Cascina Reine (Villa La Meridiana)

In the heart of the wine valley of Piedmont, just above the town of Alba, lies the stately, cream-colored villa belonging to Giuliana, her doctor husband Giuseppe, and sons Andrea and Fabrizio—Cascina Reine’s warm and gracious hosts. Accommodation is offered within the ivy-covered main house, each room finely decorated with antiques, paintings, and the family’s personal collectibles. A suite consisting of a bedroom, sitting room with two extra beds, bath, kitchenette, and large terrace is ideal for a family of four. Other equally charming rooms and apartments (one with facilities for the handicapped) are on the ground and first floors of the adjoining wing, one with its own private terrace. A full breakfast is served either outside under big umbrellas overlooking the vineyards and woods or inside in the pristine dining room with vaulted ceilings. A swimming pool is set in the best possible position taking in views over the city, soft hillsides, river valley, and distant Alps. Alba boasts some of the finest restaurants in Italy and is also famous for its regional wines and prized truffle festival. The Giacosas have a piece of land dedicated to experimentation (with Torino University) of the cultivation of truffles.