La Preghiera
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A luxury guest house in Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy. A 12th Century monastery recently converted to the highest standard. An Umbrian proverb suggests that “A stranger is a friend as yet unmet.” This philosophy guides La Preghiera. The best traditions of the better country houses transported to the gentle Umbrian hills, La Preghiera offers our guests comfortable, elegant and sophisticated country-house hospitality. La Preghiera is our home, and our guests are welcome by invitation. We and our staff look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you to La Preghiera, and greeting you as ... a friend that we haven’t yet met.
La Preghiera is a luxurious country estate, recently converted from a monastic complex which was started in the late 1100’s and occupied by the Mont'Ulivetani di Gubbio Friars. Owned and managed by Liliana Richardson de Tunstill, and her husband John, the property, set in some fifty acres of open farm land, with wonderful country walks in all directions, is situated on a quiet road just half a mile from the village of Calzolaro. Umbertide, Cittá di Castello and the real Green Heart scenes of Italy, are just minutes away, whilst the amazing hilltop cities of Perugia, Montone, Gubbio and several others are within about thirty minutes drive.
We and our staff at La Preghiera, aim to offer the warmth of welcome and personal interest that you have so often sought, and perhaps have not always found. It is our own home, which you are invited to share as a friend, not as a client. Sophisticated and elegant, without being stuffy or overly formal, we offer relaxed formality, which is of course very different from being completely informal.
Grace, charm and glamour without patronization or pretension.
La Preghiera offers a peaceful and tranquil respite from the cares of everyday life, a haven of beauty in the midst of a minor architectural masterpiece. Undiscovered, understated, Umbria. The houses and grounds have been rendered mobile phone free zones but signals are available within a two minute walk.
The property boasts its own interdenominational private chapel, for whichever creed or faith you subscribe to. This oratorio, which was dedicated to “Our Lady of the Sacred Heart”, remains a building for quiet contemplation, or prayer, study, services, blessings, weddings, christenings, anniversaries and any and all gentle cultural pursuits. Curiously, the chapel contains a British Boer War memorial. Enjoy the immeasurable pleasure of the surrounding peace and tranquillity of our garden and swimming pool, in understated Umbria.
Suggestions of "things to do" during your stay at La Preghiera:
- Truffle Hunting
- Pecorino Cheese Farm Visit (next door)
- Vineyard tours to experience the ancient traditions
- Beauty Treatements
- Owner is an expert on one of the largest collections of lead soldiers and other military interests
- Weddings are hosted in the chapel on the grounds
Accommodations
Beata Beatrice is on the second floor, with a large double bed, tapestry head board, hand painted fitted wardrobe and a luxury bathroom with shower. One flight of stone stairs leads from the reception area to this charming room.
Santa Chiara is on the second floor, with a double bed, antique fronted fitted wardrobe and a luxury bathroom with shower and bath. One flight of stone stairs leads from the reception area to this elegant room.
Mastro Dante is on the second floor, with twin beds, large antique wardrobe and a luxury bathroom with shower and bath. One flight of stone stairs leads from the reception area to this spacious room.
Re Emanuele is on the second floor, with twin beds, large antique fronted fitted wardrobe, antique style dressing table and a luxury bathroom with shower. One flight of stone stairs leads from the reception area to this spacious room.
San Francesco is on the second floor, with twin beds with antique wrought iron head boards, large antique wardrobe, antique dressing table and a luxury bathroom with shower. One flight of stone stairs leads from the reception area to this elegant large room.
Padrone Irace is on the first floor, with a large double wrought iron bed, hand painted fitted wardrobe and matching hand painted dressing table and a luxury bathroom with shower. Suitable for guests with mobility difficulties.
Pittore Michelangelo is on the ground floor, accessed from the outside of the monastery through large arched French doors, which open onto a private covered terracotta tiled terrace facing the sunken garden. Twin beds with antique wrought iron head boards, two Liberty style decorated classic wardrobes and luxury bathroom with shower and bath. Suitable for guests with mobility difficulties.
Imperatore Nerone is on the ground floor, accessed from the outside of the monastery through double French doors which open onto a private stone tiled terrace in the sunken garden. Large double bed with hand painted head board, hand painted fitted wardrobe and matching chest. Luxury bathroom with shower. Suitable for guests with mobility difficulties.
Vescovo Oddo is in the adjacent cottage which was previously a barn and originally housed the third church on the monastery site. Accessed by external stairs leading to a small loggia, double French doors opening into a lobby which leads into the room with an antique double bed in wrought iron decorated with mother of pearl mottif, antique dressing table, and two hand painted fitted wardrobes. Luxury bathroom with shower and wall mounted stylish mirror.
Pittore Perugino is in the adjacent cottage which was previously a barn and originally housed the third church on the monastery site. On the ground floor, accessed through double French doors, with a paved private terrace. Twin beds, antique wardrobe and luxury bathroom with shower. The room and the bathroom are suitable for guests who need wheelchair access.
Fra Angelico is a smaller room on the third floor of the monastery, once used as the watch tower, with twin beds, hand crafted wardrobe, tiled bathroom with shower. Very tastefully decorated and suitable for a group leader or guide and their partner.
Notes:
- The monastery is closed during January and February.
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Minimum age for guests is about 10 years old.
- No Pets
- No Smoking
Call or e-mail for rates and availability
Testimonials
"Thanks as always, seriously, for putting together these very special hotels. Ten times better than big boxes."
Client Comments
"La Preghiera was over the top! Better than what was depicted on the website. Everyone at the wedding said that no one would believe it if you tried to explain how amazing the villa was from visual to staff to service."