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Meet the Dogana Team
At Agriturismo La Dogana, every wedding weekend, retreat and holiday stay is hosted by a close-knit team that cares about warmth, details and authenticity.
We are based on Lake Trasimeno, right on the border between Umbria and Tuscany.
Our Story: from a historic customs house to a family estate
“Dogana” means customs house. For centuries, La Dogana was one of the checkpoints marking borders in Italy — and ours sits exactly between Umbria and Tuscany. Over time, the estate became a crossroads for travellers and culture: many historic figures are said to have passed through this area, including Hans Christian Andersen, Lord Byron, Goethe, Michelangelo, and others.
A family legacy (1938 → today)
1938 — Maria Casale Sacchi
La Dogana was purchased by Maria Casale Sacchi, Lucia’s great-grandmother, among the early women in Italy to graduate in Chemistry at the University of Turin. Her scientific work and recognition allowed her to invest in a new life project: she fell in love with the lake landscape and its nature, and chose La Dogana as the home of her vision.
The lady on the big pic on the left was my great grandmother.
A new agricultural chapter — Lucia (grandmother)
The estate was later inherited by Lucia’s grandmother (also named Lucia), a true pioneer in rural innovation. She developed one of the first irrigation systems on the property, bringing water from the lake to support the fields. She was also among the early women in Italy to obtain a pilot licence, carrying the family’s bold spirit into a new era.
In this pic my grandmother Lucia.
1970 — Emanuele De Ferrari
In 1970, the estate passed to Emanuele De Ferrari, who made major investments to welcome guests to La Dogana. With a forward-thinking approach, he was among the first in Umbria to focus on holiday apartments (not only rooms), creating a more independent and nature-immersed way to stay.
Today — Lucia De Ferrari
Today, Lucia, Emanuele’s daughter, runs La Dogana after studying Marketing at the American University. She continues the family philosophy — protecting the estate’s heritage while shaping it into a destination for weddings, retreats and meaningful holidays close to nature.
Lucia de Ferrari – Host
Buongiorno, buongiorno! I’m Lucia, and I’m the fourth generation to run my beloved Dogana estate. In 2017, I started designing retreats, weddings, and private tours at my venue and across our nearby regions of Umbria and Tuscany.
Funny stuff: I love chocolate (quite obvious!), but I sneeze every time I eat it! I’m slightly addicted to all my rescued pets and to the sunrise in my vegetable garden, and I think midnight pasta is always a good idea! I’ve been vegetarian for many years.
My two favorite books are Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes and Every Living Thing by James Herriot.
With my business, I am strongly committed to supporting small family-run businesses and local farmers, helping guests discover authentic producers and the true rhythm of the countryside.
In June 2025, I had my son Max with my beloved partner, Davide. We all live at Dogana, and I feel so thankful that Max can grow up, like I did, surrounded by the warmth and joy of our guests. My life goal is to share what I have with others, hoping to leave joy and love in the memories of everyone who passes through Dogana.
My incredible father:
Emanuele
My father, Emanuele, was 23 when he finished studying law at university, but becoming a lawyer or a judge was not his dream.
He spent a lot of his childhood at La Dogana among the workers’ families, when it was his grandmother’s farm estate, and he always felt a special love for the place.
My father knows every inch of La Dogana—its secrets and its history; he built the stunning 26-meter pool by himself, transformed the ancient mill into what is now our amazing restaurant, and faced many more challenges that have made it possible for me to do my dream job today.
My super venue manager & Chef:
Elisa Cardinali
Elisa is a wonderful cook who is deeply passionate about wine from small local producers and about the herbs growing in her garden. Curious by nature, she has always been amazed by the beauty and complexity of the wonders of nature, trying to grasp the nuances of biodiversity.
She studied at the University of Florence and worked as a professional restorer of wooden pieces for 10 years, and as a teacher for 5 years. She has always been passionate about cooking and pairing food with wine, so she decided to turn this passion into her job, working for many years in the catering field.
In January 2022, she met Lucia at La Dogana, and from that moment she has been completely absorbed in managing the facility’s gastronomic side, including food retreats and the wine club.
La Dogana is the perfect place to satisfy her diverse passions, and working on these projects is her way of reminding others that carving out moments of slow living is the only way we have to allow life to amaze us.
My super wedding planners:
Eleonora & Samuele
Eleonora and Samuele are founders of Il Cerimoniere Weddings designing international weddings since 2007.
Samuele’s work has been featured in respected U.S. magazines such as Style Me Pretty and You & Your Wedding.
Eleonora Giorgi graduated from the University of Florence and is at the heart of organising each wedding. She comes from two generations in the travel business and has a degree in Tourism.
They are the official wedding planners of our venue and design all our bundles. Together, we are a super united team that will give you the most professional work, but will also always put that extra love and care into every detail.
My magical retreats colleague and friend:
Elisabeth Arthur
Lizzy was born in Italy to British parents (and for this she is very grateful to them). She grew up working in tourism alongside her father from whom she inherited some of her greatest passions: history, food and wine.
As a young teen she started traveling the world whenever she got a chance which opened her mind to other cultures and experiences. After high school she lived in California, Holland and Cyprus before moving back to Italy to become a historical tour guide and work in tourism.
She has a splendid daughter called Silvia and a new baby called Jonathan with her longtime partner Leo and together they live in the countryside. Her passions include hiking, traveling the world, natural remedies, cooking, reading and everything esoteric.