“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child
Daniela and Marco, owners of the B&B
Marco Paris was born and raised in Rome, Italy but his love for music and piano playing brought him all over the world and finally to England. He has played in duets and orchestras on land and on sea and after 20 years of English life, decided to move back to his hometown of Rome.
At the Antica Olivaia – a haven for foodies – Marco has now combined his love of music with his passion for cooking and creates simple but top-notch eating experiences. These are based on the farmhouse’s organic produce and olive oil and other local “0 km” range products unique to the Umbrian region such as saffron, truffles, boar, wild fennel, beans, porcini and pecorino cheese. So let Marco soothe your souls with the blue notes of Miles Davis in the background and fill your stomachs with a plate of “pasta alla carbonara”.
Daniela Falconi was born and raised in Chicago, USA and then, as a young girl moved to Rome, where she received her university degree in Business and Art History. Her love of art and Italian culture have kept her in Italy ever since and her dream of opening a bed and breakfast farmhouse has finally come true.
Daniela (aka Didi for her friends) has created many one day and half day itineraries for her B&B guests whether it’s exploring medieval towns, caves and waterfalls, unique eating and wine tasting experiences or just taking a walk. She too has combined her passion for art with desserts and, along with her husband Marco, they create hearty meals from fresh simple ingredients which are always the key for an excellent dining experience.
Miles, the farmhouse’s canine concierge
And then there’s the ever so handsome Miles – the inn’s canine concierge and guardian. Born on 01 June 2012 in a small town north of Rome, he quickly moved to Orvieto at the end of July, 2012 to expand his horizons and enjoy the country life. He is half Irish Setter, half Labrador and is bilingual Italian/English. Miles’ passions include both classical and jazz music (in fact he is named after the legendary Miles Davis), chasing pheasants, cracking walnuts, playing with the kitties and going for long walks with the guests around the estate. His favorite foods are figs, Marco’s homemade bread, yoghurt and of course gigantic ox bones. He is currently looking for a girlfriend (tall blonde older woman who loves music and playing ball!). He enjoys meditating on the belvedere terrace looking out onto the Umbrian countryside.
Lucy and Quilt, the farm’s feline sisters, were born on 15 June 2012 in Orvieto and moved to the Antica Olivaia in August 2012 where Miles greeted them most enthusiastically. After a period of adjustment, the kitties now think Miles is their big brother and they nap together. Both cats love classical music and eating chicken pate’ as well as lizards. Quilt is an eager hunter and loves bird watching while Lucy is a free climbing expert and is an eternal purrer. They are cuddly and affectionate but love their space and independence and are the epitome of the “slow life” here in Orvieto.
Quilt, a natural born huntress
Lucy, our in-house olive expert and free-climber
