Considering a Stay

Who is Casa Isabella for, and not for?
Before applying for a stay, please take a moment to reflect on whether Casa Isabella is the right plae for you and your family.

Casa Isabella is not an airbnb, or hotel, it is our family home. On Christmas morning, our grandchildren's tiny feet patter across the tile floors. We cook grand feasts in this kitchen and linger for hours on the veranda, watching the light fade over the vineyards. In the wine cellar I find myself in spirited debate with our Italian pastor about which bottle suits each course. Our deepest memories are rooted in this home, and in this village.
We are opening our doors because we believe there may be kindred spirits out there, brothers and sisters who need to rest, heal, and create memories here, just as our family has.

Is there anything to do in Piemonte?
Piemonte is not Firenze or Roma, it is not a place to rush from one landmark to the next.
We hope that every Christian is able to experience the treasures of Christendom- St. Peter's Basilica, the Statue of David and other wonders. Those great monuments enrich your understanding of faith and culture; Casa Isabella invites you to live that culture.
If you've had your fill of museums, guided tours, and crowded piazzas this region offers something different: wineries tucked between rolling hills, scenic hiking trails that wind through vineyards, local markets bursting with color, and festivals that seem to stop time. Here, relaxation isn't optional- it's inevitable.
Piemonte is a place that authentic Italian life unfolds- unhurried, sincere, and filled with discovery.

I've been dreaming of Italian Food! Will it be like my dreams?
Yes and no. The dishes many of think of as Italian are often not found in Italy.
In Piemonte, most menus will surprise you- and that's the joy of it. Even if you don't recognize the names, trust the process. This region ranks among the world's most celebrated destinations for cuisine, and while most of us aren't chefs, we can all appreciate the artistry that happens here.
Expect to find food that is both astonishingly good and, occassionally, a bit unfamiliar. A good rule of thumb: taste before you translate. Many restaurants can accommodate vegetarions and celiacs. If a restaurant skips offering a menu and simply begins to serve you, relax! You've chosen well, and it won't be expensive.

Fitness and Mobility. I've heard there is a lot of walking in Europe. Do I need to be a marathoner?:
No, but a moderate level of fitness will make your stay more enjoyable. You won't need to walk more than 20 minutes each way to reach the bottega or local restaurants. If you are comfortable walking an hour or so on uneven terrain, you can access the hiking trails that leave directly from the house. There is a lot to experience and, while you can go as easy as you like, it will be hard to be truly immersed in the culture and people without some walking.

The House. What is Casa Isabella like?
The main house is located on a hillside halfway between the valley floor and the hilltop town of Cisterna. The main house has four bedrooms and five baths across 300 square meters (about 3200 sq/ft). The main floor is open concept, with the kitchen, dining, and living space flowing together on the ground floor. Behind this living area, you'll find a full bath and laundry. Off the kitchen is a spacious veranda designed for outdoor dining, with both gas and wood fired grills, and a kitchen sink, a traditional wood-fired pizza oven, and a small swimming pool. The first floor (second floor for Americans) includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The top floor is a large loft-style master suite with it's own sitting area, TV space, and private bath with tub.
Beneath the house is a large garage opening onto the driveway below the pool deck.
Off the east side of the main house is a 400 square foot apartment where JIll and Steve live about six months of the year.

Hosting / Concierge:
Steve and Jill live in the apartment just off the house part itme, about six months of the year. If Jill and Steve are in the apartment, we are happy to offer customized levels of help to our guests.

Can I ask for help planning my day?
Absolutely. Visiting a new place can feel overwhelming at first — our goal is to help you move quickly from confusion to calm, so you can focus on rest and joy. 
If we’re in residence in the apartment, we’re happy to provide as much (or as little) guidance as you’d like.
Even if we’re away, you can email us or note in your application that you’d like help with planning, and we’ll walk you through options and the best ways to book activities or experiences. You may prefer to visit while we're there, or at a time that you'd have the property entirely to yourself. 
Reach out to us by email or note in your application, don't be afraid to describe your Italian dream. We really enjoying helping in this way. 

If you would like to apply to stay, please complete this form: https://casaisabella.org/application