Some places calm you before you even set your bag down.
Nido di Gufi in Todi was one of them.
A Warm Welcome
The moment I stepped inside the 12th-century palazzo, I felt a quiet sense of belonging.
It wasn’t just beautiful — it was grounding. The kind of peacefulness that makes you slow your breath and take it all in.
I stayed in the Snowy Owl apartment for two nights in October, and from the moment I arrived, it felt like I was visiting dear friends rather than checking into a rental.
About Nido di Gufi: A 12th-Century Stay in Todi, Umbria
Nido di Gufi — the Owls’ Nest — sits in the heart of Todi, a medieval hill town in Umbria, about two hours north of Rome.
The palazzo has been carefully restored by Jenn and Guy, an Australian–South African couple who now call this part of Italy home.
They met in the United States, traveled the world, and eventually followed their instincts to Todi, where they found this centuries-old building that seemed to choose them as much as they chose it.
Jenn affectionately calls the palazzo “she,” and you can feel why. Every detail reflects a deep love and respect for the home’s history.
Inside, every detail tells a story.
The headboards were once antique doors, lovingly sourced from local markets and shops, repurposed with care and intention.
Deruta ceramics, hand-painted in the nearby town known for this centuries-old craft, bring a sense of tradition and artistry to the space.
Each marble sink was carved from a single slab of stone, the same one used throughout the entire palazzo — a quiet connection that ties every apartment together.
Even the practical touches reflect the same thoughtfulness.
The keyless entry, the automatic light that softly greets you at night, and the refrigerator stocked with water, snacks, and essentials to help you settle in — all designed to make you feel instantly at home.
The beds are exceptionally comfortable, dressed in high-quality linens that feel cool and crisp after a day exploring Umbria.
Each apartment has both air conditioning and heat — plus ceiling fans — so you can create your own kind of comfort.
All the windows have screens, letting you sleep with them open to the fresh night air or close them for a perfectly climate-controlled rest.
The kitchen is a dream for anyone who’s ever imagined cooking in Italy.
With Smeg appliances, a six-burner stove, and shelves lined with cookbooks, it invites you to gather ingredients from local markets and create something simple and beautiful as the Umbrian breeze drifts through open windows.
It’s a luxury stay, but it feels lived-in — warm, personal, and full of heart.
Meet the Hosts Behind Nido di Gufi, Todi
Jenn and Guy are natural hosts.
They don’t just run a guesthouse — they share a piece of their lives.
Their generosity goes beyond the welcome treats and fresh linens.
It’s in how they talk about the palazzo, the town, and the region.
Jenn’s eyes light up when she tells stories about Todi’s markets, nearby vineyards, and the craftspeople she’s befriended. You can tell they’ve poured their souls into this place.
Staying here felt less like booking accommodation and more like being invited into a story.
Exploring Todi and the Umbrian Countryside
Todi itself feels suspended in time — a place where life moves with intention.
Shops close for lunch. Locals greet one another in the piazza.
Todi isn’t a town that performs for visitors — it’s a place that’s lived in.
You see children walking home from school, families gathering at café tables, and older residents strolling through the streets they’ve known all their lives.
There are tourists, of course, but life here still moves to the rhythm of the people who call it home.
From Todi, it’s easy to explore the Umbrian countryside.
I spent a morning wandering Perugia’s historic center and an afternoon in Orvieto, with its striking Duomo and panoramic views.
Other nearby towns worth visiting include Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis and a peaceful hill town filled with meaning; Spello, known for its flower-lined streets; Bevagna, where medieval traditions still shape daily life; Montefalco, home to some of Umbria’s best red wines; and Deruta, famous for its hand-painted ceramics.
Each town offers something distinct — a slower rhythm, local artisans, and a glimpse of everyday Italian life that’s harder to find in the more tourist-heavy regions.
Yet every evening, I couldn’t wait to return “home” to Nido di Gufi — to that quiet sense of peace that seemed to settle over me the moment I walked back through the door.
What Makes Nido di Gufi One of the Best Stays in Umbria
It’s hard to define what makes Nido di Gufi so moving.
Maybe it’s the way the light filters through the old windows.
Maybe it’s the thoughtful touches that remind you someone has considered what you might need before you even realize it.
Or maybe it’s that this isn’t a place built for tourists — it’s a home created with love, one that welcomes you in and reminds you what travel can feel like when it’s done slowly and with heart.
If you’re looking for a base to explore Umbria, this is ideal.
If you’re craving a quiet retreat to rest, reset, and feel connected again — this is also the place.
Who Will Love Staying Here
This stay is made for travelers who want to immerse themselves, not just pass through.
Couples, solo travelers, or small families who want space to settle in, cook meals, and experience daily life in an authentic Umbrian town will feel most at home here.
You’ll love it if you appreciate thoughtful design, local craftsmanship, and hosts who care deeply about your experience.
How to Book Your Stay
Nido di Gufi offers four apartments — from the cozy studio to the spacious two-bedroom Snowy Owl.
Todi is easily reached from Rome by car in about two hours. Once you arrive, everything is walkable — shops, restaurants, and the main piazza are all nearby.
You can book directly through their official website, which includes details about each apartment and seasonal availability.
Spring and autumn are especially lovely times to visit. The air is crisp, the hills are green, and life moves at that easy Umbrian pace.
Why Slow Travel in Umbria Feels Different
Leaving Nido di Gufi reminded me why I love slow travel in Italy so much.
When you give yourself time to connect — with a place, with people, with the rhythm of daily life — travel becomes something deeper.
This stay wasn’t just about comfort. It was about feeling at home, even far from it.
If places like this speak to your heart, let’s design your Italy trip around that same spirit of authenticity and connection. Learn more about my custom travel planning services.
