La Preghiera Calzolaro - Umbria

Arguably the most luxurious of Umbria's ever increasing number of Bed & Breakfast hotels, La Preghiera occupies a magnificent 12th century edifice situated in the countryside just outside the village of Calzolaro, in the heart of the upper Tiber valley. Originally a monastic complex built for the Frairs of Mont'Ulivetani, La Preghiera has been painstakingly restored and transformed in charming country hotel by its current owners, Liliana de Tunstill and her husband John.

Centuries old terracotta paving tiles, ancient wooden beams, and great stone fireplaces feature in La Preghiera's comfortable public rooms. The Bed & Breakfast's eleven, wonderfully romantic bedrooms, have been decorated with the highest quality textiles and drapes, and exquisite pieces of hand painted furniture; all personally selected by the owners.

The main house and the adjacent cottage (villa Moscatelli) are immersed in gardens brimming with sweet scented lavender, thyme, and rosemary bushes. Among the delightful features to be found within La Preghiera's peaceful grounds, there is a sunken garden and an eco-friendly swimming pool.

Thetiny private chapel in the garden provides a charming venue where to celebrate a marriage, christening, or renewal of wedding vows. La Preghiera is also available for exclusive use, making it a much sought-after destination for important family celebrations and wedding parties.

La Preghiera's delicious breakfast of freshly baked bread and cakes, cold cuts, cheeses, yoghurts, cereals and fresh fruit is perfect way to start the day. In high season, light lunches are served poolside. On request, 4 course dinners, prepared using the finest of local ingredients, are also available, hosted either in the dining room or in the loggia.

Truffle hunting, wine tastings, visits to the dairies where the area's highly prized pecorino and ricotta cheese are made, excursions through the countryside between Città di Castello and Umbertide by bike or on foot: these are just some of the activities guests can enjoy in the immediate vicinity of the B&B. Umbria's historic art cities of Perugia, Gubbio and Assisi all lie within easy driving distance of La Preghiera.

Three good reasons

1. Tranquility of the Umbrian countryside.
2. Beauty of a finely restored monastery.
3. Gorgeous gardens with eco-pool.