La Villa Hotel

A beautifully restored 17th century palazzo offering glamorpuss rooms and gastronomy in the wine hills of Monferrato

This noble palazzo, the former Villa Daina, had been stripped of its vineyards and left empty and almost derelict when Irish-Essex couple, Nicola and Chris Norton, came to the rescue. Ask to see the ‘before’ pictures, and they will show you a gutted shell of a building, a field of mud. But that’s all in the past.

Today’s villa is pale primrose with blue-grey shutters, slightly shabby in a chic Italian sort of way, and set in a fragrant rose garden, lawns edged with lavender and rosemary, shaded by a row of Robinia trees. The former cascina is now a smart reception-lounge-bar, all raw brick, leather and votive candles, the odd dash of contemporary art. For the Nortons this is home and they are ebullient hosts. There will be a glass of prosecco in your hand before you have time to catch your breath. Sip your drink under a flower-decked pergola, by the pool, or on their rooftop terrace, where you can see rolling acres of Barbera, Moscato and Cortese vines and, on a clear day, a glimpse of the Alps.

Highs

• Dreamy rooms – a light and airy mix of romance, comfort, character and country views
• The cool blue pool – a wonderful place to slack out on a sunny afternoon
• A chilled house-party vibe, and a perfect spot for weddings or big family reunions
• Great location in the rustic heart of Piedmont’s wine county; an easy drive from Alba, Asti and Acqui Terme, a daytrip from Genoa, Turin and Milan
• On the subject of local wines, Nicola can talk for England, or even Italy – step into her sala degustazione and get the grape-by-grape low-down on Piedmont’s vineyards

Lows

• The restaurant only accepts cash
• You will need a car to get here and to get around