Castle blooms in classic Umbrian landscape

The privately-owned luxurious TodiCastle Estate set in a stunning verdant landscape in the heart of Umbria, is to be introduced to the UK leisure traveller for exclusive and private rental opportunities in 2008. Perched high on a hilltop, TodiCastle and its ancient Tower of Orlando, stand vigil over a classic landscape of olive groves, vineyards and fields of golden sunflowers.

A decade of conservation, lovingly undertaken by the Santoro family (the present owners) has ensured the full and sensitive restoration of this 13th century property to its former architectural glory.

The castle successfully combines a fascinating blend of architectural heritage with contemporary luxury. Each suite and guest bedroom, featuring its own gleaming bathroom, is decorated in a distinct style with carefully-chosen antiques, artworks and minimalist furniture.

The castle boasts a range of facilities including WiFi access, satellite TV, well-equipped kitchen, a lounge with open fireplace and panoramic views and even a private chapel. Sleeping 10 guests in five suites located in the North Wing, one week rental costs from 4,950 Euros (approximately £350 per person, based on full occupancy). The West Wing sleeps a further three guests and may be rented in conjunction with the North Wing only, from 1,100 Euros per week.

Rental includes exclusive use of the swimming pool, Italian breakfasts, linens, towels and maid service (6 days a week). There is the option of a chef and staff who will prepare and serve the finest Italian cuisine, incorporating locally-sourced truffles, olive oil, spices, cheeses and superb wine, grown and produced nearby or on the estate itself.

Three separate villas sensitively placed within the 45 acre parkland, each sleeping 8 to 10 persons, are also available for weekly rental, priced from 2,200 Euros (or £200pp, based on full occupancy).

Located within an easy drive of Rome (1.5 hours) with frequent, low cost flights from the UK by Ryanair which start from around £80 per person (inclusive of taxes) or Perugia Airport (45-minutes) by Alitalia, via Milan, from around £200 per persons. Private transfers can be arranged to the TodiCastle Estate, as well as car and minivan rentals from 520 Euros (£370) per week.

The Castle is the perfect location for family reunions or groups of friends. The Umbria Grill, a super-in-house restaurant can cater for a wide range of events such as parties, family celebrations, live music, performances and dance. Cookery classes are also offered, as well as demonstrations of world-class food preparation. Other amenities available at the TodiCastle Estate include a relaxing massage, baby-sitting, children’s parties, guided tours, car rentals and wine tastings.

Events in the local area include the world-renowned Umbria Jazz Festival, which takes place annually in July and the International ‘Festival dei Due Mondi’ in Spoleto. Many contemporary artists and ceramic artisans have their studios in the vicinity of the Estate and private visits can be arranged for Castle and Villa guests.

Guests can hire mountain bikes or explore the beautiful countryside on foot, discovering Etruscan and Roman ruins, as well as many Medieval watch towers, with or without a personal guide. Younger guests will love to spend time with TodiCastle’s own ‘menagerie’ of deer, horses, donkeys, ducks, dogs and goats.

Holidaymakers may also wish to take a day trip to the beach of Capalbio, with its fine seafood restaurants or visit Citta’ della Domenica and the ‘Monster Park’, two of Umbria’s most popular family destinations.

If some traditional culture, sightseeing or perhaps even retail therapy is called for, Rome, with its world-class designer retail stores, such as Prada, Gucci, Armani and Bulgari, is only a 70-minute drive. Just three miles from the Estate is the famous Marc Mességue spa, a paradise for anyone seeking purely natural treatments based on phytotherapy (half and full-day sessions are priced from 185 Euros, per person.)

TodiCastle is a member of the Union of European Historic Houses Association, and is one of the most stunning privately-owned homes in Central Italy. The Santoro family is delighted to offer guests the opportunity to experience, at first-hand, a little of the castle’s fascinating history whilst sleeping in the shadow of the Tower of Orlando.

For more information, visit TodiCastle.com.