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Il Sogno - Elegant 2BR Flat in an Ancient Hilltop Village Near Rome
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Half Baths | 1 |
| Space | 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Property type | apartment |
| Minimum Stay | 4 nights |
Overview
2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms, Convertible bed(s), Sleeps 6
Located just outside of Rome, in the well-preserved medieval village of Casperia (Casperia prohibits automobiles, so it has retained it's medieval character and is quiet and safe to wander about), il Sogno is within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. It's Sub-Floor Heating system keeps il Sogno warm in Winter and the two-foot thick walls and Casperia's 400 metre elevation keep il Sogno comfortably cool in the warmer months.
A Swimming/Tennis Club is located 2 kilometres from Casperia. Guests at il Sogno may join the club for a nominal fee. Cooking lessons may be arranged at a local agriturismo (ask the owner). Casperia is located near a Commuter Rail line to Rome, so that il Sogno's guests can easily enjoy the wonders of that magnificent city and return to the beauty and peaceful serenity that is Casperia. Northern Lazio and much of Southern Tuscany and Umbria is within easy Day Trip reach.
The Apartment: Il Sogno, a recently-restored apartment in the heart of Casperia's centro storico, offers guests the opportunity to share in the delights of Casperia and its strategic location in a relaxed setting as ancient and elegant as Casperia itself. Although tastefully furnished with antique furniture and wonderful Persian carpets, in keeping with its ancient roots, il Sogno was designed with comfort in mind, including a well-appointed kitchen, separate dining and living areas, a large, modern full bath on the main level and a half bath below, and two double bedrooms, one carved out of the living rock, on which Casperia is built, the other boasting a fireplace and a wonderful view over the Sabina mountains. In clement weather, guests can enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of cheese outside on the adjacent terrazza, shaded by a pergola covered by a 150+ year old grapevine, taking in sights and scents of the newly-restored garden, planted with antique roses, lavender, rosemary and plumbago.
Located just outside of Rome, in the well-preserved medieval village of Casperia (Casperia prohibits automobiles, so it has retained it's medieval character and is quiet and safe to wander about), il Sogno is within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. It's Sub-Floor Heating system keeps il Sogno warm in Winter and the two-foot thick walls and Casperia's 400 metre elevation keep il Sogno comfortably cool in the warmer months. A Swimming/Tennis Club is located 2 kilometres from Casperia. Guests at il Sogno may join the club for a nominal fee. Cooking lessons may be arranged at a local agriturismo (ask the owner).
Casperia is located near a Commuter Rail line to Rome, so that il Sogno's guests can easily enjoy the wonders of that magnificent city and return to the beauty and peaceful serenity that is Casperia. Northern Lazio and much of Southern Tuscany and Umbria is within easy Day Trip reach. More information is available on il Sogno's web site.
About Owner/Manager
Meg & Chris Phillips bought the 'hovel' they remodeled into il Sogno in 2005, and have been traveling to Italy twice a year ever since. Now retired, they spend a grew months a year in Casperia, sharing it with interested guests when they are not there.
Owner/Manager purchased this apartment in 2005
Why Owner/Manager chose Latium (Lazio)
We fell in love with Casperia and the Sabina area when we first saw it in November of 2004. Initially, we picked Casperia because of its beauty and its proximity to Rome, our favorite big city. The Sabina area, is as beautiful an area as exists in Italy.
the people are genuine and the area is not over-run by tourists. In addition to Rome, Casperia is located within easy day trip distance to so many areas -- tourist and non-tourist.
The more time we spend in Casperia, the more we realize how lucky we are to have stumbled upon our own piece of heaven.
What makes this apartment unique
The upstairs of il Sogno was build in the 14th-15th century, the downstairs in the 10th-11th Century. When we first saw it, it was a wreck--our 'hovel'--but we were able to see through that and envision the possibilities. We managed to preserve il Sogno's ancient feel (centuries old wooden beams, ancient rock work and walls two feet thick, terra-cotta tile floors, etc.) while modernizing the kitchen and bathrooms, sub-floor heating, etc.--the modern amenities one expects these days. Furnished with antiques, it really does combine the best of the old and the new.
Amenities
Casperia Apartment Accommodation and Amenities
- apartment
- building
- Guests provide their own meals
- 1000 sq. ft.
- Check-in: 10:00 AM / Check-out: Noon
- Max. occupancy: 6
- not suitable for children
- pets not allowed
- non smoking only
- Mountain
- Mountain View ...
- Rural
- Village ...
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
- Fireplace
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- Internet
- Iron & Board
- Linens Provided
- Living Room
- Towels Provided
- Washing Machine
- Coffee Maker
- Dishes & Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Kitchen
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Toaster
- Dining Room
- seating for 6 people
- 1 Bathroom,
- 1 Half Bath
-
Full 1 -
toilet
,
combination tub/shower
,
bidet
Half 1 - toilet
- Soak away the results of a long day of sightseeing in the over sized tub.
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
-
Bedroom 1 -
1 queen
Bedroom 2 - 1 queen
- The Master Bedroom has a wonderful view across Casperia to the Sabina Mountains, a cozy fireplace and is equipped with a comfortable Memory Foam mattress. The Camera Vecchia, or old bedroom, has a Queen bed, and is graced with the flat's original, massive chestnut beams and ceiling and a private half-bath.The second bedroom is located in the lower level. The couch in the living room folds out into surprisingly comfortable queen-sized bed.
- Books
- Games
- Video Library
- Lawn / Garden
- Outdoor Grill
- wheelchair inaccessible
- autumn foliage
- botanical garden
- churches
- festivals
- forests
- museums
- restaurants
- ruins
- waterfalls
- winery tours
- antiquing
- bird watching
- horseback riding
- outlet shopping
- photography
- scenic drives
- shopping
- sight seeing
- walking
- wildlife viewing
- ATM/bank
- groceries
- massage therapist
- medical services
- cycling
- golf
- hiking
- mountain climbing
- rafting
- rock climbing
- swimming
- tennis
Reviews
5/5 -
(5 traveler reviews)
A Gem
Chris and Meg Phillips have named their beautiful home in Casperia "Il Sogno" ("The Dream") and indeed it is a dream location. This dream begins when you leave your car in the very convenient and free car park and start walking up the winding cobbled paths of this medieval fortress town on your way to the apartment. When you recognize the wooden door of the apartment from the pictures you will know that you have arrived. Rosella will open the door for you for the first time and walking through it you step back in time into an authentic decor that will leave you breathless (the steps will also have contributed somewhat to your lack of breath...). The apartment is beautifully restored and offers all the modern conveniences you would expect.
The kitchen is so well equipped that you tend to forget that you are away from home and the apartment is stocked with books and maps of the area and of Rome.The very helpful information book prepared by the owners covers everything you need to know with regard to the apartment itself, hiking in the area, shops, restaurants, trains and even Rome.
As for the Sabina, this is my first, and definitely not my last visit. As opposed to the much advertised Tuscany, the Sabina seems much less frequented by tourists ( a good thing!), the hills are beautiful, and the people very friendly.
We spent 10 days at Il Sogno, went twice to Rome (40 minutes by train) and took a day trip to Southern Tuscany, not to mention the hikes we took in the proximity of Casperia and a bit further toward the Abbruzzo.
We had a lovely vacation.
Our Glorious Stay at Il Sogno
Our time at Il Sogno was a perfect delight. Chris and Meg Phillips have created a beautiful and tranquil refuge in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy we have ever visited (and we go to Italy almost every year, given our many relatives there). We were happy, comfortable and greatly at peace throughout our stay.
Rosella -- the Phillips' "on the ground" contact person -- greeted us on arrival, led us up to Il Sogno and provided us with a very warm and helpful introduction. We didn't need any help from her after that, as it turned out, but if we had we know she'd have been just as accommodating.
We are attentive to the design characteristics of the places where we spend our time (starting at home with our 110-year-old house -- about a thousand years junior in age to Il Sogno!). These things matter to us. The tasteful way the Phillips have restored, furnished and decorated Il Sogno has made it, aesthetically, an exceptionally pleasing place to live while in Casperia. Beyond that it is fully equipped with a marvellous kitchen, laundry facilities, &c. The comprehensive binder of helpful information -- about how to operate the appliances, things to do and see in the Sabine region, &c. -- was very helpful.
We chose to stay for an entire week. It was the right call. There was lots in the region to keep us interested and we saw much during our stay. But we also found it very pleasing to ease back and simply take in the pleasures of the house and Casperia themselves. Il Sogno provided us a peaceful oasis of calm where we did not feel pressure to be out and about seeing sights every day. We slept in. We did some writing. We did some reading. It was bliss.
There can be no greater pleasure than venturing out during the day to explore the Sabine Hills and then coming back with wonderful wine and fresh ingredients to make a marvellous dinner at home. In that regard, a stop at the Ecofattorie Sabine location in Poggio Mirteto Scalo for, among other things, the to-die-for baked ricotta on offer there from the lovely Mary is an absolute must.
When restaurant meals feel right, don't miss Friends and L'Asprese. And, for heaven's sake, do not leave Casperia without taking a cooking class from the delightful and very talented Paola at the Gusto al Borgo Scuola di Cucina.
Altogether, we could not have enjoyed Il Sogno more. We will return.
Tom and Lydia, Vancouver, CANADA
A magical place
My husband, in laws and a 16 month baby spent a whole week at il sogno last month. It was absolutely magical. You can read a lot about the hill towns of Italy, research, ask, buy the books, but nothing compares to the beautiful walk from the bottom of the town to the amazing property for the very first time. It was breath taking, not only because the amount of steps, but because you feel like you just went back to time quite few centuries. In Casperia the time has not past ... it was just perfect. The buildings, the scenery, the people, the house gives you a full medieval experience. Roselle was very nice to us and helpful. The house was VERY comfortable for grandparents who did not want to leave the house, and the baby who had plenty of walks and places to go and explore in town. We had no problems at all. I completely recommend this property for families. I have rented many properties all around the world, but no one has been as professional, reliable and actually show concern for our comfort and safety as Phillip did. it was a pleasure to deal with him and we hope to go back one day to this amazing home.
A Lovely Week at Il Sogno
After staying a week at Il Sogno, we can't wait to go back. It is so beautiful and felt like home to us. The apartment is clean, spacious, well furnished and comfortable. The master bedroom has beautiful views, the most comfortable bed, plenty of closet and storage space. The living room is perfect for sitting and reading or listening to music. The kitchen is well equipped and we cooked many of our meals and were able to enjoy them in the garden, which was beautiful. The main bathroom is spacious and luxurious with plenty of towels at hand. The tub is huge and the rain-type shower head was very nice. There is a washer available and a drying rack, our clothes dried overnight. The second bedroom and half bathroom was private and had a special feel that starts with the spiral staircase that leads into the room. The whole apartment was so special and quite an experience. It feels like you are staying at a friend's house, not a rental.
We loved staying in Casperia. Our Italian is limited, but we got by nicely. We spent a lot of time just walking around Casperia, it is so captivating. We enjoyed eating at L'Asprese several times, the pizza was fantastic. We were able to go to Johnny Madge's one evening and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We rented a car in Rome and enjoyed driving around Lazio and found driving in Italy not as difficult as some say. The free parking lot outside the walls of Casperia was convenient. The caffe at the Petroccia bar was the best we had in Italy. Can't wait to go back!
Italy and the words “drea...
Italy and the words “dream vacation” are inextricably linked for me. My first visit to Italy was in 1999. I fell in love with the country, the people, the food, the wine and culture. What’s not to love? Highlights from that trip included a day wandering the Roman Forum, a visit to the Pantheon, and two unforgettable side trips: one to the Umbrian hilltop town of Orvieto, and the other to Byzantium’s outpost on the Adriatic, Ravenna, with all its dazzling mosaics. Ten years later, we wanted to experience a different side of Italy—something slower paced, more restorative—something with a base in the hills outside the city, but still close enough and connected to Rome for us to be able to hop on a bus or train and head there, or north to Orvieto, if we pleased.Through an online search of hilltop towns in Lazio, we came across a picture of Casperia. There was just something about it that grabbed our attention and captured our imagination. The more pictures we saw and the more we read about the town we realized that “this is the place”. At first we considered staying in a bed and breakfast, but we discovered the website for “Il Sogno” and opted for a house rental. We are sure glad we did. The photos on the website can only hint at the character and charm of the Phillips’ house. The moment we came through the door we were in love with the place. For one glorious week in April Il Sogno was our home away from home.We love cooking, so we used the kitchen a lot at Il Sogno. The little alimentari outside the walls had everything we needed, from the delicious local campagnolo cheese, to a good selection of local wines, prosecco, and even grappa. There is a butcher shop and great little pasticceria at the gate as well. We highly recommend treating yourself to a weekend meal at the nearby agriturismo, Gusto Al Borgo. From Farfa Abbey to the winding streets of Roccantica to the Archeological Museum in Magliano Sabina, you’ll love exploring the backroads of the Sabine Hills. Orvieto and the delights of Umbria is little more than an hour’s drive away. We found that, in Casperia, every day trip departure had a promise of adventure that was always amply rewarded. But equally rewarding was our down time at Il Sogno.Just inside the city gate, situated on a picturesque little piazza with a beautiful view of the surrounding Sabine countryside is the Friends Bar. It’s a great place for your morning brioche and cappuccino, but this is also going to be whe
Map
Resting on a hilltop on the edge of the Sabina Mountains, in the Province of Reiti, in Lazio, the medieval village of Casperia strikes many perfect balances. Less than an hour north of the wonders and bustle of Rome, Casperia combines easy access to the Eternal City with it's own quiet serenity. One of the few towns in Europe prohibiting automobiles from it's centro storico, or historical center, Casperia retains the authentic charm of its ancient heritage in an enchanting setting so close to Rome that many of its residents commute to work there daily. Casperia is well situated for easy day-trips into Rome and northern Lazio as well as much of Umbria and southern Tuscany.
Other Activities: Day trip to Rome, then return to the historic serenity of Casperia and il Sogno
Photos
Rates & Availability
- Available
- Unavailable
Additional information about rental rates
| Additional Guest Fee | $25 per person per night |
Each rental is assessed a one-time Fee of Euros 60, regardless of duration.
This fee is payable upon arrival to our local representative for her assistance during your stay.
Discount for Multi-Week rentals.
Dates Available: Year around.
Pricing is for 2 guests.
An additional charge of $25/person/night will be assessed for extra guests.
Maximum occupancy 6 guests
Owner's Cancellation Policy
- 100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
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