Villa dell'Orso

Raw, Rugged and Spectacular

Red tile-roofed with a hearty stone façade, this mountain home stands boldly carved into a Piemontese hillside in one of Italy’s most lyrical landscapes. Brought back to life from the brink of near ruin, the angular, stony lodge offers spectacular views over the verdant hills, plus a breathtaking, dark-bottomed pool, and that rare interior décor combination where rustic farmhouse meets modern slow living, with an inspired dose of Scandinavian simplicity.

Secluded in the green foothills of Italy’s lesser-traveled Piedmont region, in the uppermost reaches of its northern bootleg, this stony, tile-roofed outpost exudes bold, simple luxury. Carefully reconstructed of its original rock, the neat, two-story refuge was brought back from quasi-ruin by its Danish owners and now dominates the surrounding countryside.

A statement of purity and simplicity inside and out, the stone mass of this villa for rent in Italy is softened by wide arching windows and the lush, overflowing flower beds that enclose it. Six bedrooms and three baths fill the former agricultural outpost, some bedrooms tucked under dramatic, vaulted stone ceilings with alcoves as decorative ledges and shelves. Softly muted plasters and textiles create a sense of tranquility inside, in contrast to the home’s stony exterior, although it too is trim and clean lined, renovated authentically, albeit with a modern vision. 

Outdoor lounge areas also feature original stone walls and platforms softened by plump cushions and rock ledges, and sills tamed by softly lit lanterns and lush plantings. Hammocks, a dart board, chaise loungers and a campfire circle add to the country home allure, and a barbecue, pizza oven and outdoor fireplace create opportunities for alfresco gathering.

The home’s 12-meter infinity pool was constructed of mosaic stones, and it sits high on a lawn above the house, cut into a green foothill. Neatly landscaped, the pool deck holds six sunbeds and hosts an outdoor shower zone. The view from the pool is a breathtaking panorama of the vineyards, fields, and wilds that blanket this secluded plot in the unspoiled countryside.

Around

This villa for rent in Italy is located in the Piedmont. A region that is less traveled than most, it is also the country’s second largest, a land blanketed by vineyards, fields, and dense mountain forests, with rocky outcroppings and fast-flowing streams. Bordering France and Switzerland, the Alps rise from the Piedmont’s fertile valleys, the region’s name literally meaning “foot of the mountain”. A paradise for both nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts—same striking Alps, less of a crowd—it is also a hiker’s dreamscape in the warmer months. 

Piedmont’s capital city, Turin, is a mid-sized city of Baroque architecture, sprawling palazzi, and the famed, spire-topped landmark Mole Antonellana. Perhaps best known for its excellent wines and abundant local produce, the Piedmont gets referred to as Europe’s larder for its rice and grain cultivation, and the markets and farmstands within regional villages overflow with the fertile region’s celebrated produce, best enjoyed over deep bottles of Barolo and other locally-produced wines. Gastronomy is at the region’s forefront, and restaurants, trattoria and family-run mountain lodges offer rich, hearty fare as well as dazzlingly refined flavors. The white truffle festival of Alba is a regional draw and wine-tasting cellars will reveal the magic of the region’s nebbiola, barbera, and dolcetto grape varieties.

Location

Roccaverano, Piedmont, Italy. Nearest airports: Turin, Milan

Best time to visit

Year round, depending on activities sought