An 11th century castle located on the outskirts of Todi, Italy in the amber colored sunflower drenched fields in Umbria awaits the discerning traveler who is seeking true inner piece away from tourist laden regions such as Tuscany and Lazio. Winding through the tiny hamlets with cobblestone streets near Collelungo, the majestic Orlando Tower with its flag can be seen from a top a mountain in the far off distance.
Once a secluded kingdom for bishops and kings and used as a monastery, the stately castle has been fully restored to offer accomodations for up to 40 persons in the villas adorning the property as well as the castle walls herself. The rooms with views offer more than a bed to rest as the sprawling countryside of Umbria is as breathtaking as some of her inhabitants. The art which dangles for viewing comes alive from masters who have touched the castle with their spirited hands and you can find yourself lost in her charm and authenticity.
The rooms within the castles walls each speak a different story. The bishops room is stately with gold adornment and elegance and a high headboard while the Virgins Room with its free flowing white draping fabric over the twin canopy beds is a true romantics dream if only to wonder how it got its name.
The food found in Umbria is so very unlike the rest of Italy. The castle operates a sustainable farm and the results are simple, uncomplicated fair served in the restaurant on site, which is open aired.The Umbrian Grill just having opened this year, bearing wood burning ovens and chargrills turns the prestigious heritage pork raised on the castle grounds into a meal not found or savored in any restaurant. Truly a delicasy in today's fast paced world to savor a country side dinner whose only enemy is time coupled with slow cooked food. This restaurant is open seasonally from late March to late August. Be sure to call for times and dinner reservations as it fills quickly.
Sample the castles own select picked grapes that produce the estates bottled treasure in red and white wine which makes for a perfect dinner if so desired under the ivy laden pergola on a clear star filled night.
Mario Santoro Woith, a well known visual artist himself who has had public showings of his art around the world oversees the production of the wine as well as the castle and is as intoxicating to behold and meet as the wine he produces from his select grapes.
If you thought this was enough, there is more that awaits you to include fruit trees, horses, olive groves where they bottle their own olive oil and have tastings for the true discerner of the liquid gold as well as cooking classes taught by their castles chef who has been with the Santoro family for over 27 years. Whether you seek a private recluse or wish to host a party or wedding celebration, let Todi Castle and its discerning staff have the opportunity to make your dreams come true while in Umbria.
www.todicastle.com
mario@todicastle.com
Villas available for rent are Villa Pianesante, Villa Cipresso and Campo Rinaldo as well as the castle and its rooms
U.S. toll free number: 800 579 3311 code 00
Our New York number: 1 212 734 50 87
Our Todi number: 39 347 570 71 48
