Our late summer vacation was spent mostly at this villa situated in the middle of the Piemonte (Piedmont) countryside of Italy. Rather than moving from one place to another several times during the week (like we did in France in June), we stayed here for a good five days.
The nearest town is Constigliole d’Asti.
The approach from the automatic gate up to the main building, with a small covered shed for parking on the left, and a pool and vines on the right, was very welcoming.
We went in early September and the grapes were still on the vines.
We had breakfast in a tent erected next to the building. They wanted to maximize the space inside the main building for sleeping people.
This is the back of the villa. The property was totally surrounded by vines.
The villa is located at one of the higher points in this area which has gentle rolling hills. The only higher point nearby is the church at Annunziata, which is five minutes away.
The manageress’s tiny silver and lipstick red fiat. Very Italian.
From our balcony, we were afforded a nice view – almost 270 degrees – and sunset.
We could see the distant Alps on a clear day.
A comfy common area with beautiful frescoes(?).
Our room is urban and modern, but on the small side but it is adequate.
The main attraction for me is the pool. There was hardly anyone there.
At dusk, they pipe in light jazz to liven up the pool area.
The villa has a spa on the lower level, just a wet and a dry sauna and a small whirlpool. However, the fancy programmable shower did not work.
The property is owned by a famous winery in Barolo – Renato Ratti. The villa’s web site is here. There are 13 rooms in total.
There is a tasting room on the lower level where one can buy their wines.
The villa is perfect for relaxing, super quiet, there was hardly anyone around during the day. The only catch is that they only serve breakfast. That means we had to drive out every day in search of lunch and dinner. More about that in later posts.