We are your hosts
May we introduce ourselves? We are Jochen and Kai, your hosts at Bellaugello since 2024. We are passionate travellers: discovering other cultures, new places and meeting exciting people inspires us. We particularly enjoy experiencing nature and the countryside – on foot, by bike, by dog sled or on skis. This is how we came to know and love Umbria, this wild and unspoilt region of Italy, which is criss-crossed by the Apennine Mountains.
We used to work mainly in buildings: Jochen has a degree in business administration and spent almost 25 years in management consulting, first as a travelling consultant on German and European projects, then in a management position in the human resources department of an international auditing firm. Kai is originally a teacher and was a member of parliament, state secretary and minister in federal state of Hesse. A common thread running through his political work is the fight for equality and acceptance of LGBT*IQ people. It goes without saying that we also support the Umbrian queer community.
For almost ten years, we were regular guests at Bellaugello, which became a place we longed to return to: a second home on the slopes of peaceful Valdichiascio, to which we felt deeply connected from the very first moment. A place created for gay travellers, where time seems to pass differently.
Enthusiastic guests became passionate hosts, and now we are following the existing path in our own way, curious to see where it will take us. We know only too well how many people from all over the world love this gem and why they keep coming back here.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you here!
Are you interested in how the story of the modern Bellaugello began? Its founder tells it here:
History of Bellaugello
When Alec arrived in 2007, he wrote:
“Falling in love with Umbria is easy, maybe too easy for a guy like me. What’s more difficult is to get over it, but I don’t think that ever happens. My love affair with this magical land began many years ago. Back then in the UK, I was an hotelier, and long dreamt of making Umbria my home, a home open to accept anyone, regardless of their background or sexuality. A gay country house where gay guys like me could be themselves: instinctive, natural and free. Finding the right spot took me time because I needed an old and welcoming house, space enough for five unique suites and a dining room with trust bar. It had to be on an elevated site, facing south with huge views, no nosy neighbours, screeching kids or revving cars. Instead, peace and beauty. I wanted space to create a garden full of mystery and scents, an infinity pool with views stretching on and on, a Jacuzzi and Sauna area. A terrace backed by a mellow stone wall warmed by the sun, with a large table for all of us to eat together, laughter and joyous conversations. Oh, and I needed space for a vegetable garden, some old olive trees, and shady lanes to walk along. All this to be not too far from a decent size town… Over the years I have fulfilled that love affair. The garden has matured, as have I. Umbria delights me more and more, the harmony and tranquillity ever valued. I have welcomed so many great guys from all over the world. Very many of you return, many of you have become important friends. Of course every year I also look forward to welcoming ‘first timers’. Bellaugello is a place where friendships are made, the magic here is strong. I’m so lucky, I love my job. Yes, Bellaugello is the name of the farm, it has been for over 400 years. Sure the name has a second meaning, but that is something I can only tell you in person when we meet.”
This spirit has always led us back to Bellaugello, and we want to share it with you.
Green means happier!
