The Vibe: Magical.
The Area: Set in a former seminary, Corte della Maestà – Timeless Retreat is located in the fairytale Civita di Bagnoregio. Perched on top of an outcrop of volcanic tuff, it can be reached only by a vertigo-inducing footbridge. The Etruscans founded it about 2,500 years ago, and its location in Lazio – close to Rome (107 km), and the borders of Umbria and Tuscany made it a bishop’s seat until 1685.
The DNA: Owner Paolo Crepet was born and raised in a family of artists. He learned from them that we can’t do anything in life without passion or courage. This is a story of courage and passion. “It has been ever since the first time I climbed this hill, 25 years ago. I am a psychiatrist and a writer by profession, and I knew that this place would help me to understand, to listen and to write. Civita is a place that stands apart. It is constructed like a dream, but it is not a hermitage. It is alive and transmits emotions as warm as the colour of the tuff from which it was built. I have written many of my books here, because these streets and squares are places that inspire the soul, imagination and creativity. We can listen here, and the time and silence allows us to think about and enjoy what we have. There is history dating back thousands of years among these few houses, but there is also a challenge. It takes a lot of love to love this place. It takes a lot of courage and passion to get here and to stay here, but the reward is the enchantment of an unparalleled site.” A typical Italian breakfast, including hot drinks, croissants and homemade pastries is served in the atmopsheric kitchen (with its high ceilings which also acts as a common area for guests to interact) or in the garden. Other meals can be served here on request. Listen to music, play the old Forneris piano, read, or watch art films on the large screen in the lounge situated in the vaulted cellar. The building is adjacent to the episcopal seat that was active until 1685, with which it shares a large garden and an orchard, a part of which is at the guests’ disposal. Guests can enjoy the small spa suite with a sauna and hot tub for two. Massages are available on request.
Suite-Me-Up: The individually decorated suites are tastefully furnished with antiques, their authenticity in strict harmony with the environment. Each consists of a study/living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom with bath and/or shower. Windows offer magnificent panoramic views of the garden and the breathtaking landscapes beyond. Each of the suites has its own distinctive features; “The Abbess” has a 19th-century French fireplace, a freestanding iron bathtub and a balcony, while “The Sleepwalker” has an early 19th-century theatrical headboard and ample windows overlooking the gardens. “The Intruder” has a decidedly French atmosphere with a painting by Pierre Sallé and overlooks the valley. “The Writer” has reproduction wallpaper that covered Virginia Woolf’s London home, a direct access to the garden, a pergola of roses and a 16th-century fresco. Also in the village, another house can be rented on a weekly basis. “L’Altra Corte” has a large living room with fireplace, kitchen with direct access to the garden, two double bedrooms with bathroom, a loft bedroom, and a large and panoramic garden overlooking the valley.
✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 4 suites, 1 apartment (35-40m2) (377-431 sq ft) • bathroom amenities: Ortigia • ✅ free public parking at a location nearby ✅ pets welcome on request, no charges
