16th century villa&garden - history with modern facilities 1 hour from Rome

Palazzo Forani is an impressive 16th Century villa with a 13th Century tower, one of only five remaining of the fortifications of the medieval stone village Casperia, perched on a hilltop in the beautiful Sabina hills just 1 hour from Rome. The property consists in extensive accommodation for 23 people (+ 3 sofabeds) with 2 kitchens in the Granary and Archi and 4/5 people with kitchen facilities in the Torrione, a large courtyard, marvellous gardens and breathtaking views. The restoration of both villa and Torrione is to the highest quality and the atmosphere of long past times is preserved in every nook. Originally an Orsini family palace, hence the pair of bears or ORSI guarding the entrance, it was bought by the Maldura family in Napoleonic times, later to be inherited by the aristocratic Forani family who have left furnishings & layout almost as they were for centuries. The buildings are therefore a fascinating combination of the centuries with nooks&crannies, stairs and steps and rooms in unusual places so don't expect a square room in a square building! Newly installed bathrooms and central heating being the only exceptions! Some bedrooms are for 3 guests, some are for 2, double or twin, so there is great flexibility in the accomodation. Casperia is a wonderful stone village, entirely pedestrianised with its narrow, winding stone paved streets & unexpected and amazing views between the houses. Palazzo Forani boasts the only vehicular access to the old village! The Granary was originally the east wing of Palazzo Forani - whose entrance boasts 2 marvellous stone bears in homage to the renowned Roman Orsini family - and housed the grain and stores for the household. The ground floor now presents an entrance hall, kitchen with open fireplace, 2 small sitting rooms, one with fireplace, a twin bedded room with private bathroom, a double bedded room with connecting large single bedded room and shared bathroom. The ancient brick staircase leads to the first floor where there is a large drawing room with an enormous fireplace and views of the 'Corso', the paved narrow main street which circles the village. The drawing room leads to 2 double bedded rooms both with a 3rd bed and views of the Sabina hills and valleys. These 2 rooms both have private bathrooms. The kitchen can seat 12 people while the blackened hearth is cooking your aromatic dinner! Though the ancient atmosphere remains, the kitchen and bathrooms are newly installed with all modern appliances. Another wing, Gli Archi, has 3 bedrooms and a mezzanine with 3 bathrooms and a kitchen open space. A further 2 bedrooms are in another wing - it's a delightful warren just as you would expect from an ancient villa. Casperia and the surrounding area host numerous festivals and village fetes during the year. In August, it's the Stringozzi fete, a marvellous homemade pasta dish that is the centre of this delightful festival. In September, the Festa di S.Maria with dancing and naturally food and wine (no festival is without these necessary staples!) and in October it's the Polenta and Castagne fete. June sees the Irish festival and countless are the celebrations in July just because it's summer! Ask us for information if you'd like your holiday to coincide with one of these charming occasions. Yoga at Palazzo Forani! There are special offers available for yoga groups - there is a fully qualified yoga teacher and a spacious hall for groups. The beautiful garden is often used for open air yoga courses in spring, summer and autumn. Ask for details at the e-mail address given. A minimum stay of 3 nights is necessary. PLEASE NOTE: OUR STAFF ARE PREPARED FOR FULL SANITATION PROCEDURES AFTER EACH STAY