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AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN

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40' x 20' Living and Dining Room
Exterior
Garden Pergola in front of the Casale
Casale Sonnino, Monte Porzio Catone
The Dining room is where breakfast is set up.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10464.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Monte Porzio Catone, Lazio
  • Place, Cantine Fontana Candida
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Chiesa di San Rocco
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Convento San Silvestro
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rome (FCO-Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci Intl.)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN

Now Booking for 2026! Your stay at Casale Sonnino is a great value for a private, full service villa - our over 50 amazing reviews tell it all! Perfect for Families, Couples, Friends & Small Group Travel, Remote Working. INCLUDED IN THE RATE: daily breakfast & housekeeping (not just at the end of your stay), all utilities, wifi and use of the whole house. NEW central AIR CONDITIONING for the warm summer months.

Please make an inquiry with the owner with your questions and plans.
We offer lots of pre-trip advice and the on-site owner is your personal concierge for restaurant reservations, directions and day-to-day assistance.

Here in the Castelli Romani, you are 30 minutes from Rome, away from the tourist crowds, with easy access by train. However, a rental car is necessary to get around locally and tour the countryside. We will recommend a reputable and reliable car rental company.

A continental breakfast is included in the rental rate as is daily housekeeping (excluding Sunday and Holidays). For other meals, you can shop in local markets and prepare your own feasts in the fully equipped kitchen. Have an authentic roman-style dinner catered by us or local home-cooks and chefs. Or most guests dine out at one of the many favorite local restaurants on our suggested list or discover a trattoria in other neighboring villages. In Italy, there are so just so many places to eat and wines to love!

Over the past 35 years, travelers have enjoyed an authentic Italian experience staying at our lovingly maintained 18th Century villa and ancestral home, The Villa is set amidst thirty acres of olive groves and vineyards and is built upon 2000 year-old roman foundations which can be viewed in the basement. The property is located in a small village, Monte Porzio Catone, which is 3 kilometers from the regional center of Frascati by car. Rome is best accessed by the inexpensive 30 minute train ride from Frascati or Colle Mattia (1K from our gate) stations. There is parking for your car at both stations.

The Casale Sonnino accommodates up to ten in five bedrooms (5 double occupancy, 1 bedroom has a bonus twin bed ) and three full baths (2 upstairs, 1 ground floor). However two couples have enjoyed sharing this homey, yet elegant historic home as well. The upstairs bedrooms have queen beds or they can be split apart for singles sharing a room. Also upstairs is a very large terrace with chairs, a table for meals and a ping pong table. The panoramic view stretching from Rome to the Apennine mountains is really wonderful - especially when sharing a bottle of Frascati wine and appetizers at sunset.

On the ground level, there is a 20' x 40' living/dining room for gathering and dining. It features a grand fireplace and chandelier. A TV and music room, with southern light looks out to the garden. The vintage-style cooks kitchen has marble top table in the center and updated appliances including a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and toaster oven. There is an extensive collection of pots and pans, kitchen tools and spices for your use.

Outside the front door: The best place for a delightful meal or your laptop/ipad/reading material is under the pergola in the garden.

How long does one stay at the Casale and see Rome? If you only have a week, we recommend: 2 or 3 days in Rome, 2 days of day-tripping to Umbria, Tuscany or Lazio and the rest exploring the nearby Castelli Romani towns of Castel Gandolfo, Ariccia, Nemi, Frascati and Grottaferrata. During the summer, nearby Lago Albano has beach facilities where you can rent chairs and umbrella, paddle boats and go swimming in a clean lake. There is also a jogging trail that runs all around the lake and restaurants with views.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We love Families. Children under 5 at no charge.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events/Dinners are extra Negotiation and Fees.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
The Casale is an old house, treat with care and leave it in good shape. Please report damages or if anything requires cleaning or repair.
No parties, extra people or pets not previously discussed with the owner will be allowed. Event and Extra Fees Apply.
The Casale is a working farm with owner/staff using the attached office. You receive help and recommendations from owner, but privacy is compromised.

Important information

You need to know

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: 70
Note from host: Events/Dinners are extra Negotiation and Fees.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

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

About the area

Monte Porzio Catone

Located in Monte Porzio Catone, this villa is in a rural area and in the mountains. Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Roma Est. Salis Halotherapy Grotta DI Sale and Museo degli Strumenti Musicali are also worth visiting.
View more Villas in RomeOpens in a new window
Map
Monte Porzio Catone, Lazio

What's nearby

  • Cantine Fontana Candida - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Chiesa di San Rocco - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Convento San Silvestro - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Tusculum - 6 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Tusculum Park - 6 min drive - 4.8 km

Getting around

  • Colle Mattia Station - 3 min drive
  • Bolognetta Station - 9 min drive
  • Ciampino Airport (CIA) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ristorante Pizzeria La Vecchia Locanda - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bar Dello Sport - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Qui e Ora - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Casale Baldetti - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪La Collina - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN?

As of 29 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN on 8 July 2026 start from AU$956, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is AUTHENTIC COUNTRY HOME, VIEWS, 30-MIN ROME ACCESS BY TRAIN located?

Situated in the mountains, this villa is within 3 miles (5 km) of Convento San Silvestro, Cantine Fontana Candida and Tusculum. Tusculum Park and Frascati Cathedral are also within 3 miles (5 km). Colle Mattia Station is 23 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 49 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a magnificent multi-generational family gathering at the Casale Sonnino. The house was perfect for our needs. We had a delightful breakfast each morning, ample room to gather & visit, lovely grounds... just a perfect setting. We were close enough to the city to see the sights, while enjoying the countryside. The house itself was gorgeous... exactly what we had in mind.The hosts put us in touch with excellent tour guides & helped us organize outings... I especially recommend the cooking class. Finally, George & Claire helped me organize a final night birthday dinner for my wife that was an absolutely delightful!We look forward to our next trip to Rome, so we can visit the Casale again.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Norman U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed are stay very much. We really loved the traditional feel of the home and the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mimi R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay at Casale Sonnino

Casale Sonnino is an absolute jewel in the countryside outside of Rome. The grounds are simply gorgeous with vineyards, olive trees, flowers, lemon trees and spectacular views all the way to Rome. And the house itself is warm, inviting, comfortable and full of antiques- you can feel the wonderful family history throughout the home. George was a great host, creating an exceptional meal for us when we first arrived, conducting a fascinating tour of the caves below the house and answering our many questions. We visited Rome by train several days and the surrounding towns on the other days. It was a fantastic week and we are so happy that we spent it at Casale Sonnino!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jessica L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful hosts to our multi generational family!

We loved the property for its location, and its size for hosting our multigenerational family of teens, parents, and grandparents. Claire and George the hosts went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The breakfast and dinner they made us was outstanding. There was something for all of us to do there. We hope to return!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teri K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly Recommend

Excellent location, outside of Rome with stellar views in an amazing, historical family home. The history was so interesting to hear, and we loved getting to know our hosts, George & Claire. The home is beautiful and very comfortable, with inside and outside lounging/eating areas, and is a great location to explore from - we were glad we kept our rental car.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Views and Comfortable Stay for Leisure in Italy

The Casale was excellent. Nestled far enough from Rome proper to remain a paradise when we needed it; yet close enough to nearby towns and Rome to allow us to enjoy them at our leisure. Our first thought when arriving was that the photos didn't do the Casale justice. George was incredibly helpful throughout our stay with excellent recommendations and advice. We could not recommend the Casale experience more highly, and would seriously consider revisiting in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A vacation by itself!

Wonderful property. Absolutely beautiful location. A 10-minute ride to the metro station & you have a straight shot directly into the heart of Rome. Which is great, but you could also spend your time here at the Casale & surrounding areas and simply wonderful experience without the craziness of Rome. We will be back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

July at the Casale

We absolutely loved our stay at the Casale! We adored George - and Taki and Mr. Big as well! We loved our time with each of them - George is such a sweetheart and made us feel like we were right at home. The grounds were breathtaking and the home was beautiful. The morning breakfast was so delightful, the surrounding views made you feel like you were waking up to a fairytale setting! We are so grateful for our time and hope to return to the Casale in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and Gorgeous

The property was gorgeous, from the drive to the house tothe vw from the roof top patio. Clare was extremely helpful in helping to guide our planning before the trip and easy to get in touch with. Once at the property, George was extremely helpful with suggestions on where to visit and where to eat for dinner. We were welcomed with delicious snacks and drinks upon arriving and enjoyed the breakfast that was carefully laid out each morning. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and cannot say enough good things about our experienece!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our wonderful Italian Villa experience

A huge shoutout to George and Claire for a truly fantastic villa experience. Special thanks to George for going the extra mile for our group and being flexible with last-minute changes to our plans. The villa was as advertised and we all had a wonderful time. Included breakfast was wonderful each morning. Sitting outside in the garden was relaxing and the scenery was spectacular. This villa is a real treasure and has been in their family since the 1880s. Part of the original foundation is 2000 years old.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peri N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Italian Views from every point!

Incredible true villa w/vistas from every part of the property. From landscaped vineyard views, to cobbled walkways, vast Italian cypress trees lining a cinema-like driveway, olive trees in abundance, and rooftop area to add to the experience. Hard to do this stay without Georgio to concierge certain referrals and guidance. Fabulous stay, vintage design and decor worthy of a palace. Great location to wineries, ristorante, and bigger Frascati town loaded with shops, trattorias, conveniences. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime escape to Italian countryside living and many nearby hilly towns. Nearby train stations make for an easy trip to Rome (30 minute ride) and more Italian culture along the way.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gayelynn P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unforgettable !

Our stay at Casale Sonnino was perfect. I took my mom and two of her lifelong friends to Italy and we spent 6 nights at this beautiful villa. Our hosts, George and Claire, were like old friends. We felt warm and welcome the minute we arrived and we were all a little sad to see our time come to an end. Just a short and easy train ride from Rome, we had the best of both worlds. The hustle and bustle of the big city during the day and the peaceful privacy of the villa in the evenings for conversation and fellowship. Thank you George and Claire for opening your home to us and allowing us to have the experience of a lifetime.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

An overall amazing property that’s conveniently located in the Rome country side. The villa is located 5 minutes from the train station and was so easy to navigate for our first Italian family vacation. Claire and George were excellent hosts and were full of great information. George had dinner and drinks with us one evening and let us know all about the local history. Claire set us up with our tour guides and recommended a professional chef to cook for us one evening. Jo was an AMAZING cook, very reasonably priced, and that dinner was one of the highlights of our trip. Very close to the grocery store. Would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Mac P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Villa Near Rome

What a wonderful stay we had at Casale Sonnino. Before the trip, Claire was very helpful in providing suggestions for our trip. During our stay, George could not have been any more accommodating in making recommendations and ensuring our visit was a success. The Villa is spacious with beautiful views in all directions. We travelled to Rome multiple times during our stay and could be downtown using Google Maps easily with 45 minutes. We found wonderful restaurants in the neighboring town and the best Gelato ever in Frascati, a short drive. During your visit, make some time for George to take you to the caves on site. It is well worth it! If we returned to Rome, we would definitely call Claire and George to set up a return stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easter Week 2022 visit to Casale Sonnino

We had a wonderful experience at Casale Sonnino and the local region. George, Claire and their local friends Michelle and Jo were incredibly kind and accommodating and went out of their way to make our experience special and memorable. The entire week was just an incredible delight full of unexpected experiences and highlights. THANK YOU! Casale Sonnino is a beautiful property and met and exceeded all of our expectations. The accommodations were excellent, the vineyard, olive orchards and outdoor garden areas were peaceful and beautiful. The Roman tunnels under the property were a fun and unexpected highlight. We enjoyed the access to the surrounding areas including Monte Porzio, Frascati, Colonna, the Tusculum Roman ruins, Lake Nemi, Castel Gondolfo, Marino, Grottoferrata, Tivoli, Hadrian’s Villa and of course Rome. Highly recommend staying at Casale Sonnino!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving at the Casale

The Casale provided our family with a home away from home for Thanksgiving! With our daughter studying abroad in Rome for her fall semester, we wanted a place for our family of 7 to spend time in Rome as well as together as a family for the holiday. With well appointed bedrooms for all, spacious living and dining areas, beautiful grounds and wonderful hosts it was the perfect place! The nearby small towns and proximity to Rome let us explore the countryside and the city so easily. The Casale’s housekeeping staff was simply wonderful! Imagine waking up each morning to the scent of warm buttery croissants! A highlight of our trip was most definitely our pasta making class and Thanksgiving dinner at the Casale with local chef, Josephine Wennerholm. Jo was so wonderful to work with in planning and executing a pasta making dinner at the Casale for our group of 7. A few evenings later we had a most elegant Italian style Thanksgiving dinner prepared and served by Jo. I highly recommend having her cook for you at the Casale! All in all our stay was beyond our expectations and we cannot wait to visit again!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

douglas b.

Casale Sonnino 2011

Our family rented Casale Sonnino for a week during October 2011. We were six adults and a toddler (all family). We chose Casale Sonnino for it's size and location. Making the choice of Casale Sonnino and triple-checking all of the home details was handled easily and graciously by the owner Claire Treves Brezel. Upon our arrival at the casale you will need a rental car for your stay, our expectations and more were immediately met and exceeded. The physical home was just what we hoped for and the staff, headed by George (Claire's brother) were more accomodating than one would reasonably expect. This remained so throughout our stay. The ladies who maintained the home and cook, if so requested, as well as George's workmen gave attention with warmth, care and good-humor(especially needed if no one in your party speaks Italian). If one individual stands out it would have to be George. The "buck stopped with him" and he knew it. Our days were filled as we chose. We took the train into Rome, very easy, and toured the surrounding area filled with history and beauty. There was never a dull moment unless we so chose. Returning each day to Casale Sonnino was a welcome respit filled with excellent local wine purchased from local vintners minutes away and food purchased locally and prepared by ourselves or the staff ladies that was delicious each and every meal. Bedtime was always preceeded by the last bit of wine outdoors on the deck overlooking Rome and it's lights in the near distance. This is a holiday not to be missed by anyone wanting some "dolce vita". We will be returning guests.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Bill & Patrice S.

Now a treasured memory

Our family stay at Casale Sonnino was beyond anything we could have imagined! True, we expected what we saw in the photos and what information we had from our conversations with Claire. . . so our expectations were pretty high. The surprises lay in the reality of immersing ourselves into the authenticity of Casale Sonnino: the kindness & genuine warmth of George and the staff; the awesome beauty of the vistas that surround the Casale for miles & miles into the distance (think -- acres of undulating plains, vines & olive trees, with metropolitan Rome ever in the background); the cleanliness & comfort of bedrooms & baths; the incredible luncheon spread -- such a welcomed surprise upon our weary arrival; the delectable coffee/breakfasts (& cleanup) served with smiles & laughter every morning; the most welcoming outdoor pergola where we could so beautifully relax as a group; the top floor deck with it's unsurpassed views of Rome & the countryside; George's fascinating tour of the caves beneath the house & his family history; the riotous bloom & scent of spring flowers (jasmine! evergreen! roses!) ever present in the air. All in all, Casale Sonnino literally reverberated with pulse of our family group of eleven!! Our group spent an incredible week listening to music, visiting the many villages close by (Tivoli gardens a personal favorite), claiming a quiet spot to read or chat or discuss the day, using the charming & well-equipped kitchen to prepare meals. What we loved most was the drop-dead gorgeous views of the Italian countryside from every window & every garden resting place! Like living in a painting! We are grateful to Claire & George for sharing such a paradise with our family. . .
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casale Sonnino: Picture Perfect

I think our family would say we left part of our hearts at Casale Sonnino. The experience there exceeded all of our expectations. We were in Italy to attend a wedding nearby, and not only was the Casale conveniently located, but it was beautiful, historic, spacious, immaculately clean, and had the most gracious hosts and staff. Prior to our trip, Claire was exceedingly helpful with travel tips, directions and recommendations for restaurants and local attractions. Upon arrival, we were delighted by the beauty of the villa and the surrounding gardens, olive trees and grape vines. We found ourselves mostly sitting in the picturesque garden in our free time, although the common areas of the villa were gorgeous with high ceilings and fabulous, comfortable furnishings. Did I mention the bowls of Italian fruit jelly candies in every room?! Our three young adult children were thrilled to find they each had their own charming bedroom, in addition to our master and another for friends. And, daily housekeeping! Breakfasts were truly a highlight of our four days there. George and his staff laid out a beautiful spread every day, including dark Italian coffee, fresh seasonal fruit, creamy yogurts, and delectable pastries that George personally selected from a local bakery. And, more! Windows open, birds chirping, and a long gracious dining table set with table linens that were just what you’d expect to find at a charming Italian villa. George was the consummate host. Besides being helpful with directions, train tickets, recommendations, and dinner reservations, we all loved hearing from him about the history and workings of Casale Sonnino. He gave us a fascinating tour of the Roman tunnels underneath the property. On our final day, he kindly accompanied us to find an ATM, and get gas for our rental car before his daily pastry run! Above and beyond. We wholeheartedly recommend Casale Sonnino for anyone wanting to experience the Italian countryside, while being ten minutes away from nearby Frascati, and a quick, 30-minute train ride away from Rome.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Deborah Z.

Better Than We Dreamed

My husband and I recently decided to take our daughter and her fiancée on a trip to Italy. We wanted to establish a base for sightseeing, something near Rome but with a more rural feel. Casale Sonnino met and exceeded our expectations. At the Casale,we were free to experience the culture and rhythm of Italy. We loved being able to pad down to the kitchen in our robe and slippers for coffee and delicious local pastries and fruits. We liked being able to plan our days based on the weather and our energy levels, taking shorter trips to quaint nearby hillside towns on days that we didn’t have the energy to power through a day in Rome. The carefully prepared packet of information on sights to see in the area was full of fascinating day trips. We were able to experience local cuisine at nearby restaurants as well as walk about the towns in the evening, immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of local life. Our hosts, George and Claire, arranged for us to meet up with the most wonderful guide for our days to Rome. Geppe is truly a walking historian and gentlemen, full of love and pride for his country. With his help we were able to see twice as much with half the hassle. We thought he was worth every penny. We requested a home-cooked meal one evening and invited George to dine with us. It was a special treat to come home at the end of a sight-seeing excursion and have a delicious dinner in the beautiful dining room with our host. What a view. George explained the local wine history while we sampled several bottles of wine that we’d bought that day. There was about twice as much food as we could eat in one sitting, each dish more mouth-watering than the one before. We laughed, talked and relaxed at a different level than we are able to at hotels or restaurants. Each morning, I couldn’t wait to open the curtains, shutters and windows to gaze out over the vineyard and olive trees. One day workers in bright red shirts were topping the olive trees, another day I could hear the cook in the kitchen and smell coffee so I followed my nose downstairs. Staying at the farm felt authentic to me and consequently I fell in love with Italy. I’ll be back. One week wasn’t enough.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrice M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casal Sonnino was the highlight of our stay in Lazio!

Casale Sonnino was a marvelous getaway for us and 6 of our friends and family. The approach to the house is along a lane through the olive groves, and the house itself is quite elegant and comfortable. One of the couples who stayed with us remarked that the bedrooms are so comfortable they didn’t want to get up in the morning. The breakfasts were an enticement to do so.There are comfortable sitting rooms and we also had access to the kitchen, when we wanted to cook, as well as a roof patio. The 2 ladies who work at the house were friendly and helpful and quite willing to work with what Italian the guests had, and George, the. host, is generous with his time and his help (and his tales of the house and the underground caverns are interesting and entertaining). George took us with him to watch the olive harvest of the day get turned into oil at a nearby frantoio, and then we got to taste the fresh oil! While we were there, there were also 2 dogs and a cat (outdoors only) who were quite entertaining. The closest train station (Colle Matteo) is just 5 or 10 minutes by car, and the train to Rome takes about half an hour. The famous Castelli Romani are also very close by car. Overall, the Casale Sonnino itself was the hightlight of our group's stay in Lazio!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chip S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Roman Holiday! Special place to stay and experience true Italian culture and hospitality

Our pre-stay interaction was fantastic. Claire took care to make sure we knew everything about the villa and was helpful with information and suggestions to make our stay perfect. She communicated all of our special requests and needs to George who was more than eager to fulfill them. The on-line listing doesn’t do the villa justice. When you arrive at the huge gates and drive down the narrow gravel path you are left intrigued. Then you turn a corner and see the magnificent home. We were greeted by George and his little dog pal Taki. George gave us the tour and went over the basics. What a gracious host! George was available for ANYTHING we asked day or night regardless of the situation. He went out of his way and above and beyond all expectations on a daily basis. When you enter the home it is like opening a book. Every room is like a new chapter. The first rooms were nicely furnished and comfortable. Perfect for congregating with friends or watching a little TV. The kitchen was very well stocked with everything you could possibly need or want. Eventually you make your way to the back of the villa…the dining room, formal living room and sitting room are gorgeous. Head upstairs and you find five well appointed bedrooms and two full baths. (I forgot to mention there is also a single bedroom and full bath downstairs). The staff was also amazing. Every morning when we woke up a lite breakfast was served in the grand dining room. The women were busy working on cleaning and doing laundry. When we left for the day they would clean up after breakfast, head upstairs, make the beds and leave fresh towels. This was all done without any intrusion. They were in a word AMAZING. We were In Italy during a severe heat wave which made the weather uncomfortable but there were fans in each room which helped cool things down in the evening for a good night sleep. If you plan to visit during the summer months expect to be hot! The villa is a working farm so expect workers to be milling about doing their daily chores. It was like a perfect Italian dream. The location of the villa, just outside of Frascati and a short ride into Rome was perfect. We were able to day trip to many historic locations. I recommend renting a car during your stay. It makes everything more convenient. The only thing left to say is thank you Claire and George for making my Italian dream vacation a reality!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maggie C.

The Perfect Wedding!

We hosted our wedding here in June 2018, and the spot was absolutely perfect. We had around 50 guests, and set it all up outside. Guests were also able to go inside to relax or up on the terrace for a great view. Not only that, but Claire was able to help so much in any part of planning we needed, and while we were there George would do anything to make sure things went smoothly. Such great people as hosts who truly care about their guests! Our guests were saying it's the best wedding they've ever been to, and nothing would top it. It was intimate but fun! We also had 8 people stay at the Casale which really helped with fine tuning wedding details and not having to stress about leaving. The breakfast they set up is delicious and in a beautiful open room. We were all very comfortable and honestly wished we could've stayed more. We highly recommend it and hope we can return in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeannine C.

The Casale sends a great message of Rome.

The Casale was great. We traveled to Italy as a party of 9 for my parents 50th wedding anniversary. We had 4 kids with us (one of them 2) so we did not want to hop around from hotel to hotel. Renting one place was our best bet. The Casale is only 20 minutes to Rome (from the train) - we went 3 times!! The town of Frascati which is about 5 minutes from the villa was wonderful (I wish we spent more time there). I worked with Claire for the bookings and day trip ideas. She was very helpful and friendly. She recommended the town of Sperlonga, it's a beach town that was awesome! Once at the villa, George (her brother) was there to greet us. The house pets Dylan (dog) and Mr. Chips (cat) were so friendly, we really fell in love with them (if you are not an animal person, don't worry they live outside) - my kids miss them the most! George helped us with some directions and ideas, and answered my daughters questions of "How do you say... in Italian". Although the villa is old (about 300 years), it is very clean and well kept. The house keepers come in daily to clean and do yard work. Over all this was a good decision to rent the villa so we could all be together!!
Verified

8/10 Good

Joachim A.

Perfectly located spacious, characterful villa for Roman/surroundings holiday.

Azienda agricolo Sonnino Treves, managed by very friendly host George Treves, is a very quaint vineyard and villa conveniently located 20 min from central Rome by train (easy access station by rental car). Offers everything from enjoying the house and grounds (with its very own catacombs, don't miss), stunning views across vineyards over Rome in the distance, to excursions around the nearby wine region, Ostia with its excavations and, as mentioned, conveniently Rome itself. Perfect for larger/extended family/friends holidays and/or events. Plenty of room to socialize or to withdraw, whatever the wish is. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018

About the host

Hosted by Claire Treves Brezel

Host profile image
My brother George and I are 5th generation co-owners of Casale Sonnino. We grew up in Princeton, New Jersey to parents who were refugees from the Fascist anti-semitic racial laws of 1938 and WWII that followed. Our father was from Turin and our mother was born in Trastevere, a now, very popular section of Rome. On the weekends, they would collect eggs and get wine and oil at her family's country homestead, owned by the three Sonnino brothers. The "FS" for Fratelli Sonnino still holds watch at the top of our entry gate.

Growing up, George and I would go to Italy on summer vacations to visit our Nonno (grandad) and spend a few weeks. Flash forward to today, George lives in Italy and manages the the guest hospitality and the surrounding agricultural property and I live and raise my family on the North Shore of Long Island. I import and sell our own award-winning extra virgin olive oil in the US and rent the villa to travelers who want a unique local and "off the beaten path" vacation experience near Rome. It is my great pleasure to help our guests create a custom itinerary with day trips and activities for their stay at our ancestral home, the "Casale". George is the beloved concierge who helps with dinner reservations and gets guests to where they want to go.

As we have learned from our many appreciative friends and fans that a unique history, lifestyle and great food is meant to be treasured and shared. We strive to maintain the house, the spirit, the soul of our ancestors and the values of a bygone era. We hold our agrarian roots near and dear even as Rome's lights twinkle in the distance.

Why they chose this property

My brother George and I are fifth generation co-owners of the “Casale”, our ancestral home, located in near Frascati on the outskirts of Rome. Our great, great grandfather began purchasing land in the area in 1883 and the farmhouse in 1900. In 1948, our grandparents transformed the farmhouse into the elegant family home which stands today. Though down to 25 acres from the original 100, we continue to cultivate grapes that are sold to a local Frascati DOC winemaker and produce delicious, top quality extra virgin olive oil from our over 750 trees of several varieties including Leccino, Rosciola, Carboncello and Venina. We export the olive oil to the US where I sell it directly to family and friends and by passa parole - word of mouth.

What makes this property unique

A private, comfortable and clean historic family-owned home to call your own (not a "rental property").
Be surrounded by vineyards & olive groves on a working farm.
Gorgeous views from the bedrooms, living room and rooftop terrace.
Garden pergola for dining al fresco.
Friendly, Engaging, Helpful, English & Italian speaking owner on site.
Authentic Italian small-town living in the Castelli Romani on the outskirts of Rome. No Tourist Crowds. Live like a local.
Easy access to the city by train at Colle Mattia station located 1 kilometer from our gate. 3 stops and 30 minutes to Rome Termini in the center. From Termini Station there are buses, taxis or you can walk to the historic center. Or you may take trains to other cities in Italy: Florence and Naples: 11/2 hours; Assisi: 2 1/2; Spoleto 1 1/2; Perugia 2-3 hours are just a sampling.

The Casale is the perfect home base from which to see Rome for a couple of days and then go on day trips to all the small villages nearby or towns, historic sites and coastline of central Italy from Florence to the Amalfi Coast. The clean beach and charming town at Sperlonga, about 1 1/2 hours by car from the Casale is our absolute favorite.

Languages:

English, Italian
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