A luxury retreat hidden from the flurry of daily life, Casale San Pietro is the epitome of agrotourism at its most decadent. Alana Mazza, Managing Director and Owner, speaks on the hotel’s origins and passion for providing a tranquil escape.
NESTLED IN THE OLIVE GROVES
With the growth in tourism over the past five years comes a rise in travellers seeking experiences that speak to authenticity, intimate origins, and a quieter kind of holiday that doesn’t brag, but rather quietly invites.
This is where hotels and experiences that centre around agrotourism lead the way in the current transition of the tourism industry.
Perched on a verdant hill and cradled by the slender arms of olive trees heavy with the plump stone fruit, Casale San Pietro (Casale) sits in the heart of the Italian countryside and offers visitors more than just a tranquil retreat; it gives voice to a long-forgotten fantasy.
Small, intimate, and unique, Casale is a 300-year-old farmhouse that has been converted into a luxury six-bedroom agrotourism hotel located only 50 minutes from the Eternal City of Rome in the lesser-known region of Lazio.
Overlooking the ancient town of Anagni and the shimmering mountains beyond, the hotel was brought to life by owners Alana and Joe Mazza.
“We will have been in operation for 10 years this August. Originally, we only planned to open as a bed and breakfast, but very soon our guests didn’t want to leave, so we started offering lunches and dinners, and it has really grown from there,” introduces Alana.
“We envisioned creating a relaxing space where guests could unwind in our many indoor and outdoor areas. We wanted them to feel at home, but with everything taken care of.”
Part of the reason the Mazzas fell in love with the area was its incredible location in close proximity to Rome, with miles of beachfront, medieval towns, and even skiing in the wintertime. What matters most at Casale is embracing the serene moments of each day and exploring the culture of the region at your own pace.
DRIVEN BY PASSION
Before dedicating themselves to the care and maintenance of Casale, Alana and Joe were based in
the UK.
“I was the Retail Director at Hobbs in London, and Joe owned hairdressing salons. One year, whilst on holiday in Acuto, we asked ourselves if we should just move here,” Alana details.
Soon, this one-time dream became reality when the previous owners of Casale put the old farmhouse and its sleepy olive grove up for sale. The Mazzas knew then it was time to bring their fantasy to life and embark on an adventure that would come to reshape their future.
“We wanted to get off the treadmill and do something together that we both love – looking after people,” enthuses Alana.
This passion manifested into a hotel driven by love and the desire to provide a unique, personal service for each guest, where nothing is too much trouble. Their mission is to make each visitor feel like a part of the Casale family and create memories so potent that they will never be far from the forefront of your mind.
When guests first pull up to the eight acres of olive groves, they can expect to be greeted with a glass of fizz and a personal tour of all Casale has to offer.
“We try to anticipate everything our guests could want and deliver it before they even realise they want it! There is enough space for people to find a private moment to relax, or chat with others and create long-standing friendships,” expands Alana.
With most rooms offering private terraces with outstanding views of the mountains, a plethora of outdoor areas, and more to explore, tranquillity is never more than a few steps away.
As you walk around the grounds of Casale, the breeze is bursting with the fresh fragrances of herbs and flowers from the surrounding garden, carrying clucks from the hens who generously donate their eggs to the kitchen.
On the far side of the Casale – for total privacy and peace – is the pool. Encircled by lush sunbeds, white marble, and Italian terracotta tiles, the 12-metre pool is ideal for swimming laps, cooling down in the afternoon sun, or just spending a day soaking up the atmosphere as you daydream.
“We will have been in operation for 10 years this August. Originally, we only planned to open as a bed and breakfast, but very soon our guests didn’t want to leave, so we started offering lunches and dinner, and it has really grown from there”
Alana Mazza, Managing Director and Owner, Casale San Pietro
HOMEMADE AND HOMEGROWN
The design of Casale was purposefully reminiscent of Italian tradition and timeless charm, whilst still offering present-day amenities and comfort.
“I wanted to create an Italian-feeling destination, but with modern twists; therefore, I developed many mood boards with eclectic colours and furniture – always designing with the guest in mind,” details Alana.
“We have beautiful antique pieces and modern artwork from both Italy and the UK, with the primary inspiration stemming from the stone walls, terracotta floor tiles, and the magnificent views.”
This ethereal aesthetic can be seen throughout the grounds of the hotel, with The Long Room being a prime example.
As the hub of Casale, The Long Room welcomes visitors through an arched doorway that leads to original cotto floors and exposed stone walls and ceiling beams, all lit with twinkling Murano glass chandeliers.
Even the plaster on the walls is a work of art – designed by specialist craftsmen who utilised a silky Venetian stucco finish. With its extensive amenities, personalised service, and vibrant surroundings, it’s no wonder Casale calls to all kinds of travellers.
“We see a wide range of guests, about 65 percent of whom stem from the UK, with others from the US and Europe. They all come for a similar reason – to experience true relaxation,” explains Alana.
Additionally, the hotel caters to approximately two weddings per year, offering an intimate service for up to 50 guests.
Whether in a white gown, a swimsuit, or walking shoes, the panoramic views of the emerald green mountains, the scent of freshly squeezed olive oil in the air, and the feeling of home away from home are enchanting and keep you coming back, time and again.
“We wanted to get off the treadmill and do something together that we both love – looking after people”
Alana Mazza, Managing Director and Owner, Casale San Pietro
THE BEATING HEART OF ITALY
Whilst guests will find it hard to tear themselves away from the enchanting grounds of Casale, the many towns surrounding the area are well worth a day trip.
Anagni, for example, is an ancient, little-known town encircled by Roman boundary walls and nicknamed the ‘Città dei Papi’ – Town of the Popes.
“Many popes, including the only British Pope, lived and died in Anagni. It was even once considered the centre of Catholicism before the church moved to Avignon, France,” insights Alana.
Equally, the Garden of Ninfa – located in Cisterna di Latina – is described as one of the most romantic gardens in the world. Part of the once-great Caetani family’s estate, these magical ruins transport visitors back in time with towering trees, decadent flowers, rambling roses, and a lush river running throughout.
Currently, Casale is in an exciting chapter of development.
Alana and Joe were seeking additional land to build their own apartment, which they managed to secure next to the existing property.
“On that land sat two derelict buildings, which we wondered what to do with. After extensive research into co-ownership, we decided to pursue that route. We informed current guests about the idea and put the smaller ‘Il Villino’ on the market for 10 shares ahead of development,” explains Alana.
“In five days, all 10 shares sold. Developing in Italy has been an interesting learning curve, but we are at the final stage, and our co-owners will occupy their new homes in 2026.”
The co-owners will be a part of the Casale family, and more guests will have the opportunity to own a perfect holiday home in Italy as the Mazza’s vision to extend Casale becomes an increasing reality in three nearby stone buildings. The next property will be ‘L’Oliveto’ – a fully renovated and furnished four-bedroom luxury farmhouse with a shared pool.
This expansion will offer a new space for visitors to call their own whilst still protecting the unique, personal charm that Casale has been delivering for nearly a decade.
“We are always evolving, but determined to do so in a way that maintains the property’s inclusive and carefully curated atmosphere, cementing our vision of creating a space which is relaxing, tranquil, and where people can escape from their day-to-day lives,” concludes Alana.
