Castelli di Napoleone is an exquisite estate comprising of a medieval main castle with a stunning octagonal tower built by emperor Frederick II of Swabia, an adjacent former watch tower with a palace (fully renovated in 2023), and separate events-only castle, set within 1500 acres a very private historic Estate offering nature reserve, lakes, river and farm in the rolling Umbrian hills.
Brimming with opulence and heritage, this owner-managed abode carries all the hallmarks of prestige from generations of noble family ownership. It offers not just sumptuous accommodation, but true hospitality and warmth, from ingredients sourced from the working farm available to buy, to organised local visits drawing upon in-depth knowledge of the local area.
The castles have remained in the same family (descendants of the Bonapartes), since 1901. Set within privacy and seclusion, the majestic estate is faithful to the original structure, whilst offering contemporary comfort for a luxury break.
With sloping terracotta roofs and original stone, the main building is set around a charmingly elegant courtyard, whilst the imperial tower with its palace rises majestically. The courtyard is fragrant with blossoming plants and lemon trees, dotted with al fresco dining tables and parasols, and a latest generation wood-burning oven to bake delicious pizza, making a magical setting for dinner parties.
The main house (seven bedrooms) and the hill-top tower palace villa (eight bedrooms) can accommodate up to thirty guests; ideal for special occasions, and can set the scene for unutterably romantic weddings, coming complete with an 18th century church that is also available for meetings and concerts. The main house can be hired alone (with capacity for 15), whilst the guest house can only be hired in addition to the main house (a further 15 guests).
The interiors at the Castelli strike just the right balance between being opulent and lavish, full of historical charm along with cosy comfort and contemporary touches for the modern family. With exposed timber beams, original doors and stone-work, contrasting with a refined, chic and luxuriant aesthetic, guests will enjoy the blend of glamour and history around them.
The living spaces provide abundant character and sedate luxury, with sumptuous tones of jade, cream jacquard upholstery in the drawing room and magnificent original fireplaces. Each of the bedrooms offers its own theme, from the elegant gilded bedsteads, to silk drapes in pistachio greens or salmon pinks, and polished antique furnishings.
Castelli di Napoleone offers a unique, secluded haven of grandeur, ornate style and optional hospitality. This 11th century house and commanding tower with its palace strike an opulent interplay between architectural verve and preserved history, offering something magical whether it be a wedding, anniversary, family celebration or occasion.
The Castelli di Napoleone castles are nestled in a rural spot, in the heart of Umbria, just thirty minutes drive to the Tuscan border, set mid-way between Rome and Florence (each two hours drive away). Both Assisi and Perugia are within easy reach - Assisi, birthplace of St Francis, offers a mystical spot seeped with history and a beautiful historical abbey, whilst the medieval Perugia comes alive during the summer with festivals, music and theatre.
This unique residence offers both rural tranquillity as well as easy access to the peaceful close-by village of Ponte Pattoli, which has all essential amenities including bars, shops and eateries, whilst sports activities are plentiful nearby (riding, tennis and 18 hole golf course.) The beauty of this unique home is that it offers so much within its grounds, that guests have ample to do on their doorstep - the estate has a myriad of walking and biking trails, it offers truffle and mushroom hunting as well as yoga lessons, relaxing sound baths, cooking classes, win and truffles tastings, prepared picnics to enjoy along ancient trees, wild flowers, lakes, streams and a 6 kilometre stretch of the Tiber river.
The concierge team has excellent local knowledge and can organise anything from cooking classes, to wine tours in Umbria and nearby Tuscany, chocolate tastings, courses at Perugina factory, and more.
Nearby Todi is 30 minutes away, Spoleto is 45 minutes away and Orvieto is 60 minutes away. Spoleto boasts a colourful and intriguing history as well as artistic heritage dating back to Roman times; the town itself offers authentically Umbrian winding streets, artisan cafes, crafts-based shopping, as well as the castle and many churches which are centuries-old. Spoleto is known today for its annual summer Festival Dei Due Mondi, a showcase to the region’s music, dance, opera and theatre. Orvieto’s old town is a fascinating series of winding streets and piazzas with a colourful weekly market; the centrepiece is the Duomo, with an underground tunnelling system, and also worth visiting is the antique papal residence, the “Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo.” Lake Trasimeno, rich with history and cultural heritage is approximately 30 minutes distance. This is a nature lover’s haven, and is home to wild ducks, cormorants, kites and kingfishers. An area of outstanding beauty, visitors will marvel at the majestic woods, sunflower and corn fields, vineyards and olive groves, whilst agriculture is still carried out following traditional techniques. Several charming towns are located on Lake Trasimeno, as well as its islands, visitors can enjoy unspoilt nature and boat trips on the lake.
From Romanesque architecture, to hilltop fortresses, to the funicular up the rock-face of Orient, to the enchanting Fracassi Caves, to the medieval basilica at Assisi, to one of Umbria’s oldest towns Gubbio, Umbria is a gem of discovery, with so much for visitors, along with unfussy yet delicious regional cuisine.
1) Castle only (15-person price)
2) Castle and all bedrooms in the Guest Tower Palace Villa (20-person price)
3) Castle and Guest Tower (30-person price)
Main Castle Interior (550 sqm)
- 7 bedrooms (6 double and 1 triple), with en-suite bathrooms (with rainfall showers and bath tubs, of which two are whirlpool)
- 2x guest bathroom
- Professional kitchen with dishwasher, volcanic stone grill, two ovens, refrigerators and freezer
- Bar-lounge with ice maker, coffee machine, fridge and professional glass washer
- Series of drawing rooms and reception rooms, including games room with pool table
- Living room with home cinema
- Panoramic covered terrace with commanding view over the valley, garden and castle courtyard
Guest Tower Palace villa Interior
Ground Floor
- Suite with independent entrance from the Tower front Square - small double bedroom (queen size bed), ensuite with rain shower and living room
- Entrance
- Fully equipped kitchen with NEFF semi-professional appliances (all electric)
- Dining room with large fireplace (sits 10)
- Open space with large dining table (sits 15), living area, wet bar (with coffer machine, fridge and ice-maker), smart TV with Netflix. Exit to the external panoramic terrace
- TV room
- Laundry room
- Guest bathroom
- 'The Vassal' double bedroom (king size bed can be converted into twins)
- Bathroom with shower, hydromassage and cervical cascade First Floor
- Single bedroom with ensuite bathroom with rain shower
- Master suite with double bedroom (double bed that can be converted into twins)
- Living room with fireplace
- Full bathroom with shower with hydromassage and cervical cascade
- Double bedroom (double bed can be converted into twins), with ensuite full bathroom with rain shower
Second Floor
- Double bedroom (double bed can be converted into twins), with ensuite full bathroom with shower with hydromassage and cervical cascade
- Suite containing 2 double bedrooms and connected by an inner wooden staircase to the 3rd floor. Double bedroom (queen size bed) and bathroom
Third Floor
- Studio wardrobe
- Double bedroom (queen size bed)
Outside Grounds
- Infinity salt-water pool (14m x 7.5m; depth: 148 cm)
- Large wooden shelter with sofa and sunbeds, shower, dining area and fridge
- 3000m² terraced gardens featuring children’s playground and panoramic terrace
- Castle roof terrace with views of the Tiber Valley
- 5000m² of landscape designed gardens featuring a 'David Austin' rose garden, botanic garden and vegetable garden
- Dining pavilion with stone barbecue
- Medieval courtyard surrounded by lemon trees with the latest generation wood-fired oven
- Access to 1500 acres of Bagnara Estate with walking/biking trails, woodland and picnic areas
- Working farm
- 18th century consecrated church
- Bocce court
- 2x barbecue area
- Private parking
- Lighting
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (in all bedrooms of the main castle and panoramic veranda; in all rooms of the Tower Palace Villa)
- 4x stereo multiroom sound systems (in the main castle panoramic terrace, in the dining veranda, at the pool wooden shelter and at the Tower Palace villa living room)
- CD player
- Billiard table
- Mountain bikes with helmets for adults and children
- Fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen
- 2x fully-equipped laundry rooms (one in each building)
