reschio unfolds across wooded hills near the border of Umbria and Tuscany, its castle rising above a landscape of cypress-lined roads, olive groves and grazing horses. Within its stone walls, four-poster beds, antique portraits and individually designed furniture give the hotel a remarkably personal character. Outside, the estate continues its daily work: gardens supply the kitchens, craftspeople make and repair, and riders move between the stables and surrounding countryside.

The setting invites a particular kind of Italian holiday. Mornings might begin with a ride or breakfast overlooking the hills, followed by an afternoon at the oval swimming pool or in the castle’s subterranean Bathhouse. Dinner brings another choice of atmosphere, from the intimacy of the castle restaurant to the more sociable surroundings of Alle Scuderie.

For travelers interested in architecture, horses, craftsmanship and the pleasures of country life, Reschio offers enough substance to become the destination itself.

The Bolza Family’s Long Restoration

The castle’s origins extend back roughly a thousand years, with its earliest tower associated with construction around the year 900. Its position near the Umbrian–Tuscan border placed it within a landscape shaped by competing territories, noble families and agricultural communities.

The modern story belongs to the Bolza family. Count Antonio Bolza first established a home here in the 1980s, acquiring the wider estate in 1994. Over subsequent decades, the family restored abandoned farmhouses and brought neglected buildings back into use.

His son, architect Count Benedikt Bolza, and Benedikt’s wife, Donna Nencia Corsini, developed the visual and cultural identity now associated with Reschio. Their work combines architectural restoration, interior design, gardening, art and the practical demands of running a large estate.

The castle opened as a hotel in May 2021. That opening represented a new stage in a much longer project, giving hotel guests access to a place already shaped by decades of family life and restoration.

Designed Down to the Last Lamp

Reschio’s architecture and interiors share a single, closely considered vision. Benedikt Bolza’s in-house studio works with local craftspeople, including blacksmiths, carpenters, stonemasons and upholsterers, to create pieces specifically for the estate.

The result is visible at every scale. A marble-and-brass washstand, a campaign-style bed or a carefully positioned lamp contributes as much to a room’s character as its beams and stonework. Antiques, paintings and family photographs introduce another layer, allowing old objects and contemporary designs to sit comfortably together.

The castle’s original layout remains influential. Rooms vary in shape, light and outlook, and architectural irregularities form part of the experience. The glass-and-steel Palm Court brings a different atmosphere to the courtyard, while the estate’s former tobacco-processing building, the Tabaccaia, houses its creative offices.

Outside, the oval pool sits beneath umbrella pines, its restrained geometry setting off the surrounding lawns and old stone walls.

From Castle Rooms to the Tower

Reschio’s accommodation ranges from comparatively intimate castle rooms to its extraordinary five-level Tower Suite. The figures below follow the hotel’s published category overview; most categories begin at the stated size, with individual layouts varying.

Rooms: Starting at approximately 323 sq. ft., these king-bedded rooms within the castle combine custom furniture, antiques and a generously stocked in-room bar in the hotel’s most compact accommodation.
Grand Rooms: Starting at approximately 538 sq. ft., these larger castle rooms provide a king bed, more generous furnishings and a substantial writing desk, with individual decorative details drawn from the estate’s history.
Suites Castello: Starting at approximately 646 sq. ft., these king-bedded suites add more room to relax among carefully chosen antiques, bespoke furniture and the architectural character of the castle.
Suite Castello Twin: Listed from approximately 732 sq. ft., this second-floor corner suite contains two queen-size beds and offers an unusual alternative for travelers who prefer separate beds.
Suites San Michele: Listed from approximately 646 sq. ft., these king-bedded suites occupy the former vestry just outside the castle walls, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a brighter, subtly more contemporary atmosphere.
Garden Suites San Michele: Listed from approximately 646 sq. ft., these king-bedded suites combine the former vestry’s light-filled interiors with private gardens, making outdoor space their principal distinction.
Grand Suites: Starting at approximately 915 sq. ft., these spacious king-bedded suites feature generous sitting areas, writing desks and individually selected furnishings, with fireplaces in select suites.
The Tower Suite: Listed at approximately 1,937 sq. ft., this two-bedroom suite occupies five levels of the castle’s ancient tower, combining king and queen bedrooms, sitting and study spaces, and a rooftop terrace with an open-air bathtub.

The Tower Suite is the signature choice for travelers drawn to unusual architecture. Its rooms are connected by stairs, and the climb culminates in panoramic views across the estate. The rooftop feature is a bathtub; the suite does not have a private swimming pool.

For a longer stay, the decision may depend as much on light and layout as on category. A Grand Suite offers generous interior space, while a Garden Suite San Michele provides a private outdoor setting. Within the castle, individual room photographs and floor arrangements deserve particular attention.

The wider estate also offers restored rental houses with four to six bedrooms and private pools. These provide a different way to experience Reschio, especially for larger groups and families seeking the independence of a country home.

From the Kitchen Garden to the Castle Table

Reschio’s kitchens draw on the estate’s gardens and agricultural production, alongside ingredients from surrounding producers. Dining moves between two restaurants and three bars, each with its own role in the day.

Ristorante Al Castello: The hotel’s intimate restaurant serves breakfast and refined Italian dining within the castle, with a terrace overlooking the countryside and evening light.
Ristorante Alle Scuderie: High ceilings, palms, handcrafted furniture and a broad terrace create a lively setting for seasonal Italian food near the stables.
Palm Court Bar: Set within the castle courtyard’s glass-enclosed Palm Court, this bar provides an atmospheric setting for a drink among greenery and carefully composed interiors.
Bar Centrale: The marble bar within Alle Scuderie serves cocktails that combine classical foundations with seasonal ingredients and original preparations.
Il Torrino: Housed in a former watchtower beside the hotel pool, this casual venue serves coffee, juices, cocktails, panini and gelato throughout the poolside day.

Alle Scuderie’s Sunday brunch adds a convivial occasion to the week, with an extensive buffet and live music. More private arrangements can take advantage of the castle’s unusual spaces, including former dovecotes adapted for intimate dinners and drinks.

These settings reward a little advance planning, particularly when a specific table or private occasion matters.

Firelight and Water Beneath the Castle

The Bathhouse occupies the castle’s former wine cellars, where vaulted stone, subdued light and water establish a markedly different atmosphere from the gardens above.

Its central Roman bath contains warm salt water, complemented by a sauna, Ottoman steam room and cold rain shower. Treatments and rituals are tailored to the individual and matched to the estate’s varied treatment spaces.

For a private experience, the Grand Fireplace Room combines a hearth, daybed, twin massage beds, conversational bathtubs and a steam room. Cold-water rituals take place in a stone grotto once used to store ice.

Wellness also extends beyond the cellars. The Church of San Michele hosts yoga, Pilates and personalized movement sessions, while treatments can be arranged in selected accommodation or other estate settings. Indoor and outdoor gyms provide options for independent exercise and personal training.

The outdoor swimming pool offers a more open, sociable counterpart to the Bathhouse, with umbrella pines providing shade and Il Torrino nearby for refreshments.

Spanish Horses and Umbrian Days

Horses are central to Reschio’s identity. Count Antonio’s interest in breeding and classical dressage developed into an equestrian program centered on purebred Spanish horses, with instruction available for different levels of experience.

The Teatro Equestre provides a partly covered arena for training and lessons. Beyond it, guided rides lead into the estate’s woodland and open countryside. Time at the stables can be rewarding even for travelers whose interest lies in observing the horses and their training.

Other activities reflect the resources and traditions of the estate. Depending on the season and arrangements, these include truffle hunting, falconry, archery, rowing, olive-oil and wine tastings, and guided encounters with its natural environment.

Creative workshops introduce another side of Reschio. Ceramics, embroidery, paper marbling and bookbinding make space for the concentration and satisfaction of working by hand. Tennis, walking routes and electric mountain bikes provide more active ways to explore.

For an excursion beyond the estate, Cortona offers a worthwhile introduction to the nearby Tuscan hill towns, while the broader region provides opportunities to combine countryside stays with art, food and historic towns.

A Castle Stay for Older Children

Reschio Hotel welcomes guests aged 12 and above. Families with younger children are directed toward the estate’s rental houses, which offer additional bedrooms, private pools and greater flexibility around daily routines.

For teenagers, the appeal can be substantial: riding lessons, tennis, creative workshops and time outdoors offer activities with a clear connection to the place. The estate also has ponies and equestrian instruction suited to younger riders staying in its houses.

Accommodation should be selected around the family’s actual needs. Separate beds, bedroom placement and the stairs within the Tower Suite can matter more than overall floor area. For house stays, our team can coordinate suitable activities and clarify access to hotel facilities before arrival.

Keeping the Estate Alive

Reschio’s environmental approach is closely tied to managing the land and maintaining its buildings. Much of the estate remains woodland, providing habitat for wildlife and space for native vegetation to thrive.

Lakes collect and store rainwater for use across the property. The estate also maintains olive groves, vineyards, gardens and beehives, linking agricultural production with its kitchens and everyday operations.

Composting brings together material from kitchens, houses and the stables, returning it to gardens and growing areas. In the restoration work, reclaimed materials and traditional building techniques are used where practical, supported by ongoing maintenance from the same teams involved in construction.

These practices make sustainability part of the estate’s daily work, from caring for the landscape to extending the useful life of its buildings and furnishings.

Finding Your Way Through the Castle

Reschio’s historic architecture requires careful consideration for travelers with mobility needs. Elevators serve selected upper-floor accommodation, but that does not make every room, route or estate activity equally accessible.

The Tower Suite is a particularly important distinction: its five levels are connected by stairs, with no passenger elevator. Its small service lift carries food and drinks.

The estate’s scale also matters. Restaurants, stables and sports facilities occupy different locations, so accommodation placement and transfers should be discussed alongside bathroom specifications and step-free access.

Our team can work with Reschio to assess the most suitable arrangements for individual requirements before a reservation is confirmed.

Reschio Through the Seasons

Spring brings fresh growth to the woodland, flowering meadows and appealing conditions for walking, riding and spending time outdoors. It suits travelers who want an active countryside stay with generous pauses for meals and the Bathhouse.

Summer shifts the focus toward the pool, shaded terraces and long evenings. Outdoor cultural events and the estate’s tennis traditions add to the atmosphere, while riding and other physical activities are best planned around the heat.

Autumn brings changing foliage and the rhythms of the harvest, with olives, grapes, mushrooms and truffles contributing to the season’s character. It is an especially appealing period for travelers whose interests combine landscape and food.

Winter offers another mood, with mist, fires and seasonal gatherings. Operating dates and festive programming should be checked for the intended stay, rather than assuming that every facility follows the same calendar throughout the year.

Plan Your Stay With Destinations by David

Reschio rewards thoughtful accommodation selection and a schedule that leaves room to enjoy the estate. The right room might be chosen for its light, garden or distinctive architecture; a riding lesson or private Bathhouse experience may become the occasion around which the rest of a day takes shape.

Reschio Hotel participates in Virtuoso. As a Virtuoso-affiliated agency, Destinations by David can help you make the most of an eligible stay while coordinating the details that matter to your trip.

Our team can guide room selection, arrange transfers and dining, and help plan activities suited to your interests. For families and groups, we can also explore the estate’s rental houses and the services that make a longer stay comfortable.

Contact us to plan and book Reschio as a dedicated Umbrian retreat or as part of a wider journey through Italy.

Arriving in the Niccone Valley

Perugia Airport: The closest practical air gateway, approximately 40–45 minutes from Reschio by car.
Florence Airport: An alternative gateway, with a road transfer of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Rome Fiumicino Airport: Allow approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic.
Arrival by Train: Terontola-Cortona railway station is approximately 35 minutes from the hotel by car, with a prearranged transfer needed for the final journey.
Private Transfers and Rental Cars: Our team can arrange transportation around your itinerary, with a rental car particularly useful for independent excursions beyond the estate.

Reschio is reached by road, with the final approach passing through the Umbrian countryside. Allowing some flexibility on arrival day leaves time to settle in before dinner or any scheduled activities.

Time to Inhabit the Place

Reschio’s most lasting impression may come from an accumulation of small details: the proportion of a handmade lamp, the sound of horses returning to the stables, the warmth of the Bathhouse or the changing light beyond a castle window.

The estate gives those details a larger context. Architecture, food, craft and landscape all reflect a place that continues to be lived in and cared for. Allow enough time to settle into it, and a stay becomes more than a sequence of reservations: it becomes a chance to participate, however briefly, in the life of Reschio.

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Umbria, Italy | Castello di Reschio