The thousand shades of Lake Orta and the sky reflected in it, the peak of Monte Rosa, a forest, and a vineyard where time slows down. In this corner of Piedmont – a longtime inspiration for artists and literary figures of the past such as Lord Bryon and Honoré de Balzac – stands a true oasis of tranquility called La Darbia, surrounded by a luxurious park with centuries-old trees, a heated saltwater pool, Mediterranean gardens and a vineyard planted with Nebbiolo. The recently renovated resort is a timeless hospitality facility where post and present, nature and architecture collide, contaminating and enhancing each other. AII the apartments have been redesigned, and the wine cellar has been expanded and revised .. The impetus to give new vitality to this piace carne from brothers Gian Carlo and Matteo Primatesta, owners of the resort and principals of Studio Primatesta, as well as the creators of the architectural and interior design project tor the entire complex.

The heart of the small village is the stone tower, within which the reception area is located: it is possible to breathe in the refined and elegant atmosphere that characterizes all the apartments from the first entrance. Each of the 20 apartments has its own distinct and unique character, but they all share a view of the lake and furnishings with delicate and neutral tones that accentuate the atmosphere of tranquility and peacefulness.

Lake Family, the type of accommodation designed far families, con host up to tour people: the master bedroom con be separated from the living room by fabric curtains, while the bedroom with single beds is screened by a wooden slatted pane I. The Lake Luxury suite, the comfort of which is enhanced by large French doors, is complemented by either a private garden or a fully equipped terrace (the apartments feature a garden on the ground floor and a terrace on the first floor), which extend the living area. Many of the furnishings are in natural wood, like in the other room types. Another integrai part of the Primatesta brothers’ hospitality project is the food and wine experience, closely tied to local products: the restaurant and kitchen are a declaration of love far Piedmont and its excellence. The dining room, which features a minimalist entrance in wood and stone with delicate tones, overlooks a garden terrace, which in turn extends towards the lake and Monte Rosa with refinement and familiarity. The contemporary open kitchen, created as if it were a staoe, shows off the work of chef Matteo Monfrinotti.

The fine wine production of La Darbia, with rows of vines set on a slope facing Lake Orta, is shared with guests in the wine cellar spaces, which were also recently renovated and expanded. The arched, wooden entrance door gives the impression of entering into a small barrel: the interiors preserve the connection with the natural dimension through the floors and additional wooden furnishings and details, as in the case of the centrai table, counter, and wall elements.

The design of La Darbia is a contemporary reflection of vernacular architecture heritage. Carefully and delicately inserted in the Lake Orta area, it also shows the lived experience of the architects, enriched by Piedmont’s rural culture and traditions.