Restoring a 17th-Century Villa in the Heart of Umbria
Sharing the Story of Poggio Belvedere on a Celebrated Podcast
We’re honored to share the story of Poggio Belvedere on not one but two episodes of The Bittersweet Life podcast, hosted by the insightful Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks. Known for exploring the complexities of life’s biggest changes, The Bittersweet Life provided the perfect platform to discuss the inspiration behind renovating our 17th-century villa and starting a new life in Italy.
In the episodes “Legacy and Loss” and a brand-new deep dive into the renovation process: “How to Renovate a 17th-Century Umbrian Villa”, we talk about the emotional journey of grief, the challenges of restoring a centuries-old property, and the beauty of finding purpose in the Umbrian countryside.
Listen to the latest episode:
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How to Renovate a 17th-Century Umbrian Villa (with Kaila Merrill)
Catch the debut episode:
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Legacy and Loss (with Kaila Merrill)
Finding Meaning in Italy’s Timeless Countryside
What does it take to leave everything behind, restore a 17th-century villa, and start a new life in Italy? For us, it began with an unexpected spark—a moment of loss that set us on a journey to rediscover purpose and build something enduring.
Our story was recently featured on The Bittersweet Life, a celebrated podcast hosted by Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks. Katy, an award-winning senior public radio producer, spent over a decade at NPR in Seattle and has lived abroad in Rome, bringing a wealth of experience to the show. Tiffany, an author, travel writer, and tour guide, has called Rome home since 2004. Her debut novel, Midnight in the Piazza, is a Los Angeles Times bestseller, and she leads private walking tours in the city, sharing her passion for Rome's history and art. Together, they explore the beauty and challenges of life’s big changes, a topic that resonates deeply with our experience.
In two episodes—“Legacy and Loss” and the latest installment “How to Renovate a 17th-Century Umbrian Villa”—we share the highs and lows of renovating a centuries-old property, creating Poggio Belvedere, and embracing life in Umbria.
The Vision Behind Poggio Belvedere
Turning a Neglected Villa Into a Boutique Estate
When we first discovered Poggio Belvedere, it was more a vision than a reality. The villa had good bones but needed extensive restoration. Over two years, we transformed the property from a forgotten relic into a luxurious countryside retreat.
Key Renovation Features:
Preserving the villa’s original character, including its wooden beams and terracotta tiles, while introducing modern kitchens and bathrooms for comfort.
Crafting a stunning pool area that overlooks olive groves and vineyards.
Revamping outdoor spaces to include an open-air kitchen and a garden perfect for entertaining and relaxation.
Every detail was designed with intention, blending Umbria’s rustic charm with the comforts of modern luxury.
Why Umbria? Why This Villa?
While many look to Tuscany for their Italian countryside dreams, we were drawn to Umbria’s unspoiled beauty and authenticity. Known as Italy’s “green heart,” Umbria offers a slower pace of life, fewer crowds, and landscapes that feel timeless. Poggio Belvedere embodies all of this—a peaceful escape that feels worlds away yet remains connected to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Two Conversations on The Bittersweet Life
We were honored to share our story on The Bittersweet Life podcast, diving into how loss and resilience shaped our journey.
“Legacy and Loss”: A heartfelt look at how losing a loved one inspired us to move to Italy and create Poggio Belvedere.
“How to Renovate a 17th-Century Umbrian Villa”: A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the renovation process, the challenges of raising a family abroad, and the joy of building a new life.
Katy’s thoughtful questions brought out the depth of our journey, making these episodes a must-listen for anyone curious about life transformations or Italian villa restorations.
Experience Poggio Belvedere for Yourself
A Luxurious Stay in Umbria’s Countryside
Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat, planning a special celebration, or dreaming of an authentic Italian escape, Poggio Belvedere offers:
Full Property Rentals: Perfect for multi-generational family vacations or group getaways.
Curated Experiences: Wine tastings, olive oil tours, and cooking classes that showcase the best of Umbria.
Intimate Event Hosting: Celebrate milestones in a setting that’s as timeless as the memories you’ll create.
Why Poggio Belvedere Stands Out
Poggio Belvedere is more than a place to stay. It’s a space designed to help guests slow down, reconnect, and experience the beauty of Umbria like a local. Our guests enjoy:
Access to our Insider’s Guide to dining, shopping, and exploring the region.
A complimentary virtual concierge service that simplifies planning and enhances every stay.
Tailored experiences that immerse you in Umbrian culture, from truffle hunting to cashmere shopping.
Listen to Our Story
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to transform a centuries-old villa or are simply dreaming of Italy, these podcast episodes share the heart of our journey:
Plan Your Stay at Poggio Belvedere
Poggio Belvedere invites you to experience the charm of Umbria and the magic of Italian countryside living.
Every visit becomes part of our ongoing story—one of resilience, beauty, and finding joy in the unexpected.