Torre di Moravola is
ten minutes from the medieval village of
Montone. The airport at Perugia is thirty
minutes away, Rome and Florence two hours.
Collection can be arranged.
A remote
and magical medieval watchtower with 360º
views over ancient hills, restored with
super-sleek 21st-century design
The project of
architect Christopher Chong and his designer
wife Seonaid Mackenzie, Moravola is the
result of 9 years of hard slog and an
extraordinary shared vision. The bones of
this 10th-century Umbrian watchtower – built
to protect the hill town of Montone and once
inhabited by knights – have been carefully
restored to their former glory, while inside
the space has been transformed.
Concrete, glass and travertine stone
dominate in 7
bedrooms,
their monastic simplicity and sleek,
architectural details complementing the
medieval vibe. Overlooking the Carpini
valley where St Francis of Assisi roamed,
it’s hard not to slip into hyperbole about
the views. Wizened olive trees grow on
vertiginous hillsides, thick forests that
once hid bandits now thrum with birds and
wild boar... indeed the Virgin Mary is said
to have appeared to a shepherdess here.
Moravola is a perfect retreat for
starry-eyed couples or large groups of
friends who can make as much noise as they
like. Christopher and Seonaid produce
delicious local food and have a relaxed,
house-party approach to hosting guests.
Figures well as part
of a luxury travel itinerary through Italy.
