Description
One hour from Rome, 1.5 hours from Florence, and 350 meters above sea level on a nature-made terrace sits the beloved Casale Prato delle Coccinelle: sustainable farmhouse retreat, organic olive estate, and unforgettable getaway for 8 guests.
FIRST, THE VIEW
From golden sunsets on the olive groves to night skies brimming with stars, our farmhouse presents one incredible panorama after another.
But the near-infinite view from the terrace is the most exceptional of them all.
Select a bottle of wine, head to the terrace’s
al fresco dining table, and savor a quiet moment overseeing an incredible landscape of rivers, lakes, mountains, and the towns of Ancient Etruria.
BEDROOM & BATHS
Four bedrooms at Casale Prato delle Coccinelle each have their own complete, new bathroom decorated with handmade Assisi tiles. All bedrooms boast magnificent views and their own distinctive color scheme inspired by the natural world surrounding us here.
::The Zafferano Suite:: King-size bed (handmade in Brazil); large adjacent bath.
::The Celeste Suite:: King-size ‘baldacchino;’ ensuite bath with shower; enter through the library.
::The Salvia Suite:: Upstairs honeymoon suite; king-size 'baldacchino;' meditation space; large ensuite bath.
::'Rosa Suite:: Both a living room and a bedroom, thanks to a Parisian sofa that converts to 2 single beds or 1 double bed.
CUISINE
Eating well is a given at Casale Prato delle Coccinelle.
Sample our estate’s simple pleasures, from the local wine collection in our cellar and extra-virgin olive oil from our groves, to the fresh herbs and organic fruits and vegetables from our garden.
Our kitchen—a former bread bakery—holds a place of honor in the house. The fireplace marks the opening of the original bread oven, and we re-opened the bread cooling window to let in the incredible view.
Serious chefs will feel at home here, with SMEG appliances including a 6-fire stove/convection oven, an electric pizza oven, and many small appliances.
GATHERING
Take a dip in a sparkling pool, tucked into the 3000 sq. m. garden and set before the countryside panorama.
Inside, rack up at a 1950s handmade Marani billiards table from Sienna in the billiards room. A fireplace and flat-screen television add to the room’s relaxed ambiance. Or retreat to the piano room with a 1930s Pleyel 'mezzacode' from Paris.
Our stocked library presents another lovely space to spend an afternoon.
ART & DESIGN
As an architect, I (Debra) made careful decisions about Casale Prato delle Coccinelle design when I took over in 2005-6, rebuilding using only natural finishings and the 1864 farmhouse’s own materials.
In Italian this is “recupero”: breathing new life; reviving a lost identity.
And so the interiors recall the simplicity of a classic farmhouse, with the advantages of the modern age. Find indigenous Brazilian, Tuscan, Umbrian and French antiques juxtaposed with contemporary designs by architect Ruggero Giuliani, plus artworks by various Italian and Norwegian artists.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS & EXPERIENCES
We provide or can help arrange:
:: Special events, including catering services
:: Guided tours for kayaking/canoeing on the Tevere
:: Trekking in the WWF Oasis di Alviano
:: Truffle hunts and cooking classes with truffle dinner
:: Equestrian classes
:: Etruscan Grotte Degustation of local cheese, wines, and extra virgin olive oils
:: Personal chef and events upon request
:: Wine cellar tours
:: Day trips to many towns and cities—we can provide detailed itineraries and suggestions
DISTANCES
:: Rome (1 hour)
:: Florence (1,40 hrs)
OUR SIDE OF UMBRIA
-10 min. Lugnano, Porchiano, Baschi, Castiglione in Teverina
-15 min. Lazio
-20 min. Orvieto, Amelia, Bagnoregio (UNESCO site), Bomarzo
-30 min. Todi, Narni, Lago Bolsena
-40 min. Pitigliano, Perugia
-60 min. Tuscany