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

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

Living room
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Casperia, Lazio
  • Popular LocationAbbazia di Farfa25 min drive
  • Popular LocationLago di Piediluco49 min drive
  • Popular LocationMarmore Waterfall50 min drive
  • AirportRome (CIA-Ciampino)75 min drive

Rooms & beds

11 bedrooms (sleeps 27)

Bedroom 1 Stagioni

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 2 Soldattini 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 Soldattini 2

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 4 Sibilla

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5 Classica

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 6 Gli Archi 1

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 7 Archi 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 8 Archi 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 9 Tower 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 10 Tower 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 11 Maldure

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 12 Yoga

1 Queen Bed

10 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 7

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 8

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 10

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 9

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

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 29 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 - each double bedroom costs €75 per night
and €85 for each triple bedroom per night (see info in English contd further down page).
Palazzo Forani è un'imponente villa del XVI secolo con una torre del XIII secolo, una delle sole cinque fortificazioni rimaste del borgo medievale in pietra di Casperia, arroccato su una collina nelle splendide colline della Sabina a 1 ora da Roma. La proprietà consiste in un'ampia sistemazione per 29 persone (+ 3 divani letto) con 2 cucine nel Granaio e negli Archi e 4/5 persone con cucina nel Torrione, un ampio cortile, meravigliosi giardini e viste mozzafiato - ogni camera doppia costa 75 € a notte e 85 € per ogni camera tripla a notte. Vi è un contributo per il riscaldamento di €200 in inverno.

Il restauro della villa e del Torrione è di altissima qualità e l'atmosfera dei tempi passati è conservata in ogni angolo. Originariamente un palazzo della famiglia Orsini, da cui la coppia di orsi o ORSI a guardia dell'ingresso, fu acquistato dalla famiglia Maldura in epoca napoleonica, per poi essere ereditato dall'aristocratica famiglia Forani che ha lasciato arredi e disposizione pressoché invariati nei secoli. Gli edifici sono quindi un'affascinante combinazione di secoli con angoli e spigoli, scale e gradini e stanze in luoghi insoliti, quindi non aspettatevi una stanza quadrata in un edificio quadrato! I bagni e il riscaldamento centralizzato sono le uniche eccezioni! Alcune camere sono per 3 ospiti, altre per 2, matrimoniali o doppie, quindi c'è una grande flessibilità nella sistemazione. Casperia è un meraviglioso borgo in pietra, interamente pedonale con le sue strette e tortuose stradine lastricate in pietra e inaspettate e incredibili panorami tra i due paesi.

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 warming you while 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. The coach house is home to another double bedroom with bathroom and large winter yoga area. 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 (Casperia is twinned with Killarney) 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

Property manager

Deirdre Gibson
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Amenities

Pet-friendly
Breakfast available

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 22 lb per pet (limit 3 pets total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Parties or events must be agreed on booking.
3 night minimum bookings only accepted
Palazzo Forani is a private property. The owners do not live on-site so check-in is before 8pm

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 27

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Casperia

Located in Casperia, this castle is in a rural area and in the mountains. Bunker Soratte and Greccio are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Cantina S.Lucia and Cammino di Francesco. Travelling with kids? Consider Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve, or check out an event or a game at PalaSojourner. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and ecotours.
Map
Casperia, Lazio

What's nearby

  • Abbazia di Farfa - 25 min drive
  • Greccio - 40 min drive
  • Lago di Piediluco - 49 min drive
  • Marmore Waterfall - 50 min drive
  • Vallelunga Circuit - 59 min drive

Getting around

  • Gavignano Station - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • Ristorante L'Oasi di Vescovio - 17 min drive
  • La Vecchia Quercia - 17 min drive
  • Ristorante Pizzeria L'Asprese - 10 min walk
  • Al 22 - 6 min drive
  • Al Terzo Cerchio - 7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 16th century villa&garden - history with modern facilities 1 hour from Rome pet-friendly?

Yes, this castle allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 22 lb per pet.

What time is check-in at 16th century villa&garden - history with modern facilities 1 hour from Rome?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 16th century villa&garden - history with modern facilities 1 hour from Rome?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 16th century villa&garden - history with modern facilities 1 hour from Rome located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly castle is 7.4 mi (11.9 km) from Cantina S.Lucia and 7.7 mi (12.3 km) from Tiber River. Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve and Abbazia di Farfa are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 8 reviews" "
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Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rob C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful!
Had a brilliant time in the beautiful Casperia and was made to feel extremely welcome. Everyone made us feel right at home, especially Deirdre for organising everything, Sue for the private tour, Alessandra for cooking us the most amazing lasagne, and of course Anna for staying up late to welcome us in. Highly recommend to anyone, this was one of my favourite holidays ever :)
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

William D.

Hyfryd!
I already tried to post a review, but obviously messed up along the way. Probably, this was a subconscious ploy to keep Palazzo Forani off the radar. My sister and I wanted to take our other sister and her two children somewhere special for her 60th birthday. Things started well as we picked up the car rental, without problems, and followed the directions given by Deirdre - I forgot to bring the map and guide books, which, with hindsight, was a blessing. Getting off the ring-road and motorway, we could soon see the surrounding countryside where we would be spending the next five nights. The roads began were empty and everything seemed to be going fine. We arrived at the little bar and petrol pump just outside the wall of the old town. I went to get some drinks, and on my return saw my sisters talking and laughing with Anna Maria in mutual incomprehension. She squeezed into the car and directed us to the parking place at the back of the Palazzo. A twisty-turny driveway up to the residence with a couple of hand brake pulls and more laughter, things were going along swimmingly ... but then we saw our accommodation. Anna Maria opened the door and took us into the kitchen. From the moment we stepped over the threshold, it was all 'oooohs' and 'ahhhhs'. Anna Maria was doing all of the talking, because we were just overwhelmed. The place had such charm, the feeling space with all its nooks and crannies and yet homely, as well. And the drawing room! The only thing wrong with the drawing room, was that I wished I had brought my crinoline. I won't go into all the things to do; everyone will have their own ideas. I should mention, though, that Anna Maria can bring you her delicious fresh pasta dishes, if you decide to eat in one night. Also, a small deli off the square outside the old town, sells lovely meat and cheeses. There is also a small supermarket for for more general necessities. However, what kind of necessities are really necessary in Palazzo Forani, set in beautiful countryside, where you just automatically relax into the surroundings? As an adventure tour leader, I had to listen many petty complaints; remember, at breakfast, never to ask how anyone slept and pray to God, Allah and Bhuddah that my fellow travellers would see the appeal of their next lodgings. Sometimes I knew that the next place was special; Palazzo Forani is that kind of place. We fell in love with Italy again, diolch yn fawr, Deirdre, Anna Maria and Carla. Wil and family
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B.

Magical experience
We stumbled on the Palazzo and Casperia by accident while trying to find a place to stay in Tuscany and felt so lucky that we had! Casperia is an ancient walled city with endless stone paths that intertwine and connect and make for wonderful walks. Within its walls is a cozy osteria whose outdoor tables overlook the beautiful countryside, and you can sit and watch the sunset from one of the loveliest spots imaginable. The Palazzo itself is beautiful and fascinating, full of charming, thoughtful touches, and very comfortable despite its ancientness. The owners are wonderfully hospitable and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. They welcomed us with a happy hour and told us about the history of the castle and then gave us a tour of the gorgeous rooms and furnishings. We also enjoyed taking a long walk down the nearby country roads. This is a lovely area of Italy that we never knew existed. A magical experience and one we are so grateful to have had!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

IkavwzyQY6V+x4aLjpwo9YcOmVnHry1wi8SWx77XRDCAaFcpDxZhukL0KIJnJHIh I.

Enchanting Palazzo, Gracious Hosts
I stayed at the palazzo while attending a week-long workshop/retreat. The charming hill town of Casperia, with its narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways (many with long flights of steps accessible only by foot), is a lovely backdrop for this historic, restored palazzo. I shared a suite of two bedrooms, a sitting room, and bath, with a friend. While maintaining the ancient floors, windows, woodwork, etc., the rooms were clean and the beds comfortable. Old prints and antique furniture grace each room. Guests in other suites in the palazzo share a large, well equipped kitchen and other rooms for gathering, and a supermarket, meat market, and other shops in the town supply the fixings for meals and snacks, although several good restaurants are either in or very close to Casperia. Behind the palazzo is a patio with tables and chairs for relaxing (and where I participated in my first watercolor lesson--an amazing success!), which overlooks an ancient garden and a lush valley. Carla and Anna, the very gracious owners, were onsite during my visit, and offered assistance whenever needed and a party with delicious homemade snacks and local wines. Our group was treated to a tour of the entire, centuries-old palazzo, complete with frescoes, ancient furniture and fabrics, and much more. They are two of the most gracious and hospitable hosts I have met in my many travels.

10/10 Excellent

Lori W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stepping back in time!
Casperia is a village not to be missed!! Staying at Palazzo Forani has been the highlight of our trip. The cobblestone alleyways that leads to homes and storefronts, restaurants, and friendly people are magnificent! It’s truly like stepping back in time! It exceeded our expectations immensely!! Casperia, we will miss you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Deirdre Gibson

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

This extraordinary palazzo is under the protection of the Belle Arti - so it is a graded building. Your stay will be marked by the accompaniment of centuries of history! And such beautiful views of the wonderful Sabina countryside too!

What makes this property unique

We are offering some interesting discounts this summer as an incentive to start travelling again! Write to us and we'll give you a SUMMER SPECIAL price! Our rooms cost €75 for a double bedroom and €85 for a triple room so excellent value for families.
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