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Erika Genesio Restores 18th-Century Piedmontese Farmhouse into Six-Suite Relais

architecture-design · 2026-07-13

So, there’s this architect named Erika Genesio who has transformed an 18th-century noble farmhouse called Vigne del Fagnano 1709 in Santo Stefano Belbo into a cozy six-suite country relais. It’s located in the beautiful Langhe hills, which UNESCO recognizes, right between Asti and Cuneo. This area is famous thanks to writers like Cesare Pavese and Beppe Fenoglio. The Anfossi family, who’ve been around since the 1100s, used to own the place. The renovation includes six distinct suites, shared lounges, and old farm buildings with exposed brick and timber beams. There’s even a historic maritime pine in the courtyard, along with a garden, a pool made of local stone, and a gym, all while preserving the homey feel of the estate.

Key facts

  • Erika Genesio restored Vigne del Fagnano 1709, an 18th-century noble farmhouse in Santo Stefano Belbo, into a six-suite relais.
  • The property is in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills between Asti and Cuneo.
  • The Anfossi family has owned the land since the 1100s.
  • The restoration includes six suites, lounges, and former warehouses with exposed brick and timber beams.
  • A centuries-old maritime pine anchors the courtyard with a Langa stone pool, vegetable garden, and vine pergola.
  • Frescoes were restored by Decorazioni Artistiche Sara&Vale under Roà Sara.
  • Lighting design by Elisabetta Paiano of BULBUS Studio; calligraphy by Massimo Polello.
  • The project balances preservation with hospitality, avoiding museum-like stasis or erasure of history.

Entities

Artists

  • Erika Genesio
  • Cesare Pavese
  • Beppe Fenoglio
  • Roà Sara
  • Elisabetta Paiano
  • Massimo Polello

Institutions

  • Vigne del Fagnano 1709
  • Decorazioni Artistiche Sara&Vale
  • BULBUS Studio
  • UNESCO

Locations

  • Santo Stefano Belbo
  • Italy
  • Langhe
  • Asti
  • Cuneo
  • Canelli
  • Piedmont
  • Via Fontanette 33, 12058 Santo Stefano Belbo (CN), Italy

Sources