The Space

A Sanctuary of Simplicity

The accommodations at Casa Garuda span 150 square meters and provide a space of great tranquility. They are reached through a flight of stairs on the outside of our traditional Umbrian farmhouse.

Here you will find five private rooms, each with a newly renovated private bath. The rooms are simply and elegantly designed, surrounding the central living area which has a fully equipped kitchen, dining table, fireplace, comfortable sofas, and wi-fi. A laundry room with washing machine is also available.

Each bedroom has its own unique themed style. Ceiling fans keep it cool in summer, while central heating in colder seasons keeps it warm and cosy. Evenings can be warmed further with a cheerful fire.

From the landing, to the south you will see the medieval village of Città della Pieve, and to the west, the ancient Etruscan capital of Chiusi.

Downstairs you will find a beautiful and spacious 60 m² room under four arches — ideal for group retreats, seminars, yoga, and meditation.

It was in 2002 that Brian Hilliard and Antonella Macconi began the search for a retreat center in central Italy. They envisioned a beautiful place in the countryside to host people from the Shambhala community and other Buddhist organisations. They saw no less than fifty properties in Tuscany, Umbria, and Le Marche — and none of them were quite right.

By the spring of 2003 they were rather exhausted from the search. It was then that Brian received a message from Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche: Khenpo would be coming to their new retreat center in a few weeks to teach a 3-day seminar. Brian informed Khenpo that they did not yet have a retreat center. Khenpo replied that he would like to come anyway.

Feeling slightly squeezed, they began preparations. Antonella found an estate nearby that rented farmhouses. They reserved a house, and Khenpo arrived as scheduled — conducting a wonderful seminar with about 12 participants, gathered around a large dining room table, with occasional singing and dancing.

By the fall of 2003 they had purchased Il Poggio. Renovation began in 2004: the wood shed became a kitchen, and the stables below the main house became the sala for all future activities. Khenpo Rinpoche returned that year, and again in 2005 — saying that first they had a house, then they had Casa Garuda, and finally they had a good Casa Garuda.

Since then, Casa Garuda has hosted many excellent teachers and dedicated practitioners of meditation and other disciplines. The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche came to teach even while organising Karmapa's first visit to the United States. Many have come to enjoy a holiday mixed with a little meditation practice.

Antonella warmly welcomes you to Casa Garuda — a truly blessed and magnificent place that has brought joy, stillness, and inspiration to all who have passed through its doors. Whether you are seeking a group retreat, a personal sanctuary, or simply a beautiful corner of Umbria to call home for a while, Antonella would love to host you here.

What We Offer

A Space for Every Kind of Practice

For over twenty years, Casa Garuda has hosted retreats for meditation, study and writing, and the contemplative arts. Seminars have featured Miksang contemplative photography, Duende Dance, Yoga, Tai Chi, Ikebana Flower Arranging, Dharma Art, Maitri Space Awareness, and more.

Casa Garuda also welcomes individuals seeking a quiet and protected place for private retreat practice. It is equally suited to group retreats of all sizes.

The Surroundings

Around Casa Garuda

Casa Garuda maintains a biological garden supplying fresh vegetables in summer, and a zen garden year round. For those who enjoy breaks during the retreat schedule, there are two full-size swimming pools on the estate (1.2 km away).

Enjoy walks around the fields or woods. For the more adventurous, a long walk or run down to Tuscany leads to a beautiful nature trail connecting Chiusi with Arezzo, 60 km to the north.

For enquiries about retreats, private stays, or any other questions, please reach out to Antonella directly.

• Address Loc. Val del Sasso 12, Villastrada
  Castiglione del Lago, 06060 Perugia, Italy
• Telephone +39 075 95 27 28 6
• Mobile +39 348 528 8177
• Email casagarudainitalia@gmail.com
• Location Between Città della Pieve (Umbria) and Chiusi (Tuscany), on the border of two ancient regions.

Last updated: June 2026

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Casa Garuda · Loc. Val del Sasso 12 · Villastrada, Castiglione del Lago · 06060 Perugia, Italy
casagarudainitalia@gmail.com