Country House
Old-world Italian villa with an artisan soul. Antique-filled rooms, frescoed ceilings, and a strong slow-living ethos. Screen-free by design. Feels more like staying in a private estate than a hotel.
Room VI (one of the Initiale rooms) is singled out by Mr & Mrs Smith reviewers for its exceptional frescoed walls — worth requesting specifically
Why It Matters
The former private home of the Les Copains fashion family, redesigned by Fabrizio Cocchi with century-old furniture from the owner's world travels and murals painted by three Provençal artists over three months. One of just 11 rooms spread across three villas, making it genuinely intimate. Also a member of Design Hotels and bookable through Marriott Bonvoy.
Italian fashion designer Mario Bandiera — founder of the knitwear brand Les Copains — spent years transforming a trio of derelict early-1900s farmhouses outside Bologna into this 11-room hideaway. The result is a sprawling countryside property in Minerbio, about 20 minutes from Bologna, where hand-painted frescoed walls, 18th- and 19th-century Thai and French antiques, and handcrafted ceramics by Magnolia Ceramics set the tone. Here, the guiding philosophy is the ancient Roman concept of otium — contemplative rest that regenerates the mind. TVs are available only on request, guests pick a book before arrival that waits on their pillow, and the schedule revolves around yoga, ceramics workshops, Emilian pasta lessons, poolside sauna sessions, and breakfast served until 2pm.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Grand Suite
The flagship. Two large connected rooms at 70 sqm total, with the most elaborate frescoed walls in the house — hand-painted with meticulous care. Garden and pool views. Two bathrooms: one shower, one bathtub (the only bathtub on property). Sleeps four in two king-size beds.
Two king-size beds (two rooms) · 70 sqm
Initiale
Three rooms, each around 20 sqm, located in the first and third buildings. The smallest category at the property, but still charming — these are the entry-level option for those who want to be steps from the pool without spending suite money. Two have king-size beds; one has a queen. Room VI is specifically praised for its artisanal frescoed walls.
King-size or Queen-size (varies by room) · 20 sqmJunior Suite
Four Junior Suites, each 35 sqm, with ornamental decorations handcrafted and walls painted in soft tones. There's a living area with a sofa, and some rooms look out over the courtyard and pool. This is the sweet spot for couples who want space and the artisanal wall treatments without going full-suite.
King-size · 35 sqm
Premium Deluxe
A 40 sqm room on the first floor of the third building, with exposed wooden beam ceilings and a separate living area with a sofa bed. The best non-suite option for families: sleeps up to four (two adults, two children). More space than any other standard room category.
King-size + sofa bed · 40 sqm
Suite
Located in the first building directly facing the swimming pool, the Suite is two connecting rooms with strong yellow and garnet-red hand-painted wall decorations. Sleeps up to four across two beds. Two separate bathrooms with shower — good for families who want the suite experience.
King-size + Queen-size (two connecting rooms) · 45 sqm
Superior
Three rooms with large windows and a country-house feel. Parquet floors throughout — a step up from the Initiale in terms of warmth and finish. Warm, informal atmosphere that balances elegant and relaxed without feeling stuffy.
King-size · 21 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guests can borrow bikes for free to explore Minerbio village and the surrounding countryside, including cycling routes along the Reno Canal.
Guests are invited to participate in working the hotel's organic vegetable garden on the grounds.
Private ceramics lessons offered by Sara Valentini of Magnolia Ceramics — the Bologna artisan who handcrafted the hotel's tableware. Guests learn to shape and decorate ceramic pieces. Available on request.
At booking, guests are asked which book they'd like to read during their stay. It is placed in the room before arrival. In-room TVs are only provided on request — the hotel actively encourages screen-free time.
Hands-on pasta-making class teaching traditional Emilian 'sfoglia' technique: tagliatelle, stuffed pasta, and lasagna. Rooted in the regional farmhouse tradition of pasta-making passed down through generations.
A 50-metre outdoor pool (described as Olympic-size) surrounded by centuries-old trees, with day-beds, sun-loungers, and hammocks at the water's edge. Open 10am to 7pm.
One-on-one training sessions with a professional trainer, tailored to personal fitness and wellness goals.
Personalized yoga and meditation sessions led by a professional instructor. Designed to greet mornings gradually — often held in the shade of ancient oaks on the property.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Babysitting available on request with minimum 3 days' notice.
Self-serve bar open all day with snacks, tea, and coffee. No extra charge.
Included in all room rates. Traditional Emilian breakfast served until 2pm.
An on-site organic vegetable garden guests can visit and participate in.
Bookable via Marriott Bonvoy through the Design Hotels partnership. Note: some guest reports indicate Bonvoy benefits may not always be fully honoured at this property.
Electric vehicle charging available on-site, subject to availability.
Complimentary on-site parking available for all guests.
Pets allowed for €30/night supplement. Not permitted in the breakfast/living room or pool area, and cannot be left unattended.
50-metre outdoor pool open 10am–7pm, surrounded by centuries-old trees. Day-beds, sun-loungers, and hammocks around the pool deck.
Airport transfer from Bologna airport: €85 each way. Train station transfer: €70 each way. Bookable through the hotel.
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