The Animal Corridor at Amilu

The Amilu Farmhouse in Piedmont, Italy, has more than a few surprises up its sleeve. A multi-award-winning modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse designed by architect Luca Gandini, it sits on a forested hillside in Gassino Torinese, its facade constructed from distinctively patterned bricks that create a dazzling first impression. For such an imposing structure, the house is surprisingly down to earth, with a focus on sustainability and, even more notably, its own organic, regenerative farm. But perhaps the most unexpected of all its features is the mural that lines one of its corridors.

Enter the guest apartment within the farmhouse, and you'll find a striking concrete hallway that's been given an unusual spin. Owner Kate Havran tells us, "The corridor was built to bring light into the apartment from the back of the house with round skylights on the walkway behind the house. It's built into the hill, which is a great insulation."

Kate wanted to give the corridor some character and asked local artist Christina Stoppa, who specializes in fine art and fresco restoration, to bring "art, farming and fun" to the apartment, and create a gallery feel. "The house is so architectural," she says, "that I wanted this more boxy space to feel cosy and special too. Hopefully achieving a modern luxury farm for guests to enjoy and recharge."

The result is a menagerie of remarkably true-to-life farm animals peeking through frame-like windows. Overlooking the twin bedroom is a rare-breed Valais Blacknose sheep with a hidden lamb that you only see when you get close to the window. A rooster struts by the kitchen, and a gargantuan fish shares the shower.

It's a delightful vision which reminds guests exactly where they are in the most playful of ways, and sets this exciting home apart. A dramatic Bond villain's lair with great heart and a sense of humor—we couldn't love it more.

To rent the guest apartment inside the Amilu Farmhouse and meet the farm's real Blacknose sheep in person, click here.

Photographs: Ben Hodson