Tenuta Collesala: a country-chic retreat in the Sabine Hills

An estate immersed in the Sabina countryside, perfect as a base to explore central Italy

Picture the Italian countryside. Rolling hills, vast stretches of land, picturesque towns, delicious food, vino and that dolce far niente way of living… Sounds dreamy, right? Feel like visiting one of the gems of the Italian countryside? One that’s just a 50-minute drive from Rome and in the heart of central Italy, serving as the perfect base to explore Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany? Then the Sabina countryside is just the place for you.

While hoards of tourists have been flocking to the famous Tuscan countryside, the Sabine Hills have remained one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Very few tourists know about this secret countryside near Rome located in the Northern Lazio region.

The best place to stay in the Sabina countryside? Hands down Tenuta Collesala. Just a 15-minute drive from Magliano Sabina, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, you’ll find this country chic estate owned by Alessandra. This stunning hilltop property was the family’s estate when she was a little girl, until she inherited it. After renovating it in the early 2000s, she has turned the property into the perfect countryside retreat. As you enter through the gates of the estate, you’re taken back to the Texan ranches: a feeling of open spaces, valleys, nature and freedom takes you by storm.

A main villa, two separate apartments and a cottage in the Sabina countryside

The estate is comprised of an 80-hectare property including one main villa on two floors, two depandances and even a cottage (all air-conditioned)! The main villa is everything you’ve dreamed of: the second floor boasts one master bedroom with a king size bed as well as two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. While the first floor has a beautiful Italian-style kitchen, a large living room, dining room, and a powder room. Cook away in the kitchen and then step out onto the porch and dine with incredible views.

But the fun isn’t over just yet. The estate can hold up to 16 people! Apart from the main villa, there are two poolside apartments, one with a bedroom overlooking the pool, private bathroom and sitting room. The other with a small kitchen, a king size bed and a bathroom. The views? Jaw-dropping. Wake up in the morning to never-ending views of the rolling hills and Umbrian towns.

And last but not least, there’s also a cottage footsteps from the main villa, equipped with en-suite bathrooms and two double bedrooms. Each room at this stunning estate is unique, and all rooms boast jaw-dropping views. Let’s just say that if you’re traveling with a large group around Italy, Tenuta Collesala is the perfect place for you!

An infinity pool overlooking the Sabine Hills

But if you think Tenuta Collesala is just the perfect place for your group vacation in Italy, you’ve got it all wrong. Apart from the charming Italian-style bedrooms and bathrooms, there is a stunning infinity pool packed with poolside loungers. The swimming pool overlooks the Sabine hills, and it’s cornered by a pizza oven. Imagine yourself with your friends going for a splash in the infinity pool, sipping on some chilled wine or beer, and having some freshly-made oven pizza while overlooking an uncontaminated countryside. Does it get any better than this?

The perfect place for a group vacation to Italy (even with kids)

Like I said, Tenuta Collesala can host up to 16 people. So whether it’s just you and your family or you’re traveling with a big group of friends around Italy, it’s the ideal place to stay in Italy. Everyone gets to have their own privacy while at the same time being able to enjoy the vacation together. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll never get bored. From playing hide and seek and swimming in the pool, to going horseback riding, they’ll never get bored. You get to relax, they get to have fun. It’s a win-win.

Explore the nearby towns during the day

Take advantage of the central location, hop on your car and explore the nearby towns during the day. The kids don’t feel up for it? The swimming pool, pizza oven, TV, wi-fi, air-conditioning and sweeping views of the valleys will keep them company. Or maybe they’d rather go horse-back riding with Alessandra’s brother and his horses?

If you’re into art, Sabina is at a crossroads between Italy’s art cities. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Orte; a 20-minute drive from the Park of Monsters (the kids will love it) and Civita Castellana; a 30-minute drive from Orvieto; a 45-minute drive from Viterbo and the Tuscia area; 50-minutes from Rome ; and one hour from the beautiful Todi and Spoleto. You can even head to the beach if you want, Argentario is just a 1.45-hour drive away!

But you can also spend the days enjoying the slower pace of life, indulging in delicious food and one of the best olive oils in Italy. It’s full of fun activities, you can even explore the nearby natural reserves or have yoga on-site!

An affordable large group villa rental in Italy

Let’s not forget that Italy can get crowded and expensive during summer. The Sabine Hills offer a fabulous and affordable place to stay and explore Italy (especially if need a large group villa rental)! This area is mostly frequented by locals and hasn’t been overrun by tourists yet.

With so many outdoorsy activities and exploring to do, what are you waiting for to book your Italian hideaway just 50 minutes from Rome? Put away your phone, admire the views, enjoy a swim in the pool, explore the nearby towns and indulge in Italy’s famous dolce far niente way of life.