The Monteleone is a fresh, modern take on a boutique Umbrian country house. Opened in 2026, it has the charm of old brick and stone, yet with the clean lines, and open space of contemporary design. The property is deeply peaceful, with birdsong heard as soon as you open the window in the morning. One of the region’s prettiest villages a short walk away.
Umbria, Monteleone dʼOrvieto
The Monteleone
The Arrival
We flew into Rome and drove north for about two hours, arriving at The Monteleone later than planned. The team has planned ahead and had left supper in our room. Tired from travel we tucked into delicious fresh salads, local cheeses, cured meats and breadsticks, accompanied by a complimentary chilled bottle of Batticoda, a white wine from the nearby Pomario estate. Beside it were two wine glasses hand-lettered with our names, a gift for us to keep. Such a thoughtful welcome made even more warm by the friendly and helpful front desk team.
The House
The Monteleone occupies a 19th-century country villa, set in a garden of cedars and cypress trees. The restoration has kept the striking exterior, including a tower, while taking the interiors in a new direction. Inside, the style is contemporary and minimalist, with raw plaster walls, terracotta floors, with iron and wood fixtures crafted by Umbrian artisans.
Many boutique hotels in this part of Italy convey a timeless country charm. The Monteleone feels different, refreshing. The style is uncluttered, a little industrial, emphasising space and light. In the lounge, a curved green velvet sofa sits in front of tall shelves decorated with ceramics and books. Outside, a deep red is the signature colour, from the metal terrace tables to the cube seats around the fire pit.
If I have a suggestion, it is that the interiors would benefit from a little added warmth. The plain walls would be perfect for contemporary art; maybe a seasonal exhibition or works on loan from local artists.
The Room
We stayed for two nights in the main house. Our room was simple and very spacious, with two large windows that opened over the neighbouring farmland, and oak, pine and olive trees. We could hear birdsong, and behind the trees we could see the church tower of Monteleone d’Orvieto.
Most rooms are in the main house. A separate building in the courtyard has larger rooms with high beamed ceilings and some rooms open on to a private garden. Four suites were designed by the Rome studio STUDIOTAMAT. The look throughout is pared back and calming.
The Pool and Spa
The pool is set in the garden among tall ceder and chestnut trees. It has sleek metal sun loungers and deep red parasols, a stylish, contemporary look. A Pool Bar housed in a repurposed vintage Piaggio ‘Ape’ van serves drinks and snacks in summer.
Close by is an open-air spa area with a sauna house, a hot tub and a barefoot sensory path. The gym has new Technogym equipment. I think wellness will become a bigger part of the experience here as the property develops. There were a few young families staying during our visit, but I sense that The Monteleone will increasingly appeal to adults looking for a peaceful retreat.
Food and Wine
We had breakfast outside on the covered terrace. It is simple and local, with croissants, homemade cake, yoghurt with fruit, cheeses and cured meats from nearby producers, fresh juice and of course, great Italian coffee.
On our second evening the hotel hosted a wine tasting with Castello di Montegiove, a nearby family estate. We tried its Orvieto Classico with local cheeses, bread and cold cuts. Together with other guests we enjoyed a very sociable evening on the terrace. It was also lovely to meet Giulia Ferrera and her partner, the couple from Rome who run The Monteleone, who were there to meet their guests.
The Bistrot serves small plates, and a full dinner menu is planned. Until then, the team can recommend and book restaurants nearby.
The Team
The team is the great strength of The Monteleone. Our welcome, late on the first night, was superb, and everyone we met was genuinely helpful and friendly. There is no pretence here.
The Village
From the olive grove beside the hotel, you look across a verdant valley to Monteleone d’Orvieto on its hilltop. The walk from the house takes about 15 minutes, while in the car one is there in a few minutes.
We went at sunset. The low sun turned the brick houses gold. We meandering along a lane passing the old houses, looking out over miles of green Umbrian hills. Monteleone d’Orvieto is listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy; authentic place that tourism has hardly reached.
Exploring
There is plenty of life a short drive away. Città della Pieve is a charming town with excellent small shops, the kind of place to be tempted by a handmade hat or other beautiful Italian artisan goods. Orvieto, with its extraordinary cathedral, is within easy reach. So too are Lake Trasimeno and the hill towns of southern Tuscany. The hotel can arrange wine and olive oil tastings and truffle hunting, and the owners tell me they plan to invite guests to join its olive harvest.
Weddings
The Monteleone is also establishing itself as a venue for weddings and private celebrations. Giulia knows the world of stylish events in Rome and has worked with leading wedding planners. The whole property can be hired, with rooms for up to 40 guests and space for celebrations of up to 100. Ceremonies take in the courtyard and gardens, and blessings can be held in the village church. It all makes for a very special setting.
Final Thought
The Monteleone offers contemporary style, space and real peace, by a stunning hilltop village that feels undiscovered.
