HEAVENLY HOSTS - PART 2 OF 3

HEAVENLY HOSTS- from Yorkshire Evening Post – Alison Bellamy

"A little bridge leads you over a garden stream to the front door, right into the open arms of our hosts John and Liliana Tunstill. I will never forget their warm welcome, delightful conversation and good food. You can join them and other guests for dinner, eat alone or even head for a nearby restaurant if you prefer. There is a good Italian pizza restaurant 10 minute’s walk away and nearby towns and villages are brimming with everything from traditional eateries to trendy cocktail bars around lively bustling squares. The weather was fantastic with brilliant sunshine flooding the outdoor terrace as we enjoyed fabulous food and fine living. The country house is set in fifty acres of glorious farmland. Wonderful country walks are available in every direction. We borrowed bicycles and went off into unknown territory for an adventure. We cycled to a nearby sheep cheese farm, where the framer and his wife showed us how they make their produce. Even though they spoke no English, we managed to communicate, have a giggle and ended up living with huge chunks of cheese under our arms. I only wish we could have carried more back home with us. It was the nicest cheese we ever tasted, and when enjoyed with local wine, bread and juicy red tomatoes, it was the perfect Italian treat.
It was wonderful to stay in the middle of the Italian countryside and really feel close to nature, if you know what I mean. The bedrooms at La Preghiera are simply breathtaking. They feature restored roof beams, terracotta tiled floors, marble bathrooms, shuttered windows and luxurious white silk and cotton sheets and white waffle dressing gowns and slippers supplied. In fact, I would have been quite happy hibernating in the room for a few days."

HEAVENLY HOSTS - Part 1 of 3

HEAVENLY HOSTS
From Yorkshire Evening Post – Alison Bellamy

"It is perfect for honeymoon, holiday or rest and relaxation…Alison Bellamy visits Umbria in Italy.

As we sat on the terrace for a tasty al fresco breakfast, the early morning sun streamed onto the table and the smell of rosemary and lavender wafted from the luscious countryside. A steaming double espresso was placed in front of me, and as I savoured the taste of the rich, fresh coffee, I smiled and felt relaxed for the first time in ages. It was the perfect place for a honeymoon…of sorts. Me and the bloke had just got engaged and we were, of course, on cloud nine. Having never been to Italy before, we jumped at the chance of the trip and it turned out to be probably the best holiday we ever had. Umbria is a truly wonderful, exhilarating experience for all the sense.
Our trip to La Preghiera in Calzolaro, truly the hidden garden of Italy, fulfilled all the expectations I had about this amazing country. I am not just talking about the Italian men, but the scenery, people, food, sunshine, impressive castles, farm, houses, cafes, mountains, rivers, markets, ice cream parlours…I could go on all day.
La Preghiera is a country house hotel, run by a wonderful English couple. They have lived in Italy for more than two decades and are two of the most interesting people you could ever meet. They are fabulous contacts if you are seriously considering moving to live in Italy, as they also run a restoration and property business. The proof of their good work is in their amazing home, which is now open to guests. They bought the spacious palace as a run down monastery, which dates back to the 1100’s. it was surrounded by a moat of mud and took more than 10 years to restore. There is even a toy soldier museum in their cellar.
We flew from Liverpool to Pisa on a budget deal with Rayanair and were met at the airport by the gardener from La Preghiera…talk about a personal service. He immediately bought us a strong coffee, which prepared me for the Italian style of driving. En route back to the house, we had a glimpse of the amazing scenery which was to become the norm for the following week. On arrival at the fabulous La Preghiera, our jaws well and truly dropped. It was breathtaking."

www.lapreghiera.com
www.villamoscatelli.com
www.weddingsumbria.com

What they’re saying about us…

From our guest book:
Jeff Rayner and Jennifer Bayani, from Toronto – Canada, guests of La Preghiera, from 6th to 13th April.

“Without a doubt, the finest accommodation we have ever experienced! The Tunstills, the staff, are the most wonderful hosts, the most genuine people we have ever met while travelling. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. See you next April. You all re-define the art of providing comfort and accommodation to your clients. Please don’t change a thing!” JEFF

“Thank you for welcoming us into your home and creating such an inviting and beautiful space, you have given us a true taste of “La dolce vita” – Umbrian style. Your genuine hospitality and care made this a fabulous vacation. Hoping to return soon.” JENNIFER

www.lapreghiera.com
www.villamoscatelli.com
www.propertiesumbria.com
www.weddingsumbria.com
www.tunstillsumbria.net

Open wine cellar day

Cantina Donini, just outside Trestina, between Città di Castello and Umbertide, near La Preghiera, Umbria.
28th May, sample all you like for 3 Euro!

In Vino Veritas? You’ll find out! The finest Umbrian vineyards open their gates to the wine tasting public on the 28th and 29th May. In fact, every year an annual pilgrimage for worshippers of fine wine and sunshine, takes place. Enjoy a leisurely day in the wine growing region of Upper Tiber Valley, with the opportunity to sample the famous Sagrantino (Red) and Grechetto (White) in some of the most well-known wine cellars of Umbria, accompanied by jazz or classic music.

www.lapreghiera.com
www.villamoscatelli.com
www.propertiesumbria.com
www.weddingsumbria.com
www.tunstillsumbria.net

Italian Designers : GUCCI

Arguably the biggest name in Italian fashion today, the Gucci brand had very ordinary beginnings. Its founder, Guccio Gucci was born in 1881, the son of a Florentine craftsman, who while still only a boy, moved from Italy to Paris and from there to London, working as Maitre d’Hotel in the Savoy. It was in this cosmopolitan city that the young Gucci found the inspiration for what was subsequently to become a world-famous design house when he returned to Italy in the 1920’s. the first Gucci shop was opened in Florence with a capital of around only 30,000 lira. Its success was largely based on Gucci’s craftsmanship with leather and selling accessories to horse riders. As the firm grew, so did the family, with sons Aldo, Ugo, Vasco and Rodolfo becoming involved to the business. In the same year that Gucci died, 1953, the Gucci brand went international, with a new shop opening in New York, despite Gucci himself being against the idea.
It was this era that saw much of the Gucci product line become “classic”. This was the time of the handbag with the bamboo handle; the moccasin with the distinctive Gucci snaffle-bit; the foulards; the belt claps; the ties. On the back of his success, further shops were opened in London, Palm Beach, Paris, Beverly Hills and Tokyo. Later years saw considerable family infighting and several management reshuffles, but the name Gucci still stands at the very top of the fashion world.


www.lapreghiera.com
www.villamoscatelli.com
www.weddingsumbria.com