Interior Designer: Rose Murray

Architect: Valerio Tunesi

Photography: Rebecca Douglas

These White Walls has masterfully transformed an 800-year-old farmhouse nestled on a 5-hectare hillside estate into an exquisite boutique hotel. The project, which includes a spa and restaurant, adheres to strict local heritage restrictions while offering a quiet-luxury experience designed to appeal to an international audience.

The client’s brief was clear: retain the original footprint of the farmhouse while converting its rooms into luxury ensuites, complete with showrooms and baths. The result is a stunning blend of historical preservation and modern luxury, featuring two large matrimonial suites and two additional suites atop the newly constructed restaurant building.

Adjacent to the villa, a brand new three-story restaurant with over 100 covers was built, encompassing bistro, bar, and fine dining options. Designed to make a modern statement, the restaurant still harmonizes with the original villa and its picturesque hillside surroundings. The restaurant’s two suites offer guests a unique stay experience, blending contemporary design with the rustic charm of the estate.

The design of the hotel’s connecting lawns and gardens was thoughtfully planned to include two exterior poolside areas—one for hotel guests and another for spa visitors. The spa itself boasts three treatment rooms and communal spaces, all showcasing a harmonious aesthetic that promotes well-being, luxury, and understated sophistication.

These White Walls embraced the concept of ‘rustic-luxe,’ ensuring a deep connection with the nature and culture of the site and its region. The emphasis on digital detoxing and informal luxury allows guests to feel at home, encouraging rest and reconnection with nature while enjoying cultivated indulgence.

The design honors both the past and present, reflecting the site’s traditional heritage through a gentle refurbishment of the original building. Simultaneously, a bold design statement is made with the adjacent modern restaurant building. Inspired by the original arched windows of the villa, the restaurant features a striking façade with enormous 6-meter high windows. These windows reflect the sky across the valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape for diners.

These White Walls has created a rare and elegant retreat, merging historical charm with contemporary luxury, ensuring guests experience the best of both worlds.