Little Gem No. 058 | A Home away from Home

From an 18th-Century Villa in the Emilian Countryside

Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore—partners in life and work—opened the doors of Casa Maria Luigia in May 2019 to extend their vision of hospitality beyond Osteria Francescana, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Modena. They dreamed of creating a space where all their passions could coexist: art, food, music, and nature.

Here, guests are immersed in a living gallery—an ever-evolving collection of contemporary paintings, photographs, sculptures, and design objects curated by Massimo and Lara. But the experience goes beyond what’s on the walls. It’s a place to savor new flavors, scents, and sounds, leaving visitors with inspiration that lingers long after they depart.

This is not a hotel—it’s a true home away from home

Every detail, from vintage tables to iconic designer armchairs, has been carefully chosen to evoke warmth and comfort. Guests are invited to unwind in the music room, selecting from over 7,000 vinyl records to spin on the turntable, or enjoy a cocktail before indulging in the kitchen pantry, open at any hour of the day. Make yourself at home, open the fridge, and enjoy our savory and sweet treats waiting for you in the house kitchen. 

The Rooms

The rooms are all different, with hand-picked artwork and design pieces for every one of them. 

ML FESTINA LENTE COMFORT ROOM

Stay in this charismatic room with an open plan sitting area, walnut floor, handcrafted ceramic tile bathroom, and walk-in shower. Size ranges from 40-45 m2

ML FESTINA LENTE ROOMS

Stay in this intimate room with a walnut floor, a handcrafted ceramic tile bathroom, and a walk-in shower. Room size 30 m2

BELLA VITA ROOM

Stay in this charming room with a high-ceiling, open-plan sitting area, walnut floor, spacious handcrafted ceramic tile bathroom, large walk-in shower, and/or cast iron bathtub.
Size ranges from 50-70 m2

ALCOVA PENTHOUSE

Stay in this modern penthouse with a large bedroom looking out to a private wood-decked balcony, a tower room with a guest bed, and a view of the countryside.
A cozy living room, walnut floor, and spacious marble bathroom with bathtub and shower. Size 100 m2

A Taste of Emilia

Mornings begin with the scent of a wood-burning oven, where a traditional Emilian breakfast is prepared.

Under the leadership of Jessica Rosval, Head Chef since 2019 and a longtime member of the Francescana family team, the kitchen brings the best of the region’s bounty to the breakfast table: cotechino cooked under ashes, fresh focaccia, omelets, handmade jams, ricotta di Rosola, and gnocco fritto with mortadella. Every ingredient is carefully selected to showcase the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Beyond the breakfast table, the parkland invites discovery—from a secluded swimming pool and tennis court nestled among centuries-old oaks to a thriving vegetable garden, which supplies fresh ingredients for Casa Maria Luigia and Al Gatto Verde. 

Expanding the Vision

Wander past the vegetable garden, and past fields of buckwheat, and you’ll find the latest additions:

Luigina, is an intimate cottage with three spacious rooms, a kitchen, a living area, and a private pool—a secluded retreat within the estate.

The Playground is a dynamic, multi-functional space where Massimo’s greatest passions—art, engines, and culinary innovation—come together. Here, guests will find a collection of classic cars, contemporary artworks, and cutting-edge Technogym equipment. It’s a tribute to Emilia-Romagna: the land of slow food and fast machines.

Francescana at Maria Luigia

Here, the spirit of Osteria Francescana comes to life through a nine-course tasting menu, tracing the restaurant’s 30-year history. Guests gather at shared tables, in a setting where the kitchen opens directly into the dining room, creating an intimate experience. The menu features iconic dishes such as:

Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano

The Crunchy Part of Lasagna

Oops! I Dropped My Lemon Tart

Al Gatto Verde – A New Culinary Chapter

Opened in September 2023 Al Gatto Verde is a celebration of fire, smoke, and conviviality. This kitchen is an exploration of how heat, embers, and smoke can elevate the finest Italian artisanal ingredients.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the restaurant embodies the philosophy of Ethics & Aesthetics, minimizing its environmental impact while offering an immersive dining experience.

*Michelin stars + * Michelin Green star

Meet the Chef: Jessica Rosval

Since the age of fifteen, Jessica Rosval has dedicated herself to the world of cuisine. A Montreal native, she honed her craft in modern French kitchens in Quebec before moving to Italy in 2013 to join Osteria Francescana. In 2019, she became Head Chef at Casa Maria Luigia, and in 2023, she took the helm at Al Gatto Verde.

Beyond the kitchen, Jessica co-founded the Association for the Integration of Women (AIW) in 2021, a culinary training program for young migrant women in Modena. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including Chef of the Year (Le Guide dell’Espresso, 2021), Best Brunch in Italy (50 Top Italy Luxury, 2022), Best Female Chef (Guida Identità Golose, 2023)

A Taste of Tradition: The Acetaia

In 2022, Casa Maria Luigia expanded to include a historic Acetaia (balsamic vinegar cellar), originally founded in 1969. Now home to over 1,200 barrels, some dating back to the early 1900s, this treasure trove produces some of Modena’s most exquisite balsamic vinegar.

Guests can take part in exclusive tours and tastings, discovering the centuries-old production process, the art that enhances the experience, and, of course, the unmistakable flavors of true Modenese balsamic vinegar.

Price Indication

Prices start from € … (depending on room size and season)