Serafina Houses: Rustic Holiday Homes by Two Landscape Artists in Piemonte, Italy.

In the idyllic surrounds of Italy’s Piemonte region at the foothills of Dogliani, landscape artists Yvonne and Jorg Amann preside over four picturesque holiday homes, collectively referred to as Serafina Houses. Combining historical elements, modern amenities and sheltered privacy, the cosy homes offer an authentic experience of living in the Italian countryside while delivering on rustic and minimal design.

Named Bocciarda, Castello, Capra and Ciabot respectively, each house is unique and varied slightly in location, some buried amongst the vineyards, others tucked in the stone alleyways of the town. The Amann’s worked closely with local craftsmen on renovating each property, maintaining a natural aesthetic across the board.

Detail-oriented, the houses feature unique and original materials that form significant decorative and graphic elements, such as wall-hanging sculptures made of old timber shutters and twisted coils of rope. Textured plaster walls contrast floors of various finishes and materials including terracotta tiles, terrazzo, and polished concrete.

Related: Clio De Maria’s Interior Design Atelier Near Lake Maggiore.

Concrete, timber, iron and glass comprise the overarching material palette of each house, yet are executed with individual character across each room. The interiors have a minimal and contemporary spirit, free from excess, with furnishing that draws upon the muted tones of Nordic design enlivened by the occasional classic Italian piece.

Styling by Clio De Maria of Lacomune encapsulates an eclectic Italian charm. Vintage toys, sculptural ceramics and old timber pieces contrast items of contemporary furniture. The combination is representative of the Serafina houses, each with traditional bones and modern comforts. Each space is geared toward personalized, tailored comfort, whether guests arrive alone, as couples, or even with pets.

The Amann’s also run a cultural association called Quota, which heavily integrates with the Serafina Houses experience. The aim is to bring creative people together in experiencing life in the countryside, at the same time forging connections and reviving the landscape’s cultural heritage. Cultivating the Dogliani region’s steep slopes is an in-profitable task, and as a result, much of the land lies neglected. The rental income received from Serafina Houses goes toward bringing cultivation projects to life.

[Images courtesy of Lacomune. Photography by Riccardo Masoni.]