La Granica

Rustic meets smart contemporary in a Piedmontese farmstead with 4 fabulous rooms, a family cottage and its own vineyard

Enfolded in the gentle Monferrato hills, Karen and Mark Langley's rural idyll is an 18th century grain store in a peaceful valley near Fontanile. When they discovered the place, they were on a mission - to find an escape from hum-drum city jobs, somewhere close to Karen’s roots (born in Glasgow, she is half Italian). For them, this is the dolce vita: a house in the country, fields of vines, real food, fine wines, long summers. But thankfully for us, they chose to share it with others.

They have kept it small and homely, but there is nothing homespun about this cleverly converted barn. The interior is lined with oak and brick, teak and slate, the odd wall of luscious wallpaper. The rooms are furnished with sleek Milan-designer furniture, mood lighting, a touch of Japanese modernism, a bit of crystal bling, a nod towards carbon-neutrality. In one of Piedmont’s most beautiful corners, it feels like the middle of nowhere but it’s an easy drive from Alba, Asti and Acqui Terme, and walking distance from a wine cantina.

Highs

• Gorgeous suite-like rooms - lots of light, clean space, teak floors, panels of Indian silk and a dash of colour
• Dinner to die for: Karen’s home-cooked Italian food is fresh, local and utterly authentic
• A warm, friendly welcome – a bit like staying with friends
• Good green credentials – spring-fed water supply, solar-powered energy and a chlorine-free pool
• Great location in Piedmont’s wine-and-food heart – an easy drive from Alba, Asti and Acqui Terme

Lows

• With just 4 rooms, you’ll need to book well in advance
• Dinner is only served 3 nights a week (and not at weekends)
• Smokers should be aware: no lighting up in the hotel or grounds