Meet the people behind the place: Il Mandorlo

Nestled between the rolling hills of Umbria and Tuscany lies Il Mandorlo, the heartfelt project of Theresa, born from the desire to create a place where slowing down and sharing quality time with loved ones is at the heart of the experience. Here, hours drift by as you watch the colors of the views shift with the light, a glass of Italian wine in hand and the flavors of local delicacies on the table. Il Mandorlo is a gentle immersion into authentic Italian culture, where every detail invites you to pause, recharge, and enjoy precious moments together.

What is the name of your accommodation?

Il Mandorlo

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

We are a family of five. We love authenticity, whether in people, in nature and culture, or in materials, food, and drink. We are all passionate about gastronomy, but also very sporty. Long walks through the beautiful landscape give us a lot of energy.

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

A busy professional and social life made us strongly feel the need to slow down. To see no one, or only the people we invite to our holiday home. In addition, it is also a true family house. Our children study abroad, and it is wonderful to meet there regularly and enjoy real quality time together.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

The house was already largely renovated. The furnishing of the kitchen, bar, and built-in cupboards was still something we had to realize ourselves. For this, we called on our trusted Flemish architect, who worked together with Italian craftsmen. A bit of patience was required, but the result is stunning. Their eye for detail in the finishing is unparalleled.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

The kitchen, where everyone can gather around the bar, is so cozy. It is always striking how quickly everyone feels at ease and tasks are spontaneously divided. The covered terrace is also delightful. The chairs are so comfortable, and you can spend hours watching how the colors of the landscape change. The sheep that leave the stable every day and walk down past the house are another highlight.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

I especially wanted a very rural, cozy Tuscan atmosphere with a bit of color. The result is timeless, high quality, and warm. There are many little corners, both inside and outside, to read a book, listen to music, or have a genuine conversation with your housemates.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

There are solar panels, we recycle waste intensively, and all heating and lighting are controlled via an app.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

We think it’s a shame that the house would stand empty for months at a time. We want to share our experience with guests who value the same things we do: gastronomy, beauty, and authenticity. And we are curious about their experiences.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

Peace and authenticity. Enjoying the surroundings, cooking together, or putting your feet under the table and being served the most delicious Italian dishes prepared by a local chef. Guests who have stayed here describe the holiday home as a true paradise. Everything is provided in detail to fully enjoy.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay?

We hope that people can truly slow down and make time for each other. This, combined with the authentic Italian culture. There is no mass tourism in the area. Real people with real stories live here. And if there is a need for action or to meet other people, the beautiful villages and towns are not far away.

Do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

A combination of rest and activities is ideal. Activities in the region include hiking, cycling, renting a boat on Lake Trasimeno, a Vespa tour, golfing, but also wine tastings or visiting villages such as Castiglione del Lago or Montepulciano. Visiting villages that are a bit further away is certainly no punishment, as the landscape is breathtaking. In addition, we can also recommend plenty of restaurants.

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