What is the name of your accommodation?

Il Casale delle Rose Etrusche

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

I am Willem Lybaert, and my wife is Else Somers. Our sons are Lucas and Simon. I am an oncology specialist, and my wife is a nurse in the gastroenterology endoscopy unit. We both work many hours a week and also have on-call duties. Whenever we have time off, we look forward to traveling to Italy. We lost our hearts there years ago and found it the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy life’s simple pleasures: from the beautiful Lake Como in the north to the hills of Umbria and Tuscany, dotted with authentic houses, vineyards, and olive groves. Italian cuisine is unique in its simplicity and is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Life there feels more carefree to us than it does back home.

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

During our 2025 summer holiday at Lake Como and in Tuscany, we browsed Italian real estate websites looking for a beautiful and authentic home in Umbria or Tuscany. Our eyes immediately fell on a newly listed farmhouse in Todi that had been renovated a few years earlier. After our first visit, we were instantly convinced: the charm, the authenticity, and the breathtaking views felt right from the start.

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

The house was lovingly restored a few years ago, with great respect for the authentic character of the building. Every room exudes warmth, tranquility, and atmosphere, showcasing that typical rustic Umbrian style.

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?

Nestled among olive trees and vineyards, with stunning views of medieval Todi, lies our fully renovated country house. We — Willem, Else, our sons Lucas and Simon, and our Cocker Spaniel Siena — have created a place where we can unwind from our demanding professional lives. Our love for Italy, its cuisine, and its wonderful wines can be felt here every day.`

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

Our beautifully renovated Umbrian country house is a place where time slows down. As soon as you drive onto the estate, you feel the calm, warm atmosphere of the surrounding landscape: gently rolling hills, silvery olive trees, and rows of vineyards glowing golden in the evening light.

From the swimming pool, an unforgettable panorama of Todi unfolds — a view that changes its hues with every sunrise and sunset. The silence is never empty, but filled with birdsong, rustling leaves, and in the evening the soft murmuring of the countryside.

Inside, the house has been renovated with great respect: stone walls, wooden beams, and rustic details create a warm, authentic charm. Every room radiates coziness and simplicity, as if the house embraces you. It is a place where you can truly land. Where evenings linger at the large dining table, where life feels slow and intense, and where you naturally unwind in an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and pure.

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

Our country house is not only charming and authentic but also thoughtfully and sustainably designed. There is a large rainwater cistern that allows us to maintain the garden in an environmentally friendly way. The woodland on the Umbrian slope of the property provides natural cooling during the hot summer months. Under the shade of the trees stands a picnic table, perfect for a quiet breakfast, a cozy lunch, or an aperitif outdoors.

We also plan to install solar panels to generate our own electricity and make the house even more energy-efficient. It is a place where comfort, atmosphere, and respect for nature go hand in hand.

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

We enjoy sharing this house with guests who appreciate comfort, authenticity, and the charm of the Umbrian landscape. For those who want to enjoy the silence, the views, the cozy living spaces, and the pure Italian atmosphere… It is the ideal base for anyone wishing to escape daily life and unwind. Orvieto, Assisi, Perugia, Tuscany, and Rome are all within easy reach from here.

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.

During their stay in our Umbrian country house, guests enjoy a unique combination of peace, charm, and breathtaking views. From the pool, the terrace, or the wooded area with a picnic table, a picturesque panorama of Todi and the surrounding landscape of olive groves and vineyards unfolds again and again.
The house itself is atmospheric, authentic, and comfortable, with rustic details, warm materials, and rooms that invite relaxation. Guests often notice how quickly they unwind here, as if they momentarily step away from the rush of daily life.

“You feel at home here immediately, surrounded by the peace, beauty, and warmth of the house and the landscape — a place to cherish.”

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

We hope guests take home the magic of the house and its surroundings: the feeling of complete tranquility, the sun on their skin by the pool, the scent of olive trees and vineyards, and the breathtaking view of Todi that seems to change with every glance.

We hope they feel at home in a house full of charm and atmosphere, where every room radiates warmth and authenticity, and that they experience moments of simplicity and happiness, from a peaceful breakfast under the trees to a long evening at the large table with a glass of local wine.

In short: we hope they carry the feeling of Umbrian serenity and beauty with them forever.

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

Start the day with breakfast under the trees or on the terrace overlooking Todi, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and let the tranquility of the house sink in. Taste the local Grechetto wine, rent a bike at the house, and explore the surrounding hills full of vineyards and olive groves.

Go for a walk, enjoy the sunset or the starry sky, and experience the charm and silence of Umbria. Orvieto, Assisi, Perugia, Tuscany, and Rome are all easily accessible from here.