Italian architecture studio Studioprimatesta has designed a luxury holiday hideaway for sophisticated travelers to listen the soul of the existing rural atmosphere in Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta, Piedmont, Italy. 

Named La Darbia, the new hideaway hotel consists of 20 suite-apartments, a heated salt-water pool, and a gourmet restaurant, called "La Cucina", run by chef Matteo Monfrinotti with lake-view terrace.

Studioprimatesta, led by Gian Carlo and Matteo Primatesta, converted an abandoned rural settlement on Piedmont’s Lake Orta into a sophisticated holiday hideaway that reflects quiet luxury and Italian Dolce vita at its finest.

Sustainability plays a key role in this hideaway with zero-km policy, organic vegetable garden, reuse of original building elements and collaboration with local artisans.

While the renovation of all 20 suite-apartments was completed in 2022, the extension of restaurant and wine cellar was completed in 2018. The construction of the complex was realized in 2012.

The studio described the secret of success of the project as "being self-taught hoteliers with a spleen for silent aesthetics".

With a breathtaking view of the shimmering lake and peaks of Monte Rosa, according to the studio, "the holiday hideaway redefines the connotation of luxury with soulful aesthetics and a truly empathetic hospitality."

Becoming hoteliers was a whole new experience for the founders of Studioprimatesta, but it turned out that this was exactly what makes La Darbia the place to be for connoisseurs in search of beauty in design and depth in detail. 

La Darbia’s restaurant, called La Cucina, and the idyllic terrace and cocktail bar amidst the organic vegetable garden have become a jealously kept secret for discerned epicureans - from Milan to Hamburg, from New York to Helsinki. 

Chef Matteo Monfrinotti shares the property's connection to the region and emphasizes the culinary identity of Piedmont. Regional ingredients, genuine dishes, gourmet level - that's what "La Cucina" is all about.

The hotel's 20 suite-apartments, with a restaurant, emanate an understated elegance that does not need the loud notes to impress. “Sobrio”, as the Italians would say. 

The project is described as "simple, and intriguing," reflecting the simple, formal language of Piemont’s rural buildings and integrating local materials, Mediterranean vegetation, and unadorned handicrafts. 

"The essence of this stretch of land, its cultural history and rural typologies became the project’s architectural and conceptual leitmotif. The chromatic concept of the interiors picks up on the nuanced color palette of nature," said Studioprimatesta.

"Introverted towards the forest and overgrown with ivy, all the 20 apartments open onto the garden, with vineyards and a heated saltwater pool."

"On the sundeck, you can enjoy a yoga session while your gaze wanders all the way to the lake and surrounding mountains," the studio explained.

With the makeover of the property’s 20 elegant suite-apartments, and an extension of the wine cellar dedicated to small, exclusive gourmet gatherings, the property has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. 

Those wishing to experience a stay at “La Darbia”, or to get a table at “La Cucina”, run by chef Matteo Monfrinotti, must book well in advance. It's no wonder that the primary concern of enlightened aficionados who have experienced its intimate magic is: Don’t spread the word!.

The landscape design of the project was completed by Anna Regge. 

Project facts

Project name: La Darbia

Location: Orta San Giulio - Lake Orta - Piedmont

Architects and owners: Gian Carlo and Matteo Primatesta of Studioprimatesta 

Landscape Architect: Anna Regge

Project completion date: renovation (all 20 suite-apartments) 2022, extension (restaurant and wine cellar) 2018, construction 2012

All images © Tobias Kaser.

> via Studioprimatesta 

hideaway hospitality hotel Piedmont Studioprimatesta