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Little Gem No. 105 | Creative Hideaway Lago di Garda

Italy > Lombardy
users 4 bed 2 bath 1

Tucked into the gentle hills above the bay of Salò lies a historic farmhouse-turned-creative hideaway, a place where Italian countryside life meets quiet Lake Garda elegance. Once part of a 19th-century agricultural estate, the property has kept the rhythm of its past—olive groves, stone walls warmed by the sun, barns and stables that once framed rural life—yet it has been revived with a fresh, artistic spirit.

The current host grew up surrounded by craftsmanship, textiles, and hospitality, and the atmosphere reflects this immediately. Embroidered trousers handmade by her mother, mismatched vintage chairs, fabrics designed by the family… it all feels deeply personal. Guests are welcomed as though stepping into a friend’s home rather than a hotel. It’s warm, creative, and unmistakably shaped by the people who live and work here.

Today, the property has become a retreat rooted in philosophy as much as aesthetics: slow living, connection, and the simple pleasure of waking up to olive trees and lake light.

 

The Space

The estate sits just above Lake Garda’s western shore, with views that sweep across the soft arc of the Salò bay. The road climbs gently through olive groves until iron gates open almost silently onto gardens, terraces, and the feeling of arriving somewhere special.

Nothing here is staged; everything feels intentional. Red deckchairs collected from Forte dei Marmi, a small pool beside a relaxed snack bar, herbs and lettuces growing in a corner garden for guests to pick. It’s the kind of place where time slows down naturally, without trying.

Inside, the atmosphere is rustic yet refined: terracotta floors, natural colours, airy spaces, and the sense that each room has grown organically over the years rather than being designed all at once.

 

The rooms & apartments 

There are ten accommodations in total: eight apartments and two guest rooms—each one facing the water.

Ground-floor apartments open onto private terraces, perfect for breakfast in the sun or simple dinners sourced from the local market.

First-floor units often include children’s rooms with charming antique beds.

Every apartment has a kitchenette and dining area, offering full autonomy and making longer stays easy.

Sizes range from 53 to 95 m², a rarity around Lake Garda. Nothing matches, but everything belongs. Chairs from flea markets, family-designed fabrics, delicate details that make the spaces feel lived-in rather than styled.

In the morning, most guests wander up to the breakfast room—more like a large family table than a buffet. Eggs cooked to order, fresh fruit from nearby farms, mozzarella and tomatoes, homemade cakes, and the most charming pink espresso cups. It is slow, relaxed, and exactly what you hope Italian mornings will feel like.

 

Dinner & experiences 

Evenings are often the heart of this place. Instead of formal cooking classes, the property hosts communal dinners led by a local mother who rolls gnocchi and tortellini with decades of practice. Guests gather around the table, stories mix with steam from simmering sauces, and strangers become friends.

Wine tastings are arranged at a nearby family vineyard, and recommendations for trattorie in Salò and San Felice are shared with genuine enthusiasm.

The philosophy goes beyond accommodation. Throughout the year, the property plans retreats centred on yoga, nutrition, art, cycling, hiking, local history, and seasonal experiences. Horseback riding, painting classes, massages, and guided walks can be arranged on request.

 

Outdoor area

Three hectares of olive groves surround the house, with shaded gardens, stone paths, and views that shift from blue water to golden vineyards. The pool sits quietly among the greenery—never crowded, always inviting.

Terraces catch the morning and evening light, and the entire estate is wrapped in a sense of stillness. Guests are encouraged to pick herbs from the garden, wander through the olive trees, or simply settle into a deckchair with a book.

 

Location

The property is located just above Lake Garda, on the western side near Salò. The lake is only 150 metres away, yet the hilltop location gives a sense of privacy and calm.

Salò is one of Lake Garda’s most charming towns—promenades along the water, small boutiques, historic alleys, and an excellent market. From here, it’s easy to explore the entire lake region: vineyards, hiking trails, small villages, and the lesser-known quiet corners that locals love.

Autumn and winter are particularly beautiful—sunny days at 18–20°C are common, and the hills fill with cyclists, hikers, and families enjoying the slower pace.

 

Additional Services 

Guests can enjoy:

Breakfast served daily in the main dining room

Communal cooking evenings

Wine tastings at a nearby family vineyard

Massages and beauty treatments on request

Yoga, art classes, guided hikes, and horseback riding

A curated list of local restaurants and hidden trattorias

Seasonal retreats and workshops

A small “Bottega” in reception featuring Italian specialties, hand-painted ceramics, Friulane shoes, textiles, and local pantry goods

The team is warm, present, and happy to help create tailored itineraries — from scenic bike routes to the best bakeries in town.

 

Nearest Airport

Nearest Airport: Verona (VRN) – approx. 45 minutes

Milan Bergamo (BGY) – approx. 1 hour

 

Nearest Train Station

Desenzano del Garda – approx. 20 minutes

 

Price Indication

prices start from € … [depending on room size and season]