La Villa in Piedmont

A Hidden Gem in the Piemontese Hills

Some places just feel right from the moment you arrive — like a home you didn’t know you were missing. La Villa is one of those places. A 16th-century palazzo turned boutique hotel, it sits tucked away in the rolling hills of Piemonte, surrounded by vines and views that stretch all the way to the Alps. Originally a working winery, it’s now a family-run retreat full of soul and stories.

Chris and Nicola Norton — the warm-hearted British couple behind La Villa — didn’t come from hospitality. They came with a dream, two young daughters, and very little Italian. Since 2005, they have transformed this once-crumbling building into one of the most beloved small hotels in the region, a place that feels more like a very well-kept secret than a hotel. The family still run it with heart, humour, and a hands-on touch — and you can feel that in every corner.

The Space

From the outside, La Villa looks like a timeless country manor. But step through the doors, and it unfolds into something more: a series of cosy sitting rooms, reading nooks, terraces, and a bar where stories are shared over glasses of Barbera. Every detail has been chosen with care — neutral tones, tactile fabrics, vintage finds, and warm lighting. It’s elegant, yes, but never formal. The atmosphere is relaxed, almost as if you’re staying with old friends.

There’s a small spa, a library, and bikes you can borrow for slow explorations through the countryside. Yoga or Pilates sessions can be arranged with a local instructor, and if you’re feeling indulgent, in-room massages are just a request away.

Meals are served throughout the day — under the vine-covered pergola, in the garden, or inside the charming dining room. Expect home-style dishes using the best local ingredients: seasonal vegetables, just-caught seafood, and wines from neighbouring vineyards.

The Bedrooms

There are 15 rooms in total, and no two are alike. From airy suites with private terraces to romantic doubles with clawfoot tubs, each room is designed to feel restful and personal.

Suites (like the Penthouse, Moorish, and Grotto) are ideal for couples or families, with views that will make you linger a little longer in bed.

Junior Suites like the Moroccan or Romeo & Juliet offer vineyard vistas and peaceful corners to unwind.

Deluxe Doubles are light-filled and spacious, full of charm.

The French Room is the cosiest, with twin options and beautiful Alpine views.

The Blue Room is a rare single room that doesn’t compromise on comfort — perfect for solo travellers.

Expect handmade mattresses, fine linens, rain showers or bathtubs, thick towels, organic toiletries, and the kind of thoughtful details that make you feel genuinely cared for.

The Outdoors

Outside, La Villa stretches out into the landscape like a dream. There’s a pool with views of the vineyards, a courtyard shaded by wisteria, and quiet corners tucked between lavender and roses. You’ll find guests reading in hammocks, sipping wine on the deck, or wandering through the garden barefoot.

The sunsets here are magical — soft light over terracotta rooftops, the silhouettes of vines against the sky. No wonder so many people come back, year after year.

The Location

La Villa is set just outside the small town of Mombaruzzo, in the Monferrato wine region of Piemonte. This part of Italy is known for its timeless beauty and rich food and wine culture. You’re close to:

Nizza Monferrato – for local markets and a glass of Barbera

Acqui Terme – famous for its Roman spa heritage

Asti & Alba – the heart of truffle and sparkling wine country

For day trips, you are also within reach of Turin, Milan, and Genoa — or, if you feel like switching scenery, the Alps or the Italian Riviera.

What Makes It So Special

It’s not just the location or the building — it’s the spirit of the place. Chris and Nicola have created something rare: a hotel that doesn’t feel like a hotel. A place where luxury comes from peace, beauty, and kindness rather than opulence. A place where guests often return as friends.

Nearest Airport 

Airport: Genoa (1 hr), Milan Malpensa (1.5 hrs), Turin (1.5 hrs)

Nearest Train Station

Train Station: Nizza Monferrato (15 min by car)