Villa Menaluna

14/09/2024

In what has become a monthly ritual now, we regularly meet up with our Rocchetta Palafea neighbours at the village for a sunset aperitivo. Everyone brings something to eat and drink and we catch up on the village news and each other’s lives. This one however, like clockwork almost, marked the change of season from summer to autumn. It seems always that in the first week of September that whilst the daytime temperatures are still warm, it’s in the evenings that we notice the change of season quickest. A gloriously still evening with no wind and a magical sunset, but along with my shorts was a jumper for the first time since March.

The vendemmia (harvest) is under way all around us and the chug chug chug of tractors laden with plump grapes is a constant soundtrack to our lives right now. By all reports so far, it’s been a good year, helped by the wet spring and August storms.

I’m reminded again that whilst I moved to Italy for the better weather and the hot summers, it’s autumn that is my favourite time of the year here.

29/06/2024

The very wet spring has transformed the hills around us into rolling swathes of green studded with abundant wild flowers. The upper garden here at Villa Menaluna is no different, as I discover with the abnormally frequent level of mowing required! But it’s always nice to stop for awhile, and enjoy the beauty of what nature creates around us. Whilst I do mow the grass in the garden, we keep the banks and hillsides wild during the summer, to be a haven for the many insects and animals that surround us, including for the past week or so a very friendly and deep rust-red young deer who has somehow found its way into the garden. I’ve been leaving the gate open during the day, hoping he finds his way back to his family. I didn’t see him today so I hope that he has ventured onto pastures new. .

11/02/2024

Two thirds of Brits want 'to be more Italian' a new survey by FIAT as claimed - we can understand that 😎

has launched its own "La Dolce Vita Guide" featuring 35 tips on how to enjoy a taste of the Italian lifestyle in the UK.

But we also recommend .monocle "The Monocle Book of Italy" and Maria Pasquale's "How to be Italian".

For links to the above guides and more contacts if you're interested in buying a property in Italy, or opening a small hotel or B&B, read more at our latest Journal post at our website

10/02/2024

The gloriously hot weather in peak season needs only one thing more: a cooling dip!

A few steps up from the sundeck you’ll find our stone-clad, saltwater plunge pool to help you cool off on sultry summer days.

Views from here take in the Alps to the north and the instantly recognisable silhouette of our village - Rocchetta Palafea - to the east on the hillside opposite.

Need some alone time? Wander along the upper garden to a secluded seating area under a giant oak tree. Take a book, a pack of cards or a chilled glass of Alta Langa - the choice is yours 😎

04/02/2024

For a spectacular view, take a short drive to Torre del Contini just outside Canelli and you'll be high above the Monferrato region with 365-degree views. Park up on the road below and wander up through the vineyards. Bring a picnic or come for the best sunsets.

29/01/2024

We've had 21 degrees here at Villa Menaluna this week- crazy for January! It got me looking forward to the summer and lazing on a sunbed with a good book and a chilled glass of Gavi.

The sundeck at Villa Menaluna give plenty of space to relax and take in the sun and the views. By day you'll see the vineyards below and our village - Rocchetta Palafea - perched on the hillside opposite. And of course, the pool is only a few steps away for that cooling dip.

By night it's an atmospheric spot to lay back, watch the sunset colours in the sky and then count the stars as they twinkle to life.

23/01/2024

Step out of the ensuite bedroom and you'll find yourself on the covered terrace - the ideal place to retreat to on hot days when a little shade is needed. From here you can step out onto the sundeck and up to the pool.

Relax on the comfy sofas and armchairs (enough for everyone) and enjoy lunch in the shade. A small fridge is tucked away to keep your refreshments chilled.

In the evenings, stay cool and take in the sunset views towards the mountains and watch as the village lights of Rocchetta Palafea opposite twinkle into life.

If you've grabbed this bedroom and don't want to be disturbed don't worry, the terrace, sundeck and pool are also reached via an external staircase from the garden 😎.

19/01/2024

The large open-plan living room seats 6-8 comfortably around the fireplace, wonderful in the colder months, and as a perfect place to collapse into to after a day sightseeing and wine-tasting.

The 50” Smart TV comes complete with Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Netflix so you can log-in to your own content and catch up on your favourite shows and films if the mood takes you.

Cushions and throws by .green give extra eco-friendly, sustainable comfort.

♻️

26/11/2023

It’s never dull running errands for Villa Menaluna when these are the roads and hills I travel every day.

The constantly changing colours at this time of year, together with the almost-guaranteed glorious sunshine and tranquil silence lends a magical air to even the mundane of duties.

Now is the time of year for clearing planting, sweeping leaves and putting the garden, pool and grounds to sleep for the winter, but whilst this should be boring but necessary work, it gives me the best reason to be outside and experiencing the beauty first-hand 🥰

28/08/2023

One of the great joys of living in the Monferrato region of Piedmont is that the rich soil and copious amounts of sun can give lavish life to a garden. What is difficult however, is that by mid-summer many plants are going past their best and it becomes increasingly challenging to keep a fledgling garden alive as we battle the relentless and unforgivingly fierce heat. Read more about the challenges of summer gardening in Piedmont at our Journal.

31/07/2023

Summer in Piedmont is all about warm evenings, socialising with friends and family, and enjoying the moment. Whilst there are many excellent restaurants in nearby towns, you can’t beat cooking at home and gathering around the dining table – inside or out.

Can’t be bothered to cook? Organise private catering and let the professionals lay on a banquet for you at Villa Menaluna. 
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18/07/2023

Nature plays a big part of the design of Villa Menaluna. When we designed the roof terrace retaining the old IVs, the grew up a wooden structure was so important to us. They add colour and a touch of nature to the terrace, that’s why the shelter for bees and butterflies. Keeping it trimmed is a job in itself in the summer but I would rather retain this natural wonder than have lost it altogether in the renovation.

03/05/2023

There’s nothing worse than a soaking wet towel when you’re by the pool. To solve this problem, at Villa Menaluna we provide ultra light-weigh Turkish hammam towels which are super-absorbent and yet dry quickly after use. We’ve provided a range of colours so every guest can claim their towel for their stay. What’s more, these eco-friendly towels can be washed at low temperatures and dried in the sun to save energy
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14/04/2023

04/03/2023

It may seem mad to drive an hour from for dinner, but it’s worth it if you head to in Vercelli. The kings of risotto, a gloriously inventive and very tasty meal awaits you. Don’t drive back and instead stay the night at for their clean and comfy rooms and friendly service. Time it right for the first Sunday in the month too and you’ve got the L'Barlafus antiques market to explore.

04/03/2023

It may seem mad to drive an hour from for dinner, but it’s worth it if you head to in Vercelli. The kings of risotto, a gloriously inventive and very tasty meal awaits you. Don’t drive back and instead stay the night at for their clean and comfy rooms and friendly service. Time it right for the first Sunday in the month too and you’ve got the L'Barlafus antiques market to explore.

01/03/2023

Whilst March can be the bearer of the last touches of winter weather, with April comes the winds which seem to herald in the change of seasons, almost as if nature wants to blow winter back to where it came from.

Read more about spring in Piedmont at our Journal page 🌱

07/02/2023

For flexibility, our twin bedroom has two comfy single beds with pocket sprung mattresses and finished with restored antique headboards. Egyptian cotton bed linen as well as blankets and cushions by .green add extra comfort.

06/02/2023

Villa Menaluna has four double bedrooms (one with twin beds) and each individually styled with a mix of upcycled and vintage furnishings. .

27/10/2022

Beautiful art installation in our local village ❤️

02/10/2022