La Preghiera

Calzolaro, Umbria, Italy

Sleeps: Up to 22

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Unique Features

• A magnificently restored monastery boasting original features and history that can be traced back to 12th Century.
• Easy access by road to a tranquil, tucked away setting with a private swimming pool.
• Truffle Hunting and Italian Cookery Courses.
• Private chapel for wedding ceremonies on site.
• 25 minutes drive from Perugia airport now hosting Ryanair flights from London Stansted

The Property

House Party in Umbria

See more pictures of La Preghiera

Inside Retreat to a unique and tranquil setting in the heart of Umbria – La Preghiera is wonderfully secluded yet easily accessible. A beautifully converted 12th Century Monastery retains many original features, offering either exclusive hire rental or luxury bed and breakfast accommodation in a rural location within walking distance from the village of Calzolaro. The monastery boasts its own private chapel perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens with a swimming pool, lush countryside and woodland hills.

• Style: Terracotta floors, beamed ceilings and spacious antique-filled rooms combine in this home from home property
• Bedrooms: The eleven bedrooms have been elegantly furnished with beautiful curtains, Umbrian linens and comfortable beds fitted with smooth silk and cotton blend sheets. Each has an en suite marble-clad bathroom, waffle towels, guest robes and slippers.
• For relaxation: Whatever the occasion a little extra pampering never goes amiss and there is a range of in-house beauty treatments available at La Preghiera
• For recreation: Join in one of the special 3-day cookery courses and learn the secrets of Mama Italia’s kitchen when you create authentic pasta and sauces, Umbrian recipes for meats, search for truffles and head to the local markets.

Outside

Banks of rosemary, lavender and thyme stretch alongside the grassy pathways; acacia, ipericum, and rose trees bloom and a gentle stream meanders through the magical sunken garden. Laze on one of the elegant sun loungers under the branches of the acacia tree, or sit a while on a stone bench, found at different view points in the garden, simply absorbing the atmosphere of La Preghiera. Take afternoon tea under the shade of an umbrella at one of the tables alongside the pool area.  

Food and Wine

• DIY: If you take the property on an exclusive hire basis, then you can self-catering for your group if you choose.
• In-house cuisine: There are no “standard” meals at La Preghiera, as each one is an adventure which contains the delicacies of the nearby fields and woodlands. Fresh fruit and vegetables, locally reared meats, including wild boar, funghi, porcini mushrooms and truffles in their season. Chestnuts in the autumn, and delicious home made desserts, accompanied by fine Umbrian wines.
• Eating out: There is a wealth of excellent family run restaurants and trattorias within a fifteen or twenty minute drive of La Preghiera.

About Your Hosts

Your warm and generous hosts, John and Liliana, have lived in Umbria for over 20 years, during which time they have bought and restored over 200 properties as part of their business, Properties Umbria. Liliana is also an interior designer and has furnished La Preghiera with her lifetime collection of art deco silverware, Galle, Aubusson and bone china. John used to have a ‘lead toy soldier’ shop in London and La Preghiera now houses only one of five Model Soldier Museums in Italy.

Out and About

Visit the amazing hilltop towns and cities of Assisi, Perugia, Montone, Gubbio and Cortona, all within half an hour’s drive.
Take a scenic drive around Lake Trasimeno and visit its beautiful islands.
Head out on an afternoon truffle hunting excursion.
Sample delicious Italian cuisine and local wines in traditional trattorias and high quality restaurants.
Visit the Pecorino cheese farm or the makers of traditional Umbrian Ceramics and Linen.

Pricing

• From: from €90 to €250 per room per night, bed and breakfast
• Weekly: €12,000 per week self catering for up to 22 guests or €14,500 week B&B
• Weekend: €6000 - 3 nights self catering for 22 guests in 11 rooms
• Special Break Rates:

  3 day Christmas break from 625 Euros per person, please see Christmas at La Preghiera

  2008: special break rates available, please enquire further 

• Xmas: Open for Christmas, closed New Year.

Accommodation Details

Luxury Accommodation in a 12th Century converted monastery in Umbria.

• Personally Inspected: Yes
  
• Single Room Supplements: For single occupancy, deduct €15 per night
• Sleeps: Up to 22
• Double: 9 bedrooms in the Monastery and 2 rooms in Villa Moscatelli
• Family: additional beds available on request
• Facilities: Swimming pool; billiard room; packed lunches, in-house massage, manicure and hairdresser can be booked, home grown produce
• Swimming Pool: Yes
• Children: 12 years and above or by arrangement
• Pets: Regretfully not
• Evening Meals: Four course evening meal €50 per person (optional)
• Eco-friendly: ecological swimming pool
• Arrival Day: Flexible start day to suit flights