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, kitchen facilities in the Torrione, a large courtyard, marvellous gardens, breathtaking views - each double bedroom costs €85 per night and €95 for each triple bedroom per night (see info in English contd further down page). There is contribution of €250 towards heating in the winter months.
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 angolo cucina nel Torrione, un ampio cortile, meravigliosi giardini e viste mozzafiato - ogni camera doppia costa €85 a notte e €95 per ogni camera tripla a notte. Vi è un contributo per il riscaldamento di €250 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 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!

SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRICES ARE OFFERED FOR THIS PAPAL JUBELEE YEAR TO THOSE VISITING ROME AND THE VATICAN. ASK FOR DETAILS. THERE IS AN EXCELLENT DIRECT TRAIN SERVICE FROM POGGIO MIRTETO AT A 9KM BUSRIDE!
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.