Torre di Moravola

Rescued from Ruin by Architect Christopher Chong and Designer Seonaid Mackenzie

Meticulously restored and decidedly modern in contrast to its original character, this flawlessly executed recovery of a 10th-century residence seamlessly marries two millennia, delivering stylish modern elegance with a reverence for history and authenticity. Expressive and dramatic, this stunning piece of history has been brought back to glorious life as an elegant boutique hotel. 

Overlooking magnificent views of the Carpini Valley and the red tiled roofs of Umbrian villages in the distance, this 1,000-year-old watchtower complex is nestled into over six hectares of hillside oak forests, olive groves and orchards with stunning 360-degree views of countryside largely unchanged since medieval times.

Originally built to protect the pass through the Carpini Valley, and once inhabited by knights, the structures were rescued from ruin by architect Christopher Chong and his designer wife Seonaid Mackenzie. Following years of painstaking restoration, the property was transformed into a unique boutique hotel that reinterprets history for the modern age.     

Shoring up the crumbling tower with concrete, steel and stone, the exteriors remain as they have for centuries, while the interiors have undergone an inspired modern renaissance with glass and travertine stone floors, soft neutrals and elegantly conceived additions and materials that mimic the tone and spirit of the ancient structure.

The towering silhouette soars to double heights with stairs leading up to communal living spaces and an atrium and includes seven strikingly modern suites arranged around the center. The main suite occupies the top of the tower and features a living area and library on the steel mezzanine, and there are two large sitting rooms with majestic ancient fireplaces to cozy up to.

Cantilevered through the ancient oak trees, with views over the east valley, the newly 'completed in lockdown' Spa in the Forest Suite has sliding glass walls opening to reveal an inner courtyard with heated stone Jacuzzi plunge pool on the terrace. It also has a marble hammam and Finnish sauna with wonderful views.

The kitchen has been creatively restored and houses the restaurant that serves seasonal and organic locally sourced cuisine following the slow food philosophy. There is an interior fireside dining area but more often than not, you'll want to dine alfresco.

The large gardens are arranged around four terraces with a large formal dining area and a sleek, open viewing pavilion that forms an inner courtyard surrounded by herb gardens. The stone reflecting pool and terrace with sunken seating areas overlooks the olive groves and the large pool boasts spectacular picturesque views of the countryside.   

Steeped in history with a vibrant new personality, this extraordinary boutique hotel is a sensory delight where you'll feel completely removed from the modern world. 

This property is also available for events through BoutiqueHomes.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Concierge services with full staff including chef and wait staff. The rates include full cooked breakfasts of fresh squeezed orange juice, seasonal fruits, yoghurt and cereals, regional breads, crostini and torte, fresh eggs, prosciutto, local cheeses. They also include all fresh fruit, coffee, teas and bottled water throughout the day, pool and garden maintenance and daily room cleaning.

Wi-Fi and SONOS audio throughout the public areas, on the terraces and at poolside. Bath amenities and robes. Optional daily yoga sessions and spa treatments ranging from ayurvedic and accupressure, massage, facials etc. Optional airport transfers from Perugia for an additional charge.

AROUND

Just minutes from the medieval walled town of Montone, the hilltop village is cited as one of the most beautiful ‘Borgos’ in Italy and is a charming and historic glimpse into the area with winding cobblestone streets, great trattorias and atmosphere.

The small town of Umbertide is 15 minutes away and hosts one of the best local markets in the area, and there are many lovely medieval hilltop villages such as Monte San Maria Tiberina and Anghiari with beautiful Gubbio and Sansepolcro, Cortona and Arezzo within a short drive for day trips. Citta di Castello, Assisi and Perugia are within a half hour, and Florence and Rome are within two hours. 

LOCATION

Montone, Umbria, Italy. Nearest airport: San Francesco d'Assisi Perugia (25 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Open seasonally from the end of March through mid-November. The end of May and beginning of June are the greenest months with wildflowers, fireflies and mild weather for dining al fresco and summer tends to be warm. Don't miss truffle season in October and November!