Bellaria

For many years, the current owners of Bellaria, a family from London, rented rooms in this house for their summer holidays, when it was still operated as a B&B. They grew deeply fond of the countryside between Montepulciano and Castigliano del Lago and eventually decided to search for a home of their own in the area.

In 2015, the owner of the B&B informed them of his intention to sell the property and return to England after many years in Italy. By September of that year, they had become the new owners of a substantial property, fully furnished, as the previous owner left almost everything behind.

The brief to SpecialItaly was clear and ambitious: to transform the property into a “SpecialItaly house” within a timeframe of just seven months. At the outset, the house was filled with furniture and reflected a renovation dating back to the 1990s, characterised by a traditional dark-brown Umbrian style.

Over the course of only seven months, the renovation team worked together to breathe new life into this remarkable house. Much of the original furniture was carefully restored, lightened in colour or stripped of its dark polish, to preserve its character while giving it a more contemporary feel.

Working alongside a local architect, renovation works commenced in January 2016, and by the end of July 2016, Bellaria was ready to welcome its first guests. The project was a significant achievement, made possible by a highly motivated group of local professionals and artisans who collaborated closely throughout the process. Bellaria retains the atmosphere of an historic building, while being fully prepared for a new generation to appreciate and enjoy.

The property was one of our exclusive rental villas for ten years, until the beginning of 2026. Its style perfectly demonstrates how modern and classic elements can coexist in harmony.