Who we are
I (Andrew) originally trained as a furniture designer/maker before studying art/architecture. Hugues is the linguist whose interests include cooking and history.
Monticchio is our permanent home and we feel extremely lucky to live in such a wonderful place and enjoy sharing it with our guests.
The restoration project has taken us nearly fifteen years and it has been quite a journey. None of it would have been possible without the support of family, friends and guests, who have stuck with us throughout and we are truly grateful to them all. We are also very appreciative of the local community for their support and sharing their stories about the property.
Other fulltime residents at Monticchio are Dora, Sybil and Luna our three cats plus our dear donkeys Timo and Pico, and our Boxer dog Maude.
From the 18th to the mid 19th century, Monticchio belonged to the benedictin Saint Peter’s monastery in Perugia as did most of the land around. After Italy’s unification, the monastic land and farms came under the control of the Fondazione Agraria.
An additional farmhouse was added at the beginning of the 20th century known as Monticchio Nuovo. Monticchio was a working farm until the family Calzonni left Monticchio Vecchio in 1969, followed by the family Gaggia who left Monticchio Nuovo in 1982.
Both extended families are still living in the area and regularly visit.
