Vigne di Fagnano 1709 Eco Relais
Reborn rural residenza — hedonist literary, analog, quietly sensual. Think Pavese on the bedside table, a glass of Barbaresco by the pool, and frescoed ceilings overhead.
The Devil on the Hills suite is the Mr & Mrs Smith team favourite — four rooms, a frescoed winter garden, and a monumental roll-top bathtub
Why It Matters
Independently owned, plastic-free, adults-only (14+) estate in Langhe wine country. The whole villa can be privatised by one group. Every suite is one-of-a-kind, named after a Pavese novel, and stocked with a curated library. The cellar wellness centre is set in actual 17th-century caves. Mr & Mrs Smith verified and approved.
An 18th-century noble farmhouse on a hilltop above Santo Stefano Belbo, Vigne di Fagnano 1709 is a serious act of restoration by owners Carlo and Manila — think original cement-tile floors, frescoed vaulted ceilings, and antique terracotta sharing space with canopy beds, outsize Artemide lamps, and Carlo's own black-and-white photographic nudes. The estate dates to the late 1600s and belonged to the Piedmontese noble Ravone Anfossi family. Seven suites, each named after a Cesare Pavese novel and furnished with a curated chamber library, make this feel more like staying in a very well-appointed private home than a hotel. No TVs. No air conditioning (natural stone walls and valley breezes handle it). Adults only.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Among Women Only (Tra Donne Sole)
Sober refinement defines this room: a geometry of elegance achieved through mirrors, frescoes and a king-size bed. Named after Pavese's novel set in Turin's society world, it carries a quiet, assured elegance. One of the more restrained rooms decoratively speaking.
30 sqm
Big Fire
The newest addition to the suite roster. Described by the property as 'swinging in happy thoughts' — a lighter, more playful energy than some of the more intensely themed rooms. Two rooms, sleeps two, 60 sqm.
60 sqm
The Beach (La Spiaggia)
First-floor suite with a private terrace and rocking chair that looks out in every direction over the Langhe hills. Composed of a bedroom, a living room, and a large bathroom with walk-in shower. Frescoed ceilings intact; ancient stone brick floors in tones of earth and red. Artemide lamps in the bathroom. The photographic prints throughout play on sensuality and create a dialogue between antique and contemporary.
65 sqm
The Beautiful Summer (La Bella Estate)
The largest suite on the property and the only one on the ground floor. Named after Pavese's novel about a young woman's hedonistic summer of unconventional love. Big windows frame the shared courtyard, a private courtyard, and the surrounding hills. A monumental bed anchors the space; there is also a small living room with a French sofa bed. Design furniture includes a Charles Eames lounge chair. The fireplace makes it a strong winter pick.
70 sqm
The Devil on the Hills (Il Diavolo Sulle Colline)
The Mr & Mrs Smith top pick. A hymn to hedonism: four separate rooms, original cement-tile floors, bucolic ceiling frescoes, and a monumental red roll-top bathtub positioned inside a winter garden framed by more frescoes. Photos of female nudes on the walls; a chamber library stocked with Pavese and others. The suite overlooks hills, courtyard, and the kitchen vegetable garden.
65 sqm
The Moon and the Bonfires (La Luna e i Falò)
An anthracite and black palette gives this suite a cinematic, almost timeless quality. The 19th-century original wooden parquet floor is warm underfoot. The bathroom has a large walk-in shower and opens onto a small private balcony with yet another hill view. Roman bust portraits face a sensual enlarged nude portrait across the room. The chamber library sits in an old leather trunk.
40 sqm
Your Towns (Paesi Tuoi)
The most compact and intimate of the suites. Antique decor and furnishings in a sensual, close atmosphere. Frescoed walls and black-and-white nude photography. A good fit for couples who want the full historic-residence character without excess space.
30 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Mountain bikes and e-bikes available to rent for riding through the vineyards and woods around the estate.
Scenic hiking routes through the Langhe hills and valleys surround the estate. The Pavesian literary paths and historical partisan resistance routes are popular options.
Hot air balloon rides over the Langhe hills can be arranged locally. One of the signature area experiences.
A rich collection of books from both the owners' private collection and the Pavese Foundation. Available in the common lounges and in every suite as a curated chamber library. Includes literary fiction, illustrated volumes by Milo Manara, and photographic table books.
A personal chef prepares your chosen menu at the villa, or runs a hands-on cooking class. Fresh pasta and local Piedmontese recipes are a focus.
A relaxed, guided full-day wine tour and tasting at top-rated local producers in the Langhe UNESCO wine landscape. Arranged through the property.
Cellar visits and tastings at a curated selection of local producers. Can be organised individually or as part of a longer stay.
Picnics can be arranged among the vines — a natural extension of the estate's garden produce and local food ethos.
Go out with a trifolau and their trained dog to hunt for white truffles in the surrounding woods. Available September through December.
Personalised yoga sessions — individual or small group — with owner Manila, a qualified instructor. Can be held in the garden or other estate spaces.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Free Wi-Fi available in rooms and the courtyard.
A wooden open-sided gym cabin near the pool, fitted with Technogym equipment. Views of the garden and pergola. Each room also receives a Technogym training bag on request.
Every suite includes a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, a Dyson fan, a SMEG stainless steel kettle, a Nespresso Mini machine with compostable pods, SMEG minibar, slippers, and organic bath products in refill packs.
The inner courtyard, shaded by a monumental centuries-old maritime pine, is ideal for reading, quiet contemplation, and dining outdoors.
Free private parking just outside the estate entrance.
The property welcomes guests aged 14 and over only. Not adapted for guests with mobility needs.
Bordered by lawn and ancient Langhe stone, the pool looks directly out onto the vineyard slopes and organic lavender fields. Open daily 8:30am–7pm. Vine-clad pergolas flank the terrace.
All 7 suites can be rented together as a complete villa on a weekly basis — ideal for groups, celebrations, or wedding parties.
The estate operates a zero-plastics policy. Courtesy kits are packaged in rice paper, paper, and organic plastic. Water is micro-filtered on site. Nespresso pods are organic and compostable.
The estate runs predominantly on solar energy and uses recycled rainwater for irrigation. Natural stone walls and open design eliminate the need for air conditioning.
Working vegetable garden tended by Carlo and Manila. Produces tomatoes, basil, herbs, and other seasonal ingredients used in breakfast and light meals.
Lavender grown organically on the estate grounds, from which resident bees produce lavender honey.
BUILD YOUR VIGNE DI FAGNANO 1709 ECO RELAIS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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