Prato di Sotto

We have just enjoyed the two most wonderful weeks at Prato di Sotto. The whole place has been beautifully restored, creating somewhere that feels traditionally Umbrian and homely, but reflecting Penny's eye for detail and love of art. It's also very practical, with a well-equipped kitchen, inc. dishwasher. Penny couldn't have been more helpful, from supplying a lasagne on our first evening, to suggesting where to visit. We went to Spello, Siena and Assisi, which were stunning, although just relaxing by the fabulous pool or gazing at the view were equally appealing! Highly, highly recommended.

This is a beautiful spot, high in the Umbrian hills. In beautifully restored old buildings, the accommodation is comfortable, clean and well equipped. We rented 'La Terrazza', which, as the name suggests, has a covered terrace with fine views of the valley below. The property is accessed by a long unmade track (a 12 minutes drive or so); this offers a bit of a challenge to soft city drivers like me but most would agree that it's worth the effort. The owner, Penny, is one of the most kind and helpful hosts we have ever stayed with. Her advice on restaurants was infallibly useful.

Quite simply the most heavenly place we have ever stayed at. The peace is only broken by doves and nightingales (yes, truly) singing and the bees in the jasmine. The buildings are wonderful restorations that combine comfort and authenticity, with fascinating furnishings, the infinity pool reflects the tranquility if the surrounding country. Penny is the most charming and attentive of hostesses, with so much local knowledge of where to go and places to eat, We just wonder how we never discovered this gem before.

Nothing can quite describe just how lovely this place is. The accommodation is fantastic, as described. But what is hard to capture is the beauty of the surrounding Umbrian hills, the view over the tiny medieval village/fort, and the sheer sense of tranquility to be found here. It’s gloriously serene and quiet. Penny is a fantastic host, knowledgeable and friendly. We felt wonderfully welcome. The pool is amazing too and so are the lovely gardens that ensure privacy, shade and beautiful surroundings. Regrets? If I’d known just how lovely it was we’d have stayed much longer.

This is a wonderful base from which to explore the delights of Umbria or if preferred a fantastic venue for relaxation and recharging of batteries. We love it, never tiring of what’s on offer and always finding something new. A beautiful place - constant panoramic views - even whilst swimming. An absolute gem with a knowledgable owner, Penny, who is always happy to help as much or as little as you need.

This was our third stay at Prato di Sotto and it just gets better. As before we were in La Capanna, the gorgeous little cottage for two that overlooks the pool terrace. The sense of escape and relaxation starts as soon as you turn onto the narrow strada bianca that winds uphill to Penny's paradise - filled with so many little comfort and decorative details that make all the difference. You would never get bored of the views, the pool is spotless and if you like Renaissance art and Italian food and wine (like we do) you'll think you've died and gone to heaven! George and Annabel

The 6km drive up a white gravel road to Prato di Sotto is rewarded, upon arrival, by soaring views over the landscape below. We enjoyed morning walks through the local terrain before relaxing by the pool; other days we would head out to explore Umbria. We owe many memorable moments of our holiday to Prato di Sotto: visiting the hermitage above to witness monks chanting vespers; having an al fresco dinner on our quiet terrace; as darkness fell, gazing at the stars strewn across the night sky.  Location, ambience, hospitality - our first visit to Umbria was an experience we shall treasure.

We have stayed at Prato di Sotto for the last week in June. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. Penny is the most amazing host. Always happy to share ideas about where to go (shopping and sightseeing) and just generally makes everyone relaxed and welcomed in her own home with enormous privacy. It is incredible what Penny has developed over the years - a magnificent house, cottage, pool and wonderful gardens - truly entrepreneurial and with such skills. Highly recommend. Julia x

Just back from another wonderful week at Prato di Sotto. This was my third visit and every time reminds me how special the place it. Beauty surrounds you. Fresh air, a relaxed atmosphere and wonderful places to visit all around. The pool was inviting and the walking varied and full of interest. It's starting to feel like a second home. Thank you Penny.

In Prato di Sotto, Penny has created is a little piece of heaven on earth. The view from the kitchen window over the fortified mediaeval hamlet of Santa Giuliana is breathtaking - especially in the early morning as the mist lifts from the valley below. The rooms are imaginatively furnished, and comfortable; the gardens are a delight (especially in late spring/early Summer, when there are masses of roses). The pool is fabulous. Nothing is too much trouble, and Penny is a mine of information about the locality. It probably helps if you like dogs (she has 3 wonderfully friendly rescue dogs).

Nothing can quite prepare you for what you will find on the long drive up the 'Strada Bianca' to Pratto di Sotto. My family first made that journey18 years ago and it is a place that has remained in all of our hearts since. It was a very special place then and remains so today as affirmed by our recent stay in La Capanna, an idyll for a couple. It is all too easy to go overboard with superlatives but what Penny has created deserves them. She took on a group of derelict buildings on top of a hillside and worked tirelessly, with extraordinary resillience to create something totally unique.

FOLLOWING AN ANXIOUS DAY OF TRAVEL DUE TO MOTORWAY PROBLEMS THE OWNER PENNY STAYED UP VERY LATE KEEPING IN TOUCH WE ARRIVED AT THIS WONDERFULL HIDEAWAY OUR TRAVEL PROBLEMS WERE SOON FORGOTTEN . PENNY WHO IS A FANTASTIC HOST WITH A WONDERFUL KNOWLEDGE OF THIS AREA. A MEMORABLE PLACE TO STAY

Prato di Sotto may have one of the loveliest swimming pools I've had the pleasure of using - the pictures don't do it justice! Penny is kind and funny, the perfect host and cannot do enough for you, whether it be booking restaurants, lending guide books, or popping by with homemade jams. We fell in love with her rescue dogs and Matisse the cat, and the other guests were so friendly that we could not have felt more comfortable. The area is remote but has plenty of really excellent restaurants within a few miles drive as well as pretty rolling hills, and above all - utter tranquility.

My fifth visit and it was as perfect as the first time! It's a little piece of heaven in the hills of Umbria. penny and her dogs are very welcoming - beautiful villas and wonderful pool. I'm looking forward to visit number six!

A wonderful rural retreat away from 21st century urban pressures. Comfortable & spacious rooms uniquely furnished with antiques and interest. glorious terrace and a view where you cant see another house. Not for night club seekers

It's three years since we last visited Prato di Soto. We made the right decision to return to find peace and tranquility in an area of truly outstanding beauty and amazing towns and villages. As ever, Penny helped us with her encyclopedic knowledge of the area. Her recommendations, whether of places to visit or of restaurants, were excellent. The road up the hill required a little stamina but when you get there, Prato di Soto is a place we did not want to leave. We cannot recommend it too highly for a holiday away from the pressures outside.

Idyllic mountain location with breathtaking views. Beautiful old stone buildings that have been sensitively and charmingly refurbished and redecorated. Gorgeous pool. Perfect place to relax and get away from it all. But if feeling energetic, it's a short drive to Perugia, Assisi and others for exploration. One week was not enough.

This was the most idyllic holiday my husband & I have ever taken. Magic. Stunning views. Fabulous buildings. Gorgeous BIG pool. Wonderful hostess. Fascinating and unspoilt area of Italy with plenty to visit although we didn't want to leave this perfect place. Returning this Autumn. Would like to be there several times a year if only we could!!!

Staying at Pratto di Sotto is a magical experience to remembered forever. The buildings, the comfort, the extraordinary views over the lush, green mountains & hills, the fantastic, spring water fed, horizon pool in which to cool, the trips to the local markets to buy wonderful, fresh, local food, our amazing hostess, Penny, who created all this and made us so welcome and could lead us to anything we could possibly want to find or know. To visit this place is an experience to be cherished forever. Go!

On a beautiful secluded hillside in Puglia we found an oasis of peace and tranquility. It was matched by Penny's warmth, hospitality and quiet attention to detail. Our stay provided everything we needed, walks, visits to the beautiful towns and villages which surround it, a recommended restaurant where we had exquisite food and on return feeling totally enveloped by the restorative surroundings of Prato di Sotto. Penny is the author of this beautiful property and you can certainly feel the love which has gone into the foundations of this restoration.