In the ancient village of Pereta, in the province of Grosseto, Locanda Sospesa is a one-of-a-kind charming residence, where the timeless elegance of the “Old England” style mixes with the welcoming atmosphere of a gentleman’s club.
Locanda Sospesa is not for everyone, being one of those places with such a strong personality that it welcomes you with a firm handshake, looking you straight in the eyes. Located in Pereta, a small medieval village of 67 souls, is perched on top of a hill overlooking the Maremma landscape.
Elizabeth and Johnny, splendid hosts, welcome you, between a coffee and a glass of wine, inviting you to immerse yourself in the very particular atmosphere of this place. Only six rooms, a shared table for the fabulous breakfasts prepared by Elizabeth and a living room with a fireplace and a billiard, just perfect to sip an after-dinner cocktail in Johnny’s company. To complete the picture, a garden of wonders from which to enjoy a breathtaking panorama, among lemons, calla lilies and wisteria in bloom and a small outbuilding created inside a mid-nineteenth-century oil mill.
Locanda Sospesa gives its guests the experience of a real English club where to feel completely relax and at home.
(Elizabeth & Johnny Petrucci)
Johnny, photographer and advertising producer for brands such as Gucci, Valentino and Armani, and Elizabeth, PR for large corporations first and, subsequently, for the UN World Food Program, have decided to give new life to this house with a long history by opening, between 2021 and 2022, Locanda Sospesa. The building, owned by the Marquis Giaquili Ferrini, was purchased in the 1970s by Johnny’s parents, Carlo, an Alitalia pilot, and his wife Siân, a talented Welsh painter who fell in love with this place at first sight. Their children grew up here, including Johnny, who was so attached to the spirit of this village that he decided to move here permanently with his family.
Today the house is a mirror of its history which is revealed through a fascinating mix of styles created with incredible taste by Elizabeth who, together with Johnny, has recovered and restored the antique furniture of the house by adding a very British touch, an echo of their common origins. Among the antique furniture, stand out the walls decorated with original frescoes from the early 20th century stand out, as well as the beautiful original floors. Curtains and period objects marry gracefully with Elizabeth’s beautiful floral arrangements, as well as with the many books that fill the house and the collection of landscape and horse paintings created by Johnny’s mother.
The large convivial kitchen is the heart of the house, where people chat, prepare breakfasts and aperitifs, and stop by for a coffee. Upstairs, there is also an intimate sitting room dedicated to film evenings or reading. From the dining room, with a large convivial table, you reach the outdoor area, passing through a wonderful Art Nouveau glass door.
In summer, on the panoramic terrace it is possible to dine or have breakfast, an alternative to the beautiful internal breakfast room where Elizabeth recreates the magic of a fabulous English Breakfast every morning. From sweet to savoury, according to your preferences, the table is filled with warm bread, salted butter, cakes, homemade jams and juices and, of course, soft-boiled eggs, served with bread and avocado, or the classic freshly prepared eggs & bacon.
Locanda Sospesa is a project of authentic hospitality that embodies Johnny and Elizabeth’s love for this area and its beauties. Upon request, it is possible to organize truly special and personalized experiences, from dreamy horseback rides, discovering the Orbetello lagoon or the Maremma coast, to visits to the exceptional plant nurseries in the area, up to tastings and cooking classes.
Each experience is the result of the great research and passion of this beautiful couple who allow their guests to discover the authentic local excellence by falling in love with this small ancient world that has so much to offer.
The Secret
Inside the splendid garden overlooking the Colle Lupo valley, there is a tree with a very special story. It is a beautiful and lush pink grapefruit born from a seed brought from Sudan. Siân, Johnny’s mother, had lived for a long time with her family in Sudan. Returning years later with her husband to relive the places of her childhood, she had tasted these exceptional grapefruits and, hoping to see them flourish in Italy too, she had brought with her a small seed that was planted right in Pereta. Today that beautiful grapefruit gives dozens of fruits in every season that are served to guests in the form of freshly squeezed juices or “given” to the ladies of the village who compete to make the best jam.
Useful Info
Locanda Sospesa
Via Roma 40
58051 Pereta, Grosseto
Tel. +39 338 5930589
Rooms: 150 – 200 euro, breakfast included, the entire villa can be rented upon request
