Holidays in the green heart of Italy: an Umbrian Eden
Welcome to Casa Nova
Our Umbrian estate at Casa Nova extends to over 27 hectares of woodland, meadows, olive groves and iris fields high on the south-facing slopes of the beautiful Niccone Valley, on the border of Tuscany and Umbria and within a short drive of many of the most beautiful, art-filled, towns of Central Italy, including Perugia, Assisi, Siena, Cortona and Montone. The panoramic views will take your breath away. Enjoy our exceptional olive oil, forage for fresh produce, explore the historic treasures and natural beauty of Umbria, or simply chill out with family and friends.
Holiday Rentals at Casa Nova
There are three distinct options for holiday rentals on the estate, each with their own private pool and gardens. The houses do not intrude on one another’s privacy but as they are walking distance apart they can also accommodate large groups when rented together. A separate event space can be hired for parties.
Il Casale – farmhouse chic
sleeps 8 to 16
The main farmhouse, Il Casale, was lovingly restored in 2014 and combines traditional Umbrian architecture (oak beams, hand-made terracotta tiles and beautiful marbles) with every modern comfort, including under-floor heating in winter and under-floor cooling in summer. 9 bedrooms (5 are ensuite and one with step free access), vaulted kitchen and dining room, two living rooms and multiple outdoor terraces. Extensive private gardens, vine pergola, belvedere, pizza oven and infinity pool with salt filtration.
Ortolano – family friendly
sleeps 4 to 9
Casa dell’Ortolano has a relaxed style, ideal for families, with four ensuite bedrooms arranged around a generous open plan living space and well-equipped kitchen. Ortolano has under-floor heating in winter and is fully air-conditioned. The ground floor bedroom has step-free access. Shady pergola and panoramic balcony. Private lawns and garden around the house overlooking orchards below. The bio-pool offers a natural swimming experience, free of chemicals. Poolside pergola with dining area and comfy sofas.
Palazzetto – simply historic
three apartments each sleeping 2-4
Currently under restoration but expected to be available from the summer of 2027: three separate apartments in a historic building dating to the 17th century. Simply but attractively equipped, with an emphasis on sustainability and respecting the historic nature of the building, but with all of the facilities and services renewed to modern standards. Each apartment has its own kitchen, bathroom and living space but shares access to Palazzetto’s gardens and above-ground pool. Watch this space for updates.
Also at Casa Nova
Events and parties
perfect for those big family events
On a south facing hillside with dramatic views across the Niccone valley, we have created a ornamental park and event space, which serves as a display garden for our specialist iris nursery and can be hired as a venue for weddings and parties. Guests can enjoy an aperitif whilst exploring the terraces, lily pond and cascade, and then dine to the sound of gently splashing fountains. We can put you in touch with local caterers and party planners. We welcome enquiries.
Irises and olive oil
perfume and polyphenols
Casa Nova SRL is an “agriturismo” under Italian law, combining holiday rentals and agriculture. Our specialist iris nursery hosts a collection of some 850 varieties of bearded irises, including rare and historic types. Our olive groves produce pure virgin olive oil: harvested by hand early in the season for the best flavour, it is delicious and high in healthy polyphenols. Our rental guests can buy direct from the farm. For online sales of our irises and olive oil visit our nursery website at IrisUmbria.it.
Art History tours
bespoke tours from an international expert
Dr Tom Henry, one of the owners of Casa Nova, is a world-renowned authority on Raphael, Signorelli, and other renaissance artists of Central Italy. He has published extensively and has curated numerous international exhibitions, including at the National Gallery, London, the Prado in Madrid, the Louvre in Paris, and the Scuderie in Rome. He occasionally offers bespoke tours for interested clients. See Tom’s website at Centotorce.it for further details or email art@casanovaumbria.eu
The people behind Casa Nova
From the beginning, when we first saw it in 2003, we fell hopelessly in love with this magical place. You will too. Promise.
What our guests say
Authentic Italy
“We just returned from our trip to the Umbrian region and our stay at Il Casale was amazing. The villa was authentic Italy! The grounds and exterior of the villa were incredible and the views spectacular – more than we could have even imagined!
2023
Surpassed expectations
“The Garden House [Casa dell’Ortolano] lived up to the description and surpassed our expectations! This lovely villa with a view was excellent value for the money….Each of the four elegant bedrooms has its own charm, and the kitchen has all the mod-cons and ample space for multiple cooks!”
2023
Truly glorious
“[Il Casale]…The perfect place to gather family and friends for long lunches and even longer dinners siting on the terrace and basking in the glorious views… The infinity pool is truly glorious…”
2022
Perfect peace for stressed-out City dwellers (since circa 100 A.D.).
More than 1900 years ago, during the first century AD, Pliny the Younger had an estate somewhere close by in these same hills, between Cortona and Citta di Castello (referred to in his letters by its Latin name: Tifernum). Then, as now, the Tuscan border ran through these hills. He wrote to his friend Domitius Apollinaris, extolling the beauty of the area and his pleasure in the produce of his farm: “I enjoy here a cozier, more profound and undisturbed retirement than anywhere else, as I am at a greater distance from the business of the town and the interruption of troublesome clients. All is calm and composed; which circumstances contribute no less than its clear air and unclouded sky to that health of body and mind I particularly enjoy in this place… And indeed there is no place which agrees better with my family…” You will find other snippets from his letters throughout this site.
