What it is

A 3,706 acre spread complete with a circa 1050 castle that was recently transformed into a royal-worthy retreat by the Bolza family.

What it isn't

Lacking a pool. This one is ready for a star turn in Shakespeare, with a mirror-like surface shaded by towering pines and overlooking the rolling Umbrian hills.

What we think

The only thing better than “Under the Tuscan Sun”? Under the Umbrian Sun, in an actual castle. The guest rooms in this one seem tailor-made for a Hollywood moment, thanks to their stucco walls adorned in gold gilt antique portraits; Deco-inspired light fixtures; and soaring ceilings with exposed wood beams. Rooms begin at 323 square feet—to spread out a bit, we recommend upgrading to a 646 square foot Suite Castello, where you’ll likely have a canopy bed and room dotted with antiques culled from local flea markets. Don’t miss heading to the hotel’s dimly lit Bar Centrale—so cinematic you could swear you see a young Sophia Loren nursing a negroni in the corner.

You're here because

Breakfast is included at Restaurant Al Castello—and it’s a buffet piled high, with housemade everything (most of it sourced locally. It is Italy, after all.)

The Moment

In the lush, palm-shrouded atrium known as Palm Court, only one thing is prettier than the space—and that’s the afternoon tea trolley, piled high with delicacies that would wow any of the Enchanted April set.

Restaurants & Bars

Ristorante Alle Scuderie - offering simple menus with elegant touches of fresh and local produce

Ristorante Al Castello - serving traditional Italian specialities every evening, this restaurant uses ingredients sourced from the estate and surrounding area

Bar Centrale - this centerpiece of Restorante Alle Scuderie exudes an air of old-world Italian glamour, offering a variety of drinks all day

Palm Court Bar - the perfect spot for a relaxing drink upon arrival or a selection from the retro-cool afternoon tea trolley

Il Torrino - chic pool bar offering freshly-made juices or cocktails and light bites

Location

Edging Tuscany, near the Umbrian village of Lisciano Niccone. Worth a 30 minute drive: La Rocca di Passignano sul Trasimeno, a red-roofed medieval castle overlooking Trasimeno Lake.