Barco

YOUR STAY

At the centre of Villa Barco is a stone courtyard. It brings the different parts of the house together and gives you a lovely place to sit when you want to be outside but don't feel like going anywhere.

Inside, the rooms have a distinctly Italian feel. Exposed beams, curved brick arches and natural materials sit alongside comfortable furnishings, while large French doors let plenty of light into the main living areas.

The six bedrooms are divided between the main house and Barcolino, the separate guest cottage. If you are travelling as a group, this gives everyone a little breathing room. Children have their own bunk beds in the main house extension too.

Upstairs, the master suite has a sitting room, private study and open fireplace. You also have an en-suite bathroom and views across the estate.

One of the nicest spots is the garden gazebo. Sit here with a coffee in the morning or bring a drink outside in the evening. With two historic castles in view, you don't need much else.

THE RESCHIO ESTATE & OUTDOOR LIFE

There is a lot of countryside around you at Villa Barco. The Castello di Reschio estate covers 2,700 acres, with woodland, olive groves and open valleys to explore.

Take one of the estate's mountain bikes and set off after breakfast. Walking is just as easy, and you could spend a few hours following the trails before coming back to the house for lunch.

Horse riding is another option. The Reschio equestrian centre is close by, with the wider estate providing plenty of space to get out into the countryside.

Fancy a game of tennis? You have access to the estate courts as well. It is easy to fill a day here without ever feeling like you are rushing from one activity to the next.

Of course, you don't have to do any of it. Stay beside the pool, sit under the loggia and enjoy having nowhere else you need to be.

POOL & WELLNESS

The 18-metre infinity pool sits a short distance below the main house. It looks across the gardens, with lawns and flowers running around the pool deck.

Next to it, a built-in spa bath gives you somewhere to soak when you want a break from swimming. Grab a book, settle into the warm water and stay there for as long as you like.

The covered loggia becomes particularly useful when the temperature drops later in the year. Heating keeps the space comfortable, so you can still enjoy being outside without wrapping yourself up in layers.

Back inside, underfloor heating keeps the main living areas warm. The bathrooms have heated towel rails too, which are always welcome after a swim.

For a quiet afternoon, you could simply stay in the gardens. There are plenty of places to sit, and the surrounding estate gives you a feeling of space in every direction.

LIVING & DINING

The dining room opens straight onto the terraces through large French doors. Leave them open during lunch and you get an easy connection between the house and the garden.

If you prefer eating outside, the covered loggia has its own kitchen and a traditional bread and pizza oven. It is a good setup for relaxed meals when everyone would rather stay outdoors.

You also have the wider Reschio estate to enjoy. Ristorante Alle Scuderie and the estate's bars are nearby, so you don't have to cook every night.

Perhaps dinner is a long affair around the table. Later, take your drink outside and sit in the courtyard. On another evening, walk over to the restaurant and let someone else handle dinner.

PRIVACY & SERVICE

Villa Barco sits within the larger Reschio estate but still feels like your own home. The main house, guest cottage, courtyard and gardens give you plenty of space to settle in with your group.

Housekeeping takes care of the rooms and daily details, while the pool is looked after during your stay. You also have access to the estate concierge if you want help arranging activities or making restaurant bookings.

Need bikes for the afternoon? Want to arrange a horse ride? Perhaps you would rather book dinner at the estate restaurant. The concierge can help with all of it.

With the guest cottage separate from the main house, larger families and groups have another useful option. You stay together, but you don't have to spend every minute together.