Cascina Galarej - Villaggio Narrante

Rooms

It's an impressive makeover of a historic and very unique property. Airy and spacious, the rooms (all with kingsize beds) are simply but elegantly designed in grey and white with the odd splash of muted colour – check out the mustard basins and shelving in the bathrooms. But most importantly, all have full-length windows to capture that stunning scenery.

There are five Classic rooms, which are the smallest available but can also feature extra cots on request. The four Exclusive rooms are slightly larger, and two of them can accommodate an extra adult bed. Pride of place goes to the Suite, which is twice the size of the others with an ample living area, and has an extra double bed and a freestanding oval bathtub on a mezzanine floor above. The shower bathroom is tucked under the mezzanine floor.

Five of the rooms are on the ground floor (two Classic, three Exclusive), each with their own private terrace, while the other five rooms are on the first floor above - no terraces but all have panoramic views into the distance.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Iron
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is served in the main reception hall at Cascina Galarej; the spread includes eggs to order, local salami and cheese, fresh bread and biscuits, waffles and pancakes, brioche and home-made jam, chocolate and hazelnut cream, yogurt and cakes. Light lunches and aperitifs are on offer during the day. Dinner can be requested for a minimum of 6-8 people.

For other meals you'll likely head into the village. Expect the food in both restaurants in Villaggio Narrante to be taken seriously and cooked lovingly, the dishes lean heavily on fresh local produce and regional specialities with a modern twist. Osteria Disguido is the more informal eatery, this is the spot for lunch. The menu features fresh handmade pasta, cheese and cold meat platters, or you can opt for the Flavours of Tradition experience which pairs three dishes and a dessert with Langhe wines made in the historic cellars.

You'll be missing out if you don't bag a table at Guidoristorante for dinner. Founded in 1960 by Guido and Lidia to champion tradition and seasonality in a modern way, this pioneering establishment was awarded its first Michelin star in 1973, and is now run by the second generation of the Alciati family with a focus on simple dishes and a pared-back yet high quality wine list; the tasting menu includes Lidia’s agnolotti and veal with tuna sauce, with fiordilatte ice cream for dessert.

Piedmont is renowned for its rich agricultural and viticultural value, and is the home of Slow Food in Italy. Serralunga d’Alba is only a 10-minute drive away and boasts some of the region’s best eateries, owned and run by several graduates of Michelin-starred restaurants. But you don’t have to splash out. Even the most modest ristoranti can offer something to please the palate. There are traditional dishes such as tajarin (pasta with butter and sage), carne crude, agnolotti del plin (pasta pillows stuffed with vegetables or meat), and braised beef in Barolo sauce. Another must is the local Tartufo bianco d’Alba, a rare white truffle that only grows around here – you’ll find it in a lot of dishes.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• Piedmont was recently named the best wine region in Italy by Forbes magazine. It’s a bold claim but one you can easily put to the test given you’re staying in an actual vineyard. Guided tours and tastings are readily available not only on the Fontanafredda estate (including its historic cellars) but also at the plethora of local wine producers
  
• If it’s R&R you’re after, you don’t even have to leave Cascina Galarej. Not only is there a gym, pool, sauna and hot tub, but the hotel also offers a wide range of spa treatments, from massages to facials, plus lymphatic drainage and treatments with the local Barbera and Nebbiolo grapes
  
• Alternatively, take a stroll through unique Villagio Narrante itself, known as Italy’s first storytelling village, there's a trail you can follow which brings it all to life: including the wonderful gardens, the quaint historic houses, the Wood of Thoughts (Bosco dei Pensieri), Palazzo Madama, the Custodian’s house and the Clock Building
  
• Explore the local countryside, there are castles and restaurants to discover

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Hot air ballooning
• Shopping / markets
• Truffle hunting
• Well being
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome, family rooms are available and extra cots and beds are supplied on request. While there's no kids menu, the restaurants are happy to cook to order for small ones.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Exclusive Rooms 4 and 9 can take an extra bed and sleep a family of four. Both Exclusive Rooms on each floor can connect to make a two-bed family room. We suggest rooms 4 and 5 are best as they are on the ground floor so you get private outside space as well. The Suite has a sofabed and can sleep a family of four.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 1hr 30m
• Hospital: 15 minutes
• Shops: 2 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Cascina Galerej is situated in the heart of Piedmont, about 5km from Serralunga d'Alba and about 75km south of Turin.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Cuneo International Airport, Piedmont's second airport and used by low cost carriers, which is about 45 minutes from the hotel and transfers can be arranged on request. Turin International Airport is over 100km (about 1hr15min) away; you can also fly into Genoa (146km) or Milan's Malpensa airport (180km) if you're touring the region.

From the Airport:
It's also very accessible by road, you will likely want a car to explore the area – see our car rental recommendations – and car charging is available on site (a 2-minute drive from the hotel).

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.