Before we go into detail, could you briefly introduce yourself and your family members and share the name of your accommodation?

My name is Yvonne Heuing. Together with my husband Morten, I own Villa Verdini. We have three boys: Felix (21), Julius (18), and Lauritz (15). We live in Copenhagen.

We would love to share more about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us something about yourself? For example, your interests, hobbies, work, family, vacations?

We love to travel and do it a lot! We travel all over the world, but Italy is a country we keep returning to. My husband used to spend all his free time riding motorcycles in Italy. Later, when the children were small, we appreciated how family-friendly the Italians are and how easy it is to travel with kids. We also enjoy good food and wine, and we cook a lot. That was another reason to explore Italy. Additionally, we share a deep interest in design, architecture, and good hotels. Italy has that in abundance.

When and how did this accommodation come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

My husband works in the wine trade and often visited Piedmont. When we started looking for a place in Italy in 2019, we quickly agreed that Piedmont is ideal in many ways. Naturally, wine and food played a role, as they are exceptionally good, even by Italian standards. But Piedmont has so much more to offer. It is a beautiful region with mountains, lakes, endless rolling hills, vineyards, and the most picturesque villages. It is equally close to ski resorts and beautiful Mediterranean beaches (about an hour's drive). The region boasts a magnificent ancient capital, Turin, which we believe is one of the most underrated major cities in Europe. It is also very well connected with six international airports nearby (Milan Malpensa and Linate, Turin, Genoa, Nice, and Bergamo). Moreover, it is close to Liguria, Tuscany, and southern France, three of our other favorite travel destinations.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your accommodation?

We searched for years for the right place. We knew we were looking for something special. An old building with a history that we could breathe new life into. We had already renovated a few houses before, so we weren't afraid of a big project. When we found Villa Verdini, we fell in love immediately. We knew within ten minutes that this was the place. It was breathtaking. An old prestigious wine estate that had been dormant for half a century. With many original details, all waiting for restoration by the right experts. We assembled a team of highly skilled local artisans, craftsmen, and restorers to rebuild the property from the ground up. We preserved and restored as many of the beautiful old details as possible and combined them with all the modern comforts needed to accommodate discerning guests.

On a personal level, what makes your accommodation truly special to you? Are there any special memories or moments that make it dear to you?

The first time we saw the property was on a cold, dry winter day. We stood in the garden and had a panoramic view of 180 degrees of the Alps, 100 kilometers away. It was breathtaking. And it still is. Another aspect that fascinated us was all the old original architectural details, from the hand-painted ceilings to the beautifully carved doors and windows, as well as the original wine press and horse-drawn carriage from the 1800s. Finally, my husband is now able to live out an old dream. Together with a local winemaker, he is replanting the old vineyards around the property. These were known for their high-quality wines, and we aim to restore that, just like the rest of Villa Verdini.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your accommodation?

Villa Verdini is an old wine estate. The oldest parts date back to the early 18th century. The kitchen and dining room are in the old stables, built of natural stone from the region. The living area was added in the late 19th century in the Liberty style, the Italian version of Art Nouveau. The floors are laid with beautiful handmade decorative tiles, and the ceilings are hand-painted. Throughout the house, the old chestnut wood windows with antique wavy glass and Ligurian shutters have been carefully restored. The modern wooden furniture is custom-made from the original oak beams of the estate. All stone comes from the region, with local marble inside and granite outside. Since it is an old property, there were no bathrooms. We converted six of the old maid and worker rooms into modern bathrooms, partly ensuite. Each bathroom is different and built with the finest local stone, tiles, and woodwork. We were lucky that much of the old original furniture was still in the house. Like the rest, it has been restored by local craftsmen and is now combined with Danish design furniture. We have tried to bring back the glory of the old estate and combine it with a light, modern Scandinavian look. Where possible, we have opened up walls to create a spacious, airy feeling and let in the light and beautiful views.

What part of the accommodation do you find the most beautiful, and why?

We love the large outdoor kitchen and lounge. The kids are totally into the wood-fired pizza oven. From there, it’s just a few steps to the pool, with breathtaking unobstructed views of 360 degrees, from the Alps in the north to the vineyards in the south. Our kids play a lot of basketball, so we installed a professional half-court with an adjustable pro hoop. That is also a big hit. The pétanque court overlooking the Alps is a lovely spot to relax in the afternoon, especially with a chilled local Arneis white wine. Personally, I still enjoy sitting on the south side of the property with my morning coffee, overlooking the old Art Nouveau facade and the palm trees.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

The Monferrato region is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its natural beauty and historical significance. Villa Verdini is located in the middle of this landscape, with phenomenal views of this protected area. The property is halfway between Canelli and Nizza Monferrato (both 5 km away), two of the most beautiful and historically significant towns in the region.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly practices that you are proud to implement in your accommodation?

Yes! We generate our own electricity through large solar panels on the roof, which power a heat pump for hot water. The solar panels are also used for charging electric vehicles. Rainwater from the roof is collected in a mix of old cisterns and modern underground tanks and is used for irrigating the garden and vineyards. Where possible, we have reused old building materials, both for their natural beauty and to reduce the ecological footprint of the project. For example, we reused the original oak beams for all the custom furniture in the house. For the paving around the house and pool, we reused centuries-old bricks.

What motivated or inspired you to rent the accommodation to guests?

We have always enjoyed staying in places where the hosts and owners go out of their way to provide a great experience. We appreciate the work and dedication that goes into restoring and maintaining a place with heritage. Villa Verdini is an expression of what we have seen and learned during our stays in the most beautiful homes and hotels around the world. We stay as often as we can in our private part of Villa Verdini, and we are proud and happy to share this place with our guests.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the experience someone can expect during a stay at your accommodation?

In Danish, we would say that we want our guests to feel relaxed as soon as they enter the grounds. We want to provide you with the setting for a perfect vacation with friends or family, where everything is to your liking. We do our utmost to ensure that every little detail is in perfect condition and offer all the services you could wish for, from private chefs, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga, babysitters to guided truffle hunts, restaurant and winery recommendations, and bike rentals. In short, everything we ever dreamed of when renting a vacation home.

In what way does your accommodation stand out from others? What unique features make the stay a unique experience for guests?

We believe it will be hard to find such views anywhere else as at Villa Verdini. Additionally, we have tried our best to offer you a home, and not just a vacation house. The interior, furniture, equipment, and even the kitchen utensils are of the highest quality.

Could you share the nicest compliment you have received from a guest with us?

Absolutely! Many of our guests book immediately for the following year as soon as they leave Villa Verdini. We are very proud of that, and we gladly welcome returning guests! Another compliment we often receive is: "It’s even more beautiful than in the photos!"

Do you have any tips for guests to make the most of their vacation? Your valuable tips will be featured on the accommodation page!

We have long lists with very detailed recommendations for everything from the best little local pizzerias to Michelin restaurants. From e-bike rentals to the times of the local markets in the villages. From what to do in Turin to the best beaches in Liguria. This is our region, and exploring it is our passion. We love sharing this with our guests!