Ideal for longer breaks this summer, Rastrello, the boutique 14th‑century palazzo hotel in the medieval village of Panicale, Italy has expanded its existing accommodation offerings with the introduction of a new two‑level suite – the Raio apartment
Envisaged as a deeply immersive stay within the historic fabric of the town, embracing the concept of ‘dispersed hospitality’, the new suite is located in a traditional stone palazzo in Panicale’s old centre, encompassing the building’s second and third floors.
Designed by Pelizzari Studio, the suave apartment balances respect for the existing architecture with the needs of contemporary travellers, offering an overall sophisticated sensibility.
David Morini, CEO of Pelizzari Studio told The Wordrobe: “The Raio Apartment interprets the idea of dispersed hospitality as an immersive experience: guests don’t simply stay in a suite, they inhabit the village, experiencing the intimacy of a home with the quality of a boutique hotel.”
When undertaking this reimagining, preserving the building’s original character was imperative, from its irregular stone masonry and generous wall thicknesses to its deep-set windows. Essential new elements were carefully introduced, integrating with the existing structure without overpowering the building’s fabric. The result is a harmonious dialogue between past and present, enhancing rather than overshadowing the palazzo’s history.
On the second floor, a spacious, open-plan living area with sofa bed, kitchen and dining space unfold against a backdrop of exposed stone walls. Bespoke furnishings offer neutral tones and clean lines to create a calm, cohesive environment, shaped by natural light throughout the day.
Large windows frame sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside, stretching towards Lake Trasimeno, embracing the landscape as a living element. Also on this level, the master bedroom offers a tranquil retreat, where natural materials and soft textures create a sense of warmth and intimacy.
An internal staircase leads to the more intimate third floor, featuring a study with an additional sofa bed, a second bedroom and an additional bathroom, offering flexibility for guests; whether as a workspace, guest accommodation or an extension of the main suite.
The apartment can sleep up to eight guests, across its two bedrooms and two sofa beds, making it ideal for families, however a maximum of six guests is recommended for the most comfortable stay.
Christiane Wassmann, owner of Rastrello, commented: “The new Raio apartment represents a natural extension of Rastrello’s philosophy. From the very beginning, our vision has been to offer more than a stay; to create a genuine connection between our guests and the soul of Panicale. With Raio, we are inviting guests to experience the rhythm of village life in a more intimate and personal way, while still enjoying the level of comfort, design, and care that defines our hotel. It’s about feeling at home within history, surrounded by beauty, authenticity, and a deep sense of place.”
Uniting the intimacy of a private home with the considered design and service of Rastrello, guests are invited to enjoy far-reaching views which connect them to the wider Umbrian landscape, or step out of the door directly into the medieval streets of Panicale.
