Testimonial 07

Umbria is known as the green heart of Italy, and nowhere does this feel more true than at Casale deli Olivi. This classic, lovingly renovated Umbrian farmhouse is set on a terraced hillside overlooking a verdant valley. We awoke each morning to watch the sunlight creeping over the distant, tree-covered hills, granite rock-faces, and romantic ruins, as it burned off the mist that collected in the valley. The property is surrounded by olive trees, figs, and lavender, which gives off a ravishing perfume, and was alive with the buzzing of the honeybees during the idyllic time we spent there this summer. A weary traveler could sit all day on the terrace by the pool watching the swallows dive down to sip the water or listen to the bells ringing in the small village of San Giovanni del Pantano, at the bottom of the hill. The pleasures of Umbria—and the vast artistic and historical wealth of towns like Orvieto, Perugia, and Assisi—were enough to draw us out of the hammock and away from a novel read under the shady canopy of the wisteria, but only just! The house is well-equipped and beautifully furnished with lots of gorgeous art covering the walls. Rolando was very helpful, arranging a catered dinner for us for one evening. Julia (the lady who came to cater) cooked some of the best food we ate during our trip and was an absolute joy. Rolando was an engaged and helpful host. We are especially grateful to him for deferring our booking throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are so glad that after the long wait, we were finally able to experience this very special place. We hope one day to return.

- Sarah K.