Considering a Stay

Is Casa Isabella a vacation rental or a hotel?
Casa Isabella is neither an airbnb or hotel, it is our family home. We have deep memories rooted in this home, and in this village.
We are opening our doors because we believe there may be brothers and sisters who could use this home and community to rest, heal, and create memories, just as our family has. Please take a moment to reflect on whether Casa Isabella is the right thing for you and your family.

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, the Louvre, and other wonders. Those great monuments and museums enrich our understanding of faith and culture.
This region offers something different: wineries tucked between rolling hills, hiking trails that wind through truffle forests and vineyards, local markets bursting with color, and festivals that seem to stop time. Piemonte is a place that authentic Italian life unfolds, unhurried and sincere.

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, with large windows overlooking the vineyards and valley. 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, 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/right side of the main house is a 400 square foot apartment where Jill and Steve live about six months of the year.

Hosting / Concierge:
If Jill and Steve are in the apartment, they are happy to offer customized levels of help, guidance, and fellowship to guests. Visiting a new place can feel overwhelming at first — Where do we get food? How do we buy gas for the car? Are there any festivals this weekend? It's a nice day, where can we eat lunch on a panoramic veranda? How do we use the coffee maker? Can we have some help buying steaks and pairing the wine? Where should we hike today? How do we use the pizza oven, and can you help us make dough, and our first pizza? 
We are here to remove confusion and maximize calm. 

Can I ask for help planning my entire trip?
Yes. We have years of experience traveling and living in Europe, and we'd love help you create an expereience that's perfect for you.

I've been dreaming of Italian Food! Will it be just like my dreams?
Yes and no. If you have not traveled in Italy before, you might surprised to find that the dishes many of us think of as Italian are often not found in Italy.
Yet, while you won't find chicken parmesan or fettucine alfredo, the zone consisting of northern Italy and southern France is one of the world's most celebrated destinations for food. Eating out is very affordable here. If you haven't traveled much, this is a great place to expand your culinary horizon. Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarians and celiacs so don't hesitate to let them know your needs when you reserve.

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.

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