A 12th-century monastery in Italy’s Umbria region has been transformed into a boutique hotel by Florentine studio Archiloop. The hotel aimed to maintain the “rustic simplicity” of the grounds during the renovation.
Vocabolo Moscatelli is located on a secluded site in the countryside, surrounded by forest, near the village of Calzolaro, close to the Tuscan border.
The property was discovered by chef-concierge Frédéric Kubierszky and his partner Katharina Lütjens, who worked with Archilorup architect Jacopo Venerosi Pesciolini to restore various 800-year-old stone buildings. I started.
Aiming to preserve as much of the historic charm and original features as possible, the team retained the original wood floors, exposed terracotta brickwork and ceiling beams, in addition to brass, iron and stone details. Ta.
They worked with local artisans to restore these elements and also incorporated new work by artists and designers from across the region.
“Bocavolo Moscatelli brings together artisans such as masons, blacksmiths, woodworkers and potters, tile makers and painters to create boutique-style canvases that pay homage to the past while incorporating current design standards.” the hotel team said. .
New additions to the property include a travertine swimming pool by Fabiano Crociani, colored to match the surrounding forest and Mediterranean landscape.
“The smoothly combined effect is a template for heartfelt, rustic simplicity,” says the team.
Vocabolo Moscatelli has 12 spacious guest suites, eight of which are located in the main building and four more scattered throughout the landscaped grounds, all in a ‘monastic chic’ style.
Each includes a unique color palette and collection of design elements, including a sculptural black two-person bathtub on one of the terraces and a variety of handcrafted beds.
The bridal suite has a circular canopy bed and private garden, while the spa suite has its own sauna and Jacuzzi.
Furniture and products were sourced from Italian brands, including outdoor furniture by Paola Lenti and lighting by Davide Groppi and Flos.
Handmade glazed tiles by local Umbrian company Cotto Etrusco adorn the bathrooms and contrast with the rough stonework of the building’s thick walls.
Many historic buildings across Umbria have been converted into accommodation, from secluded villas like the Torre di Moravola watchtower to vast countryside like Castello di Reschio.
Several Italian monasteries have also found new life as hotels, including Monastero Arcs Vivendi near Lake Garda.
Photographed by Fabio Semeraro.