An ancient estate, a millennium-old castle, a forward-thinking family – and the singular aim of protecting and restoring an extraordinary corner of unspoilt Umbria. This is Reschio
When Count and Countess Antonio Bolza found their peaceful holiday retreat in 1984, it was encircled by an overgrown and ramshackle estate. A decade later, Antonio sold his successful publishing company, invested all the proceeds in buying the surrounding 1,500-hectare Reschio estate. Unbeknownst to him it included fifty abandoned farmhouses and an ancient castle. Together with his family of five children, they set up home in relatively unknown Umbria.
He decided to share their utopia with like-minded souls, those seeking tranquility and seclusion in an unspoilt swathe of Italian countryside. Fortunately, this aristocratic family had the wherewithal within their ranks. In 1999, their son Count Benedikt returned from studying and practicing architecture in London and immediately took up the reigns, designing and building masterful creations from the original farmhouses, winning awards along the way
Benedikt, together with his wife, Donna Nencia, whom he describes as his unconventional advisor, lived in the dilapidated castle where their five children were born. Benedikt visualised a phenomenal hotel and set about the metamorphosis of the ancient castle into the magnificent 36-room Hotel Castello di Reschio.
Benedikt is responsible for all aspects of Reschio. His parents continue to live on the estate and his father’s stable of 40 magnificent Spanish horses, bred and trained for dressage, are much acclaimed. Today half the abandoned farmsteads are beautiful villas; the 1940’s tobacco warehouse has become the Tabaccaia where the vibrant architectural & design studio realise Benedikt’s designs; furniture & lighting made by local artisans, have evolved into B.B. for Reschio. While ancient forests and meadows have been re-wilded, protecting animals living in their natural habitat.
Undoubtedly, the dynamic Bolzas have rejuvenated this corner of Umbria, the family’s energetic drive has ensured Reschio continues as a haven of wilderness. Those who own houses or rent villas share the owner’s ethos to preserve the tranquility and natural balance for future generations
Timeline
From the Etruscans to the origins of the Castle
What these hills have seen over the years goodness only knows, but we’re sure of our roots, thanks to an ancient figurine found on Reschio’s upper slopes which suggests this area was once under Etruscan rule. The name Reschio itself is thought to derive from Resculum, a Latin name for fortification, and construction on the present castle began around the year 900
From The Marchesi del Monte Santa Maria to Reschio, Imperial Fief
The first deeds were granted to the family of the Marchesi del Monte Santa Maria by Charlemagne, and in 1355 Reschio came under the direct influence of the Holy Roman Empire, creating an independent fiefdom, an island surrounded by the warring factions of Umbria and Tuscany
The Bishop of Todi, Angelo Cesi
Much drama and intrigue followed as the estate moved between different families over the centuries, from the murderous cousin intent on wrestling control of the castle for himself, to a 16th century telling-off by the Pope for the placement of the Cesi coat of arms over the entrance of the castle
From The Bichi Ruspoli Noble Family to the Cenciarini Family
The 17th to the early 20th century was a time of community development, under the noble family Bichi Ruspoli of Siena, who built the area’s elementary school
The Count of Reschio
Cardinal Lorenzo Corsini was elected to became Pope Clemente XII by the College of Cardinals in 1730. His niece, who was a Corsini had married a member of the Bichi Ruspoli family and the Pope bestowed the title of Conte di Reschio on their son. When Nencia Corsini married Benedikt Bolza in 2000, unbeknownst to them at the time a Corsini had returned to Reschio
The Bolza Family
Over the years, the farmhouses fell into disrepair and the estate became overgrown and rewilded – and then, finally, in 1984 the Bolzas arrived, an aristocratic Austro-Hungarian family of Italian origin, whose energetic drive and endless passion is to protect and revitalise this extraordinary estate
Your opportunity to be in a magnificent house, where design, style and comfort are second to none
Reschio and its designs and products are protected by Registered Trademark
Reschio srl | share capital of 50.000€ fully paid | Chamber of Commerce of Camera di Perugia N°PG-287943
Lisciano Niccone - 06060 - Perugia - Italia | P.Iva n. 05230420480
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