PALAZZO TERRANOVA
Sumptuous 'palazzo paradiso' in the heart of Renaissance Italy
CLIMBING THE STEEP DIRT TRACK to Palazzo Terranova on a wet and wild autumn night felt rather like driving towards the edge of the world. It was the next morning when we clambered out of our vast wrought-iron bed and flung open the shutters to crisp October sunshine, gazing at a
vista of wooded hills skirted in swirls of white cloud below us. It was both magical and mesmerising.
Crowning an Umbrian hilltop with ravishing views, Palazzo Terranova is one of those rare and special finds. Inside, it's a testament to the talents of former owner Sarah Fortin Townsend, who brought this once dilapidated manor house back to life with passion and vision, filling it with art and antiques, fine paintings and things of beauty.
Although under new ownership, Palazzo Terranova is a dream for all seasons –
a place dedicated to the good things in life. Sprawling bedrooms with hand-painted frescoes and panelling have huge armoires, deep travertine stone bathtubs and shuttered windows framing rippling hills.
Hit the Spot
Crowning a ravishing Umbrian hilltop.
Bedtime
Sprawling bedrooms have huge armoires and deep travertine stone tubs.
Be Savvy
You'll need sturdy wheels for the 3km unmade approach road.
Be Smitten
English country house comes to Umbria.
Sociable house-party
Outside you can wander through landscaped grounds and hilltop paths, sip champagne on the terrace, or
float in the stunning infinity pool. There's a sociable house-party atmosphere, with guests gathering for drinks in the bar, dogs snoozing by the fire, and cooking that’s as good as the surrounds. The chef majors on seasonal Italian dishes served with style and flair: hand-made pappardelle, locally caught wild boar, succulent steaks.
Imbibe till late around the fireside or sneak off to bed early: super-sized hand-crafted beds dressed in softest cottons await.
Palazzo Terranova was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Mairiona Cotter
.
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
Chef Patrizio Cesarini serves modern Umbrian cuisine, using only fresh local products, in an 18th century dining room with vaulted ceiling.We loved the
duck breast with roast potatoes and fennel flowers and sweet lovers will adore
pears in a syrup of Italian champagne with Monte Cucco goats cheese.
Dining out
If you want to venture out the Michelin starred Il Postale in Citta di Castello is a favourite. Try Oscari in Monte Sante Maria for the amazing views.
Where?
Palazzo Terranova
What’s cooking?
Fresh local ingredients go into dishes such as risotto with sun dried tomatoes and basil sauce
Dress the part
Don whatever you'd wear to a country house party
Top table?
Terrace tables have spectacular valley views
See & Do
You're deep in the hills here, so be sure to set off on some country walks. Horse riding, trekking and cycling are all readily arranged – though you could always just float the afternoon away in the gorgeous infinity pool. A trip to Assisi, Perugia or Gubbio will provide a decent culture fix.
Shop
Snap up linens at Busatti, ceramics at Deruta and cashmere at Cucinelli.
Spa
Massage and beauty treatments are offered here, along with a gym, outdoor jacuzzi and pool.
After dark
Enjoy a delicious dinner and then stargaze on the terrace, or snuggle up by the open fire on cold nights.
Dates
July
Hear some of Europe's big names on stage at the Umbria jazz festival
November
Citta di Castello hosts Umbria's annual Truffle festival – come for the tastings
GETTING THERE
Location
Locanda Ronti, 06010 Morra, Perugia
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Castiglione-Fiorentino – 40km
Taxis
Around EUR 100 from the station
Airport
Perugia – 50km
Rooms and suites
Ten rooms
Special features
All rooms have four-poster or wrought iron beds and internet access. One room has a jacuzzi, two have an open fireplace, and another has a travertine stone tub.
Also…
Palazzo Terranova has a private gym, swimming pool and sauna.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 305 – 960
Open/closed
Closed November – February
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
Three nights.
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 11am. Look forward to homemade pastries and breads.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome
Pets
Small dogs are welcome, but no Great Danes please
Air conditioning
No
Languages
Italian, English and German
Wedding license?
No wedding license, but blessings and anniversary parties can be held.
Your contact
Ariane Stieg – owner