Here at Villa Il Palazzo, stories whisper from the stones. This enchanting place stands just outside Torino. It sits gracefully on the hills between Chieri and Castiglione Torinese.
Villa Il Palazzo dates back to the mid-1600s. The Gallinati counts of Parpaglia chose this spot. They wanted a rustic villa with stunning views. From here, you can see Monviso to Monterosa. The land slopes gently due to years of erosion. This erosion exposed tuff rock perfect for foundations.
In the early 1700s, the Saorgio counts took over. Filippo Maria Roffredo di Saorgio commissioned frescoes. These adorn the grand hall and other rooms. Look for the initials CRS and the date 1719. They appear on the trompe-l’oeil fireplaces.
Bonaventura Roffredo di Saorgio was the last of his line. In 1830, he left the property to his niece. She quickly sold it to a magistrate. He was recently made a count by the House of Savoy. For over a century, it was known as Villa Dettati. This was after the count’s last name.
The property passed down through the female line. Adele Soncino sold it to Giuseppe Maccagno in 1945. Maccagno renovated the old stable. He turned it into a model stable with an arched exterior. He added large terraces at the ends of the wings.
Giuseppe Maccagno served as mayor of Sciolze for years. He built an aqueduct on his land. This brought fresh water to Sciolze and Villa Il Palazzo. Before this, they relied on rainwater and a well. Felice Maccagno succeeded Giuseppe. In 1975, the Vai family moved on. They had farmed the vineyards and orchards for years. The vineyards were removed. Some land was sold for new villas. An elderly caretaker looked after the Palazzo.
After fifteen years of neglect, Nanni and Bianca Maria Ciardi bought Villa Il Palazzo. They wanted to create a home for themselves and their children. The place needed extensive renovation. They transformed the property. The building regained its 18th-century character. The farmyard became a flower garden. The stable and barn became spacious areas. The manure pile is now a pond with water lilies and goldfish. Roses climb where ivy once grew.
Today, Villa Il Palazzo is known as “the place of roses.” Over a hundred varieties bloom here. The garden is almost a botanical garden. Each plant is labelled. You can visit by appointment.
Villa Il Palazzo offers panoramic halls. There is a rose-covered terrace. It has a portico and a lawn with views of Monviso. You will see a picturesque pool. The old cellar is perfect for candlelit dancing. The main hall features 18th-century frescoes. The garden blooms in every season. It is an ideal setting for a fairytale wedding. Civil wedding ceremonies can be held here. Villa Il Palazzo hosts receptions, corporate events, and family celebrations. A chapel is available for Mass. Specialized staff can entertain children.
The 17th-century wine cellar has been restored. Here, you can find a delightful enoteca. Enjoy guided wine tastings with sommeliers. Sample Italian wines paired with local cheeses and meats. The Palazzo hosts tours, themed dinners, and meetings with wine producers. Villa Il Palazzo also hosts cultural events. These include exhibits, concerts, fashion shows, and conferences. You can even stay in the “Bridal Chamber” or the “Blue Suite.” Villa Il Palazzo offers a refined “home restaurant.” Here, you can savor exquisite dishes in an exclusive setting.