Castello Perugia

HISTORY:
When we first set eyes on Castello Perugia in 2005, it was barely more than a few crumbling walls. It was clear that unless someone did something soon, this ancient ruin would be lost forever. Determined not to let that happen, we commissioned architect Domenico Minchilli to restore the castle stone by stone and interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard to reimagine its magnificent past room by room.

It was not a simple task. We started by carrying out a full archaeological survey to establish the original footprint as well as the historical importance of the building. It turned out the site itself was of some significance.

Our team managed to trace many of the original drawings of the castle and have used these to recreate it as accurately as possible. Now looking at the magnificent restoration it is difficult to imagine how it must have looked when it was little more than a few broken walls.

The original castle itself dates back to the 12th century and was commissioned by the Holy Roman Emperor, Federico Barbarossa. Built as a fortress, it was at the centre of the bloody wars of the time between the Empire and the Papacy.

As one stands before the castle today and surveys the panorama towards Assisi, it is remarkable how little this corner of Italy has changed and how easily one is transported to bygone times.

It is hard not to imagine Cimabue, Giotto and Simone spending time in this vicinity, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the valley, as they worked on the Basilica in Assisi. Vasari - in his celebrated 'Lives of The Artists' – implies that many of the early Renaissance artists and those after, broke with the Byzantine tradition, by taking their inspiration from these surroundings.

Today the castle is truly magnificent once more, both true to its heritage and functioning as a modern, unique and luxurious home.


FACT SHEET
With a spectacular hilltop setting and panoramic views of the countryside around Assisi, Castello Perugia is an unforgettable place to spend a vacation. Though the eight bedroom Umbrian fortress has been fully restored, its stonewalls and Renaissance-style furnishings offer a glimpse back in time. With Perugia just a 20 minute drive away, the property offers the chance to explore the region by day and relax in hotel-like accommodations by night.

Region Umbria
- Closest city Perugia
- Owner Santa Eurasia srl
- Date of original structure 1200
- Renovated 2012
- Hectares 5
- Living space 2,000 square metres
- Number of bedrooms 8

Other spaces
- Living room
- Dining room
- Wine cellar with private dining room
- Bar
- Outdoor terraces available for dining
- Professional kitchen

Outdoor features
- Swimming pool
- Pool house
- Fitness centre
- Turkish bath
- Massage room
- Stone barbecue grill
- Parking

Features
- All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms
- All bedrooms have living room space
- 220V electrical voltage
- TV and CD and DVD Player
- iPod dock
- WiFi
- Books available
- Baby equipment
- Fireplaces in every room
- Fitness centre
- Massage room
- Turkish bath
- Stone barbecue
- Laundry service
- Private parking
- Private access road
- Utilities are included
- Underfloor heating
- Air conditioning
- Professional hair dryer in every room
- Courtesy kit in every bathroom

- Wedding and private events