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Open March 15th to December 1st, 2025

Neither Eileen Holland nor Lorenzo De Monaco had ties to the region when they decided to make an Umbrian village their new home almost 20 years ago, but they soon realized Collazzone was too special a place to leave. Within 70 acres of rolling green hills, they built their tiny universe on the basis of hospitality, organic wine, and local food. La Segreta–aptly named “the secret”–encapsulates the art of dolce far niente. “We’d love our guests to discover the slow-paced way of life that we’ve adopted,” Eileen shares. And at La Segreta, you really do discover the rhythms of daily life in the Italian countryside.

Tastefully renovated, thanks to Eileen’s background in art history, the cozy country house–which is made up of two independent residences of five rooms and is available for whole-property rental only–sits in the midst of Lorenzo’s organic and natural winery, Agri Segretum. Within five minutes of leaving your room, you’ll be sitting around a fire, glass of one of their pet-nats in hand, listening to Lorenzo explain his definition of “natural wine”. Stop by the equally close cantina for a more official tasting paired with honey from their vineyard, pecorino cheese made down the street,  and prosciutto they cure each winter–just a few of the local delicacies you’ll sample during your stay. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a basket (more like a cornucopia) of local coffee and pasta, and La Segreta’s own olive oil, eggs, honey, and olives. 

For those whose vacation includes a break from cooking, there’s a group of excellent private chefs that can be reserved for special meals (and cooking lessons). Conversely, for those whose vacation involves creativity in the kitchen, you can request pantry items before arrival and prepare dishes in their modern, open kitchen or even over one of their many fireplaces.

Aside from the food and wine, La Segreta really is rooted in Umbria. In the rustic stone farmhouse, Eileen and Lorenzo have preserved original chestnut beams, plastered walls, and fireplaces, while the doors, tables, curtains, iron work, and embroidery were all completed by local artisans. Inside their rooms, the aesthetic is clean, minimalistic, airy, and filled with natural light. Find touches of modern Italian elegance across the property; soak in an outdoor bathtub under a flowering jasmine vine, swim in a pool seemingly perched over the countryside, melt into plush lounge chairs, and snuggle under luxurious bed sheets. 

You might come here enticed to travel around Umbria or neighboring Tuscany and Lazio; however, spend one day on property and you’ll soon want to forgo those plans in order to enjoy your time with friends and family here. Ideal days include waking up to the sound of small birds chirping and leisurely mornings, playing bocce in the courts around the property, lounging by their stunning pool–from which it’s not uncommon to see deer and pheasants–or challenging your friends to a foosball match. 

We, and Eileen and Lorenzo, understand, though, that you’ve traveled all this way and you’d like to see the likes of ornate churches and quaint hilltop towns. Good thing the medieval village of Collazzone along with Perugia, Todi, Assisi, and Deruta are all nearby. “The locals are proud of their town and happy to show it off,” Elieen shares of Collazzone. (And, if you prefer to stay in the village, Lorenzo and Eileen also have a two-room townhouse here called La Casseta, with a perfect garden, private heated pool, bocce field, and the prettiest kitchen we’ve ever seen.) 

Each season here offers its own charm; come in September and October for the olive and grape harvest, plus Eileen’s now-famous Collazzone Halloween fest. Summer is perfect for long days outside by the pool. November and December are for enjoying cozy fires, bike rides through the forest, and visiting the local towns as they get ready for Christmas. But spring holds a touch of magic, as the property comes alive with blooms, and the colors remind you why Umbria is called the “the green heart of Italy.” 

A few more segreti (secrets) from Eileen:

Trattoria Al Leone – This local’s spot in Collazzone is a must-visit for a beautiful terrace, wood-fired pizza, amatriciana, and homemade stringozzi cacio e pepe

Officina Sartoriale – In Todi, you must stop into this store for an excellent assortment of men’s and women’s shoes–the boots and loafers are particularly to die for. 

Bar Pianegiani – If you’re visiting in the warmer months, pop into this gelateria in Todi for the creamiest gelato or a cioccolatino. 

Ciao Mi Amor – This cozy, low-ceiling, ultra-romantic spot in Todi is the best place to say “ciao mi amor” and also to eat tagliatelle with artichokes and mascarpone. 

Todi – Tour the San Fortunato Church, Roman Cisterns, and Painted House.

DELI – A retro wine bar in the main piazza of Todi, perfect for sipping a glass of Todi DOC Merlot after sightseeing. 

L’Alchimista – If you feel like taking a beautiful drive through the countryside, head to Montefalco and eat at this spot right off the main piazza. Try the barbazza (sage and Umbrian guanciale sauteed in red wine), and ask Eileen to make you a reservation. 

The countryside is beautiful for hiking, especially between Collazzone and San Terenziano–stop in the latter for coffee and homemade gelato. 

Deruta – Visit an exclusive family-owned ceramic workshop by booking through La Segreta

Montefalco – See the brilliant Gozzoli frescoes at the Church of San Francesco, Eileen and Lorenzo’s favorite in all of Umbria