Event spaces in the Italian countryside
with heart, heritage and soul
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Welcome Home
- The Gratitude Spot is a peaceful haven in Monteleone Sabino, a charming Medieval village one hour north of Rome.
- Join one of our hosted programs or reserve a distinctive venue for your own workshop, retreat, celebration, or special occasion.
- Explore local culture and cuisine, wander through rolling hills, enjoy cappuccinos in the piazza, chill in hammocks or go white water rafting
- Take part in language exchanges, live music, painting classes, Socratic debates, or professional workshops.
- Most of all, slow down, share good food & wine with friends, and enjoy the Bella Vita of the Italian countryside.Â
What We Offer
1. Join Our Events & Experiences (see upcoming events below)
2. Co-Create Your Event With Us
3. Host Your Own Event Here
Smoke-Free Accommodation and Plant-Based Catering Available for All Options
Our Event Spaces
At The Gratitude Spot, each space carries heart, heritage, and soul—rooted in the Sabine hills and inspired by the olive tree. Together, The Farmhouse, Il Palazzo, and Monteleone create a journey to ground, expand, and flourish. Join us.
The Farmhouse - The Roots
Built in 1890 and nestled among ancient olive groves, The Farmhouse is where everything begins. Like the roots of an olive tree, it offers grounding, stillness, and reconnection with what is essential. Â
At its heart lies Ashtakona, the octagonal space for yoga and meditation, alongside a natural water source that brings a sense of renewal and flow. This is a place to slow down, exhale, and simply be—anchoring into the land and into yourself.
Il Palazzo - The Branches
Built around 1480 and once host to Giuseppe Garibaldi, Il Palazzo (extension of the Palazzo Selli Gamberi) is a place of expansion, creativity, and expression.Â
Like the branches of an olive tree, it invites you to reach outward—through shared ideas, meaningful conversations, and creative exploration. It is here that inner reflection begins to take form and connect with the wider world.
Monteleone & Surrounding Area - The Leaves
Set in the Sabine hills just north of Rome, Monteleone Sabino and its surroundings offer a rich blend of history, beauty, and authentic Italian life.
Like the leaves of an olive tree, this is where you flourish—connecting with the local community, exploring medieval villages and ancient ruins, and integrating your experience into a deeper sense of belonging.
Upcoming Events
To book an event or for further information, please contact helen@bannigan.com
August 2026
The Palazzo Opens its Doors – Private Event
In the heart of Monteleone Sabino stands a palazzo that’s been part of the village life for generations, known locally as Palazzo Scalabrini, connectd to the prestigious villa, Palazzo Selli Gamberi. This private event welcomes the local villagers and close friends to share an evening of wine, food, conversation, and a first look inside the […]
Jonjan Guitar Master Class
Join acclaimed guitarist Jonjan for an intimate masterclass exploring percussive techniques, solo performance, stage presence and the creative mindset of a professional musician - open to all disciplines nad levels.
Jonjan's international career includes performances in Jimi Hendrix's apartment and for Apple, Google, Yamaha, Gibson, the BBC and George Benson.
Watch him perform, then explore the technique, mindset and creative choices behind a distinctive international career. All in a private, intimate setting in the beautiful Italian countryside.
Jonjan LIVE – Private Event
We are all in for a treat with this one. Come chill at il Palazzo for a few cocktails, enjoy the view, and then get ready to be entertained like you never have before. Flamenco-Funk Fusion solo acoustic guitarist Jonjan captivates audiences and re-defines what is believable by one guitar, played with fiery organic passion […]
November 2026
Sunset Sound bath in the Ashtakona
As the sun drops over the Sabina hills and the olive groves settle into evening – this is the moment to let go of the day. Sink into stillness as the resonant, layered sounds of the sound bath wash over you — bowls, tones and vibrations that work on the nervous system in ways that […]
Breathe, Bend, and Brunch
Some mornings deserve to be savored. Join us at the Farmhouse for a gentle start to the day — yoga on the Ashtakona amid the ancient olive groves of the Sabina, where the air is still and the only sounds are birdsong and your own breath. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or simply someone who […]
Still life at The Farmhouse: Sound Bath sessions with soul
Come as you are. Kick off your shoes. Let someone else do the work for a change. At The Farmhouse, we’re inviting you to press pause on the noise of everyday life and sink into something genuinely restorative. You’ll arrive to a nourishing welcome drink — think of it as your body’s first exhale — […]
Heritage-infused aperitivo
 Il Palazzo (connected to the Palazzo Selli Gamberi) has been standing in the heart of Monteleone Sabino since the 15th century, quietly accumulating history while the rest of the world got on with things. You may know this village well. You may know Sabina like the back of your hand. But this particular door — […]
Thanksgiving Potluck
The Table Is Long. There’s Always Room for One More. Thanksgiving began as an act of radical hospitality. Strangers sitting down together, sharing what they had, making room at the table. Somewhere along the way it became about turkey and football — both perfectly fine things — but we’d like to take it back to […]
September 2027
No event found!
Past Events
16 November
19 - 24 September
26 - 30 April
No event found!
From Root to Bloom - Guest Experiences
Amazing Experience
I’ve taken part in a Gratitude Spot women’s circle both in the beautiful farmhouse on the hilltop, surrounded by olive trees, and in the ancient palazzo overlooking the Sabine valley. Each experience was deeply inspiring.
There’s something truly special about doing inner work in a place like this — not only because of the natural beauty, but also the sense of community it creates. You really feel connected, both to the people around you and to the history of the land itself, a place that has been lived in since Roman times.
There’s something truly special about doing inner work in a place like this — not only because of the natural beauty, but also the sense of community it creates. You really feel connected, both to the people around you and to the history of the land itself, a place that has been lived in since Roman times.
Gratitude and Joy
Helen is a wonderful host - she and her spaces are living expressions of gratitude and heart. The beauty of the locations take your breath away.
As a collaborator, she embraced my Circle rituals with wholehearted ease, attending to every need with calm, loving, gentle care. I can't wait to return - both as a grateful guest and collaborator!
Ode to The Gratitude Spot
Soft breezes kiss the Ashtakona, blowing stories together. Mindfulness and kindness. Healing with sounds and trees.
Green, the colour of growth, mixes with food smells, kissing the sunset as we share our meal together. Streaked with orange, the sunset dips and daubs, taking with it all the memories of the day. Walks and yoga. Helen intertwined in the heart of the hills, nourishing us all at The Gratitude Spot.
A Grateful Testimonial
Helen has created something genuinely special in Monteleone Sabino. The location is breathtaking, the kind of Italian countryside that makes you forget your phone exists. But what sets this retreat apart is the sheer variety, day to day, and the brilliantly curated mix of people. One moment you’re sound bathing, the next you’re doing yoga or touring a local family Ricotta cheese farm. The food is exceptional, proper Italian veggie cooking with ingredients literally just harvested. It hits that sweet spot between structured programming and genuine ease. The days felt both long enough to decompress and short enough to leave wanting a quick return!
Sacred & secure
The Gratitude Spot was like a sacred, secure laboratory where I felt secure, peaceful, and also energized. Helen is an amazing cook, loved all the vegetarian meals! I look forward to coming back often.
Women's Wellness
I had a delightful one week stay at The Gratitude Spot for a Women’s Wellness Retreat
in 2025. It was an experience filled with amazing food, gorgeous vistas, new
friendships, and laughter. Every day we had an adventure including visiting nearby
picturesque towns with twisting cobblestone streets, seeing remnants of Roman
buildings, walking part of the Franciscan Way in the hillside, and learning about local
agriculture including foraging. We had the opportunity to experience a sound bath as
well as practice yoga at an outdoor space with a spectacular view. Helen was a force of
nature as our guide, host, caregiver, facilitator, teacher, and friend. I recommend The
Gratitude Spot and Helen for anyone looking to get away from the pressures of modern,
material life, to reground yourself in what really matters.
