Castelli Di Napoleone

Description

Castelli di Napoleone is an exquisite estate comprising of a medieval main castle with a stunning octagonal tower built by emperor Frederick II of Swabia, striking tower building, and separate events-only castle, set within 1500 acres of parkland offering nature reserve, lakes, river and farm in the rolling Umbrian hills.

Brimming with opulence and heritage, this owner-managed abode carries all the hallmarks of prestige from generations of noble family ownership. It offers not just sumptuous accommodation, but true hospitality and warmth, from ingredients sourced from the working farm and then infused within the home-cooked meals, to organised local visits drawing upon in-depth knowledge of the local area. The owners are passionate about, and integral to, the running of this unique set of castelli.

Like a vision rising from the pages of a fairy-tale book, the castle has remained in the same family (descendants of the Bonapartes), since 1901. Set within privacy and seclusion, the majestic estate is faithful to the original structure, whilst offering contemporary comfort for a luxury break.

With sloping terracotta roofs and original stone, the main building is set around a charmingly elegant courtyard, whilst the imperial tower rises majestically, creating a vivid silhouette. The courtyard is fragrant with blossoming plants and lemon trees, dotted with al fresco dining tables and parasols, making a magical setting for dinner parties.

The main house (seven bedrooms) and the hill-top tower (eight bedrooms located in four apartments) can accommodate up to thirty guests; ideal for special occasions, and can set the scene for unutterably romantic weddings, coming complete with a simple, yet striking, church. The main house can be hired alone (with capacity for 15), whilst the guest house (with its own apartments) can only be hired in addition to the main house (a further 15 guests). A further events-only medieval castle in the valley offers scope for venue hire.

The interiors at the Castelli strike just the right balance between being opulent and lavish, full of historical charm along with cosy comfort and contemporary touches for the modern family. With exposed timber beams, original doors and stone-work, contrasting with a refined, chic and luxuriant aesthetic, guests will enjoy the blend of glamour and history around them.

The living spaces provide abundant character and sedate luxury, with sumptuous tones of jade and cream jacquard upholstery in the drawing room, magnificent original fireplaces and oodles of rococo designer flair. Each of the bedrooms offers its own theme, from the baroque gilded bedsteads, to silk drapes in pistachio greens or salmon pinks, and polished antique furnishings. Daily house-keeping and breakfast setup service are included, offering a pampered experienced for guests to truly regenerate.

Castelli di Napoleone offers a unique, secluded haven of grandeur, ornate style and hospitality. This 11th century house and commanding tower strike an opulent interplay between architectural verve and preserved history, offering something magical whether it be a wedding, anniversary, family celebration or occasion, or simply, a beautiful family holiday leaving lasting memories.

#### Features
Main House Interior
- 7 bedrooms (6 double and one triple), with en-suite bathrooms (with rainfall showers and bath tubs, of which two are whirlpool)
- Two guest bathrooms
- Professional kitchen with dishwasher, volcanic stone grill, two ovens, refrigerators and freezer
- Bar-lounge with ice maker, Nespresso coffee machine, fridge and professional glass washer
- Series of drawing rooms and reception rooms, including games room with pool table

Guest Tower Interior

- 4 apartments
- 8 bedrooms (15 beds)
- 5 bathrooms
- Reception room
** Main House Only (15 guests) **
** Main House + Guest Tower (30 guests) **
Outside Grounds
- 1500 acres of parkland
- 5000m² of landscape designed gardens featuring a rose garden, botanic garden and vegetable garden
- Infinity salt-water pool (15.6m x 7.7m), open approximately April to end of September
- Large wooden shelter with sofa and sunbeds, shower, telephone and fridge
- 3000m² terrracedgardens featuring children's playground and panoramic terrace
- Castle roof terrace with views of the Tiber Valley
- Working farm providing fresh ingredients for cooking
- Dining pavilion with stone barbecue
- Medieval courtyard surrounded by lemon trees
- Seating and dining
- 18th century consecrated church
- Table tennis table
- Table football
- Private parking
- Bocce court
Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (in all bedrooms and panoramic veranda)
- Heating
- Working fireplace
- Satellite TV
- Sky
- CD player
- Telephones
- Safe boxes (in bedrooms)
- Mini fridges (in bedrooms)
- Swing and slide
- Sandbox
- Pool table
- Mountain bikes with helmets for adults and children
- Hairdryers
- Washing machine, dryer, iron, ironing board and steamer
- Meeting room (on request, to be pre-booked)
- Office corner with PC, printer, scanner and fax
- Fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector in kitchen, fire extinguishers in both buildings

#### Location
The Castelli di Napoleone castles are nestled in a rural spot, in the heart of Umbria, just thirty minutes drive to the Tuscan border, set mid-way between Rome and Florence (each two hours drive away). Both Assisi and Perugia are within easy reach - Assisi, birthplace of St Francis, offers a mystical spot seeped with history and a beautiful historical abbey, whilst the medieval Perugia comes alive during the summer with festivals, music and theatre.

This unique residence offers both rural tranquillity as well as easy access to the peaceful close-by village of Ponte Pattoli, which has all essential amenities including bars, shops and eateries, whilst sports activities are plentiful nearby (riding, tennis and 18 hole golf course.) The beauty of this unique home is that it offers so much within its grounds, that guests have ample to do on their doorstep - the estate has a myriad of walking and biking trails, it offers truffle and mushroom hunting as well as yoga lessons, prepared picnics for luscious walks within unspoilt nature, along ancient trees, wild flowers, lakes, streams and a 6 kilometre stretch of the Tiber river.

The concierge team has excellent local knowledge and can organise anything from cooking classes, to wine and chocolate tastings, or visits to pretty local towns. From thermal pools to medieval cathedrals and olive oil museum, Umbria has an intriguing amount of history to discover.

Nearby Todi is 30 minutes away, Spoleto is 45 minutes away and Orvieto is 60 minutes away. Spoleto boasts a colourful and intriguing history as well as artistic heritage dating back to Roman times; the town itself offers authentically Umbrian winding streets, artisan cafes, crafts-based shopping, as well as the castle and many churches which are centuries-old. Spoleto is known today for its annual summer Festival Dei Due Mondi, a showcase to the region's music, dance, opera and theatre. Orvieto's old town is a fascinating series of winding streets and piazzas with a colourful weekly market; the centrepiece is the Duomo, with an underground tunnelling system, and also worth visiting is the antique papal residence, the “Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo.”
Lake Trasimeno, rich with history and cultural heritage is approximately 30 minutes distance. This is a nature lover's haven, and is home to wild ducks, cormorants, kites and kingfishers. An area of outstanding beauty, visitors will marvel at the majestic woods, sunflower and corn fields, vineyards and olive groves, whilst agriculture is still carried out following traditional techniques. Several charming towns are located on Lake Trasimeno, as well as its islands, visitors can enjoy unspoilt nature and boat trips on the lake.

From Romanesque architecture, to hilltop fortresses, to the funicular up the rock-face of Orient, to the enchanting Fracassi Caves, to the medieval basilica at Assisi, to one of Umbria's oldest towns Gubbio, Umbria is a gem of discovery, with so much for visitors, along with unfussy yet delicious regional cuisine.