Beppe has seen his mountain-top home transform from a simple, sleep-on-hay refuge to a busy, happy, self-sufficient B&B. His love for the place is contagious and Susan, his wife, has been affected. With a small staff they produce and grow much – milk, toma and ricotta cheese, pasta, bread, vegetables – and still find time to nurture goats, pigs, cows, dogs and guests. The guests are Italian cyclists and walkers; the food is simple, generous and delicious. Once here, you’ll probably stay: the nearest town is Monastero di Lanzo, a bumpy five-mile drive away, best negotiated in a 4×4. Beppe and Susan gladly organise trips to Lanzo and Santuario di Marsaglia and excursions into the forest too; hikers, nature lovers and kids who love animals will be in heaven. The set up? Bakery and workshops in the basement; bar, restaurant and guests’ rooms above; patio across the courtyard; terrace out the front. Each bedroom is sweet, spotless and comes with a dreamy view, but if you’re looking for total privacy go for the cottage below, immersed in pasture, with its own sitting room and kitchen, sleeping a family of four.
Outstanding hospitality, delicious and truly local cuisine, excellent accommodation and an incredible mountain location. Beppe and Susy's welcome made us feel completely at home from the moment we arrived, our children were particularly delighted by the dogs, cats and farm animals, as well as a spot of archery, and we all loved getting involved with milking and cheese and butter making. The views from the Rifugio were breathtaking and just got better and better wherever we walked. The perfect place for an Italian adventure and we very much hope to return. Mille grazie!