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Amazing Villa in Piedmont, Italy, Views, Wine Country, Pool, Mountains, WiFi

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Outdoor dining
Interior
Property grounds
Outdoor pool
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

7 bedrooms8 bathroomsSleeps 16512 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Breakfast available
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Bonvicino, CN
  • Strada Romantica delle Langhe e il Roero
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Langhe Safari Park
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Fontanafredda
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Cuneo (CUF-Levaldigi)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Amazing Villa in Piedmont, Italy, Views, Wine Country, Pool, Mountains, WiFi

One hour from Torino, escape into the bucolic hills of Piedmont. This beautiful 17th Century stone villa sits on 5.6 hectares (fourteen acres) at an altitude of 600 meters (2000 feet) near the small village of Bonvicino and four miles from Dogliani, in the heart of Piedmont, Italy.

Villa San Lorenzo di Bonvicino provides a perfect base for exploring the Piemonte region. Enjoy walking through Italian hill towns and vineyards, visit the well-known towns of Monforte D’Alba and Barolo (nine and 12 miles away). Sit on the balcony, sipping your morning coffee or enjoying a glass of wine at sunset while gazing out at the rugged and lush green mountain landscape. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of the Alps.

I purchased and renovated Villa San Lorenzo because I wanted to provide a beautiful oasis for vacationers seeking delicious food and wine, lovely hikes, untouristed villages and enjoy a slower pace. The villa’s renovation was completed between 2008 and 2013, including new bathrooms, gourmet chef’s kitche, beds, linens, antique furnishings, British satellite TV, high-speed internet, plumbing, electrical. Modern conveniences are combined with the antiquity of this centuries old farmhouse. Furnishings combine comfort in keeping with the style of the region and preservation of the house. There are seven bedrooms with air conditioning (Six rooms with King Size Beds, 1 room with the choice of 2 single beds or one King bed). Seven modern bathrooms with bath/shower, one bathroom with large glass shower, and one WC off of the chef’s kitchen.

The villa includes a large chef’s kitchen with 6 gas burner stove, as well as a smaller fully equipped kitchen, two living spaces and one large dining/living space with floor to ceiling windows. The property offers privacy, spectacular views in a beautiful peaceful setting. Perfect for a family or a group of friends.

I love to bake bread and pizza so we added a wood-fired traditional brick oven for pizza and bread in 2007. Swim in the 11 meter swimming pool with a view of Murazzano. Dine at the stone table overlooking the hills of the Alta Langa. Enjoy cooking in the gorgeous chef’s kitchen, dining al fresco, or choose from one of the region's many delicious restaurants. Local cuisine offers fresh regional dishes based on seasonal ingredients.

The property is completely private, nestled in the Alta Langa hills. Just minutes from town (cafes, restaurants, shopping, cinema), you will feel peacefully secluded on this spacious property. Pick fresh figs, apples, cherries, and blackberries just outside your front door.

Walk directly from the house to view hawks, warblers, finches, sparrows, rabbits, deer, fox, coyotes, or drive to one of the many walks nearby. Local wineries abound, featuring the internationally acclaimed Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

The nearby town of Alba is known as the home of the famous white truffle. Bra prides itself on being the heart of the Slow Food movement. Nearby Cherasco is known for its famous chocolate, as well as offering a cultural museum and film retrospectives. Horseback riding and swimming are just minutes away. Dogliani offers a choice of cafes where you can sample homemade gelati, enjoy a cappuccino or stay for lunch or dinner.

Visit the farmer’s market in a different local town each day of the week. Take a walk or drive to Bossolasco to sample their famous chocolates (including a variety of hot chocolate beverages) and views stretching over the entire region.You may want to take a trip to the Italian Riviera near Savona on the Ligurian Coast or to the Alps for skiing or hiking, both about an hour's drive away. Cinque Terre, Nice, and Milan are approximately two hours away.All linens provided. Daily or weekly cleaning available at additional cost.

Please email us at clay@29vsl.com in order to check availability and plan your visit to this stunningly beautiful part of Italy and share in La Dolce Vita!
During your stay at this villa, you'll be close to Langhe Safari Park. Features include an outdoor pool, a water park and breakfast (surcharge). The villa offers a private pool and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned villa with private pool, kitchen and washing machine
  • Breakfast is offered for a fee
  • Splash around at the water park or swim in the outdoor pool
  • Services include a concierge and limo or town car service
  • On-site recreation includes tennis courts
  • 7 minutes by car from Bossolasco Parish Cathedral and 8 minutes from Palace of Balestrino
Amazing Villa in Piedmont, Italy, Views, Wine Country, Pool, Mountains, WiFi offers its guests a water park and an outdoor pool. The family-friendly Amazing Villa in Piedmont, Italy, Views, Wine Country, Pool, Mountains, WiFi also features barbecue grills, a garden, and concierge services.

This Bonvicino villa is smoke free.

Property manager

Clay McLachlan

Languages

Croatian, Danish, English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Romanian, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limo/town car service
  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 7 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 8 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking is never allowed in or on the property.

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Snow sports gear
  • Tennis
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 5,511 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: Pets are not allowed on the property.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: NO fence around the pool.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Please contact us to discuss all party planning!
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property Registration Number IT004023C2URFM5HTM, 00402300005

We should mention

  • All guests (including children) need to be present at check-in to show their government-issued photo ID or passport.
  • On-site cash transactions can't exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations. For more details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Piedmont Barolo 17th C. Pool Wifi Cooking Classes Wine Tours
Piedmont Barolo 17th C. Pool Wifi Cooking Classes Wine Tours

Amazing Villa in Piedmont, Italy, Views, Wine Country, Pool, Mountains, WiFi Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 135 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 135 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 135 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 135 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 135 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Timothy N., Portland, Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness
Wow (Again)!!!
This was the second time I stayed at Villa San Lorenzo (the first time was in 2012). While I LOVED it the first time, Clay has done some renovations on the whole property, inside and out of the villa structure, including adding 3-ish stunning acres of Nebbiolo vines, and one of my friends said, "Every inch of this place is so well-thought out and perfect!" That kind of sums it up, but I must add that there is a fine line between "luxurious" and "precious," and VSL hits the mark with every detail, and at every turn! As before (I have also stayed at his other property near VSL, Villa Bracchi), Clay was there for us leading up to our stay, with restaurant/winery/activity suggestions and reservations, and he even set up an incredible welcome dinner for us at the villa (which is THE way to go when you've flown and driven for close to 24 hours to begin your vacation!), prepared and served by Rosaria and Angela. For any group that loves to cook, the kitchen is a dream, and you will want for nothing, in terms of kitchen equipment!! That includes prep, cooking and serving. For wine lovers, you may marvel like we did at the ridiculous number and variety of fine wine glasses!! The bedrooms and bathrooms are all well-appointed, so clean, and as comfortable as your own...my favorite way to start my every morning was to throw open the French doors in our bedroom to the sprawling balcony looking across to the hills with a warm cup of coffee!! I'm out of space! Just do it!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas P., New York

Liked: Cleanliness
A Little Slice of Piedmont Paradise
I am a repeat customer for Villa San Lorenzo, having experienced the magic of this place on a few other occasions over the years. The house itself is at once luxurious and rustic, with comfortable beds, beautiful bathrooms, a real "gourmet" kitchen, and of course the amazing pool area overlooking a stunning valley in the hills above Barolo. Our hosts, Clay and Erica, couldn't have been more helpful whether it is restaurant recommendations, wineries to visit, cooking classes, truffle hunting (in season), etc. And while there may be less expensive houses in the area, this house is totally worth it as it comes with a real "curated" and "insider" experience that makes it all extra memorable. We enjoyed cooking in a couple days, as nearby Dogliani has great stores for everything from pasta, meat, veggies, bread, etc, plus a farmer's market too. And of course, the Langhe has become a treasure trove of top restaurants, from delicious, casual Trattorias to refined and elevated white tablecloth types of places. Can't wait for my next stay at Villa San Lorenzo! And... spoiler alert. Can't wait to taste Clay and Erica's own Nebbiolo wine from the vineyard on the property (released soon!).
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eileen A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Week at Villa San Lorenzo
Thank you to Clay and Erika for an amazing experience at Villa San Lorenzo. My husband and I invited 14 friends and family to join us on our 30 year wedding anniversary celebration. Clay was our initial contact prior to us arriving and helped organize dinners onsite and off property as well as amazing winery visits. Every suggestion was perfect. Erika was our contact while at the villa. She made sure we had all we needed during our stay. She gave us suggestions on the area and checked in on us daily. Our entire group is already looking forward to going back! The property is spectacular! Every one of our guest had an incredible room and could not stop talking about how beautiful the grounds where. No one wanted to leave. Clay and Erika helped us plan a trip of a lifetime! We will be forever grateful. Till next time!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christoph S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing birthday
While quite remote on adventurous streets, this property is a piece of heaven in the Langhe. A great place to stay with friends - so comfortable you wouldn't even venture out. The pool is great and there's plenty of space. Just beware there is no aircon if it's very hot outside - but it cools down pleasantly over night
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Villa San Lorenzo
We stayed the second time at San Lorenzo. The surroundings are picturesque. From the terrace and pool area you have a spectacular view to the mountains and hills around - it‘s breathtaking. Imagine a beautiful summer evening with a sunset, light summer breeze, a homemade pizza from the pizza oven and a glass of wine in your hand. It‘s exactly that - pure bliss! The villa is VERY spacious. The professional kitchen is equipped with everything you need. We cooked and prepared every meal ourselves and therefore used it a lot. The fact that it has enough space for several people to prepare, cook, and do the dishes at the same time is amazing - it gives you a real „Italian Family Home“ feel. Every guest room looks different and has its own charm. It would be hard to decide which one I like the most. They are all decorated so beautifully and you immediately feel at home. You also have everything you need like shampoo, shower gel, soap, hair dryer, towels etc. The dining area and lounge area is massive! We were a large group of friends and we always had a place to seclude ourselves if we wanted to (inside and outside) There are also a great selection of games and books available. Clay is amazing! He is not only extremely responsive (over whatsapp) but super attentive to detail. He wants to offer his guests the best experience ever and he absolutely lives up to his standards!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Loretta C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A fantastic home in a peaceful setting with great hosts
The property is beautiful and comfortable, with a true chefs kitchen and outdoor pizza oven. The decor is top notch. The garden with beautiful roses and other flowering plants, the spacious pool and deck, and the baths including soaking tubs, are all icing on the cake. Highly recommend this home.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hanna A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Breathtaking Villa in the Center of Wine Country
My husband and I rented the villa for a weeklong stay to celebrate a milestone Birthday with friends. The villa is truly breathtaking which ample space, large bedrooms and attached bathrooms for each room. The kitchen is a cooks dream and the outdoor space was superb with plenty of room for lawn games, reading, pool lounging and outdoor dining. The region is spectacular and the villa is situated close to numerous adorable towns. Clay and his team were exceptional and made our stay both memorable and stress free. I cannot wait to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny S.

Liked: Cleanliness
My third visit to Villa Lorenzo - Better than ever
Not only is this located in one of the most beautiful and charming places in the world, Villa San Lorenzo is a destination in itself. I love it so much that I have brought 3 different groups of friends here to enjoy the local wine and gastronomy as well as the paradise that is this home. It's hard to believe that the pictures do not do this place justice. Each room is a suite - making a week here a bargain! The kitchen is perfection and so well stocked for groups who are all about cooking, eating and drinking. The pool is epic. Waking up the the birds chirping every morning and no other sounds is magical. It feels remote, but is so easy to get everywhere from this location. Close to Barolo, but also so convenient for discovering the Alta Langa. I can't recommend it enough!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Felicity S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding
Lovely location, lovely property and beautifully presented. The owners Clay and Erica could not have been more friendly and helpful. Very much hope to come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bob F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Times at Villa San Lorenzo!
Our group of 14 had such a wonderful time that I can't add anything that hasn't been said before. In Villa San Lorenzo, our host Clay McLachlan has shared his passion for this stunning corner of the world, his love for its wines, food and people, and his joy in sharing that with his guests. One brief anecdote exemplifies this. He had made dinner reservations for our group at a local Michelin Guide restaurant called Guido. The reservations were inexplicably messed up by the restaurant., which declared upon our arrival that there was no record of our booking (despite having reconfirmed just the day before). Though we were in the middle of nowhere late at night with no viable dining alternatives, complete disaster was averted because the restaurant fortunately happened to be affiliated with an osteria nearby which was able to accommodate us. Clay was so mortified about this that he drove a half-hour to the osteria, checked on our well-being, apologized for the mix-up and stated that he had comped our dinner. (We were so appreciative of his generous gesture that we declined.)
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Emma S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Property in Stunning Location
Another wonderful stay in the property with very good support from Clay and the team. I am very happy that we are able to run our events in this beautiful space.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Emma S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect serenity nestled in backdrop of stunning Italian nature
Villa San Lorenzo is a beautiful space with a thoughtful design and attention to detail ensuring a comfortable stay for anyone visiting. Clay and Erika have been excellent in terms of supporting us before and during our stay. Thank you very much Clay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
A week at the top of the world.
We were lucky enough to spend a week at Villa San Lorenza. Clay was a thorough and attentive host. He made our every wish come true. From chef dinners, to a winery visit, and truffle hunting outing. As well as a pizza night that Clay and Erica prepared, Which was our favorite of all our dinners. The villa is beautiful and accommodated 6 couples perfectly. This was the fourth trip to a villa overseas for our traveling group and in many ways I enjoyed it the most. Nine of us in our group rode bikes and Clay set up a connection to obtain and deliver the bikes directly to the villa. We all had a wonderful time and we made a new friend. Thank you Clay!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing villa
We had a fantastic stay here. The house is beautiful and Clay went out of his way to accommodate us (we were a big group with 2 young children). He organized an amazing lunch and wine tour. And also suggested an incredible restaurant for our last night The house was even more beautiful in person. Thanks for a.beautiful visit to an extraordinaary region.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
A hidden treasure
We spent 4 weeks in July in Villa San Lorenzo with our family and friends and we were all very happy there. The villa is very private, surrounded by woods and a vineyard, no immediate neighbours. The only noise you can hear are the sounds of nature and the bells of small churches in and around Bonvicino. The views are amazing, including towers of Murazzano, high mountains far away and starry skies above at night. Despite its quiet surroundings, the villa is actually only a short drive away from the pearls of Langhe area - Barolo vineyards, Monforte d’Alba, Sierralunga d’Alba, La Morra, Bra, Alba etc. The villa itself is rustic and modern at the same time. It is an old farmhouse, sensitively renovated to maintain the rustic character and to meet the expectations of guests who are used to modern facilities. The rooms are furnished and decorated with great sense of style. Especially noteworthy are the huge and comfy lounge on the upper floor of the main building and the baths in the bedrooms! The kitchen meets all the needs you have when cooking to a crowd of 16 people - there is enough room, the stove is huge and all the facilities you might need for cooking are there. The pizza oven is a bonus - we tried it out and had the best pizza ever! The pool outside is wonderful, big and deep enough to enjoy, cleaned regularly. The garden offers fresh herbs for cooking and a beautiful sight. The hosts, Clay and Erica are just amazing - helpful, attentive and ready to offer solutions to any practical issues. Clay’s pizza-making skills guarantee an exceptional experience! Also, his knowledge of local food, wines and sights is extremely helpful. We would highly recommend the property to those who appreciate privacy and enjoy being in the middle of nature. The large property gives a perfect possibility to stay with a large family or a group of friends.

10/10 Excellent

Jessica Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise in the Italian Countryside
This is a lovely property. It is even more beautiful than the website pictures. The owner arranged for everything, including a pizza feast, wine storytelling and wine tasting. The cook's kitchen had everything you could ever need. We had a quiet and relaxing stay. There was something for everyone here - our kids loved the pool and looking for lizards and trying out all the local gelati places. The grown ups loved the wine and food, and the picturesque setting to imbibe. I would recommend all of the activities suggested by the owner. I hope to return someday soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Julie Z., Montreal

Liked: Cleanliness
Little paradise just outside Dogliani
Clay’s property is perfect for large groups. We were 5 couples of friends coming to Piedmont’s to eat and drink good wine and we were not disappointed. We also had our bicycles and we got our good shares of hills, the location of the house is perfect to leave on day trips and tour around Barolo’s many villages. Clay was very helpful if we had any questions or needed any recommandations. I can say without a doubt that we will be back to Clay’s house in the future. Thank you Clay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic hosts, stunning property (even better than the photos).
Our hosts could not have been more accommodating, after a very delayed flight travelling with small children we’d missed our restaurant reservation. Clay and Erica could not have been more amazing. They went into the town, brought back food and cooked for us!!! Unreal! The property is heavenly, perched on a hilltop overlooking a hill town in Piedmont. The accommodation is stylish, sumptuous - faultless!

8/10 Good

Helen S.

Beautiful and comfortable
The villa is beautiful and comfortable. We were there in Nov, but I imagine it would be even better at times when you can use the outdoors. The bedrooms are separated in different areas making it ideal for several families. Kitchen is equipped for cooking classes, and has everything a chef could ask for. Beds are comfortable with high end sheets. Wifi is better than most. Owner is extremely helpful and responsive. He organized a fun truffle hunt for us, and gave multiple recommendations that enhanced out overall stay immensely. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

nabeel A.

Absolutely wonderful
The property is first class. Beautiful rooms and facilities especially the kitchen. Clay the owner was extrmely helpful and recommended things to see and do which we would have never been able to do without his expert local knowledge. His recomendations for wine tasting and restaurants was always spot on. He is well known locally and so we had a genuinely warm reception everywhere. The truffle hunt was great fun and we found two truffles which we enjoyed with our dinner.If you are booking San Lorenzo take advantage of his local knowlede in all things related to wine and food. You wont go wrong. I would highly recommend this place. No caveats.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Scott P.

We were dazzled to say the least.....
Our experience at Villa San Lorenzo di Bonvicino was extraordinary in different ways, the aggragate of which I rate as the best villa rental experiences I’ve had in 15 trips to Italy spanning 28 years. As the organizer for the gathering of 4 couples for a one week and our first stay in the Piedmonte region, my goals were to achieve the following: 1) Become intimate with the food & wine of the region; 2) Gain insight to the region’s history; 3) Understand why the Borolo wine & region is so special; 4) Find a villa that was comfortably spacious with excellent cooking facilities and 5) Arrange for 2 cooking lessons focused on preparing dishes special to the Piedmonte Region that would provide “takeaways” to add to dishes I like to prepare at home. Each of the 5 Stars awarded with this review is well deserved for exceeding expectations in each of the five goals outlined above. All of this would not have been possible without the welcome and active engagement of our host Clay McLachlan. Simply put, Clay is magnificently plugged into the Piedemont community! His referrals to restaurants and wine merchants, etc. were spot on. I’d asked Clay if he could locate a “Storyteller” who would come in one evening for a maximum one hour presentation that would be reflective of the region. He responded amazingly with Sandro M. who provided a wonderful perspective of the history and nature of the Piedmont region as we sat around an open fire at sunset while sampling different wines and cheese. Goals 1, 2 & 3 were superbly accomplished when melding Sandro’s presentation with the knowledge and insight we gained while visiting various towns and vineyards of the region. Truly one of the highlights of our stay. The two cooking lesson experiences were special in their own way. Night #1 featured 3 fresh pasta dishes from scratch i.e. Ravioli, Tajarin and Gnochi. The session was interspersed with tastes of different wines coupled with local salami & cheeses. Most importantly night #1 provided two of the couples, who had not been to Italy, excellent “takeaways” to bring home to their family and friends. Night #2 featured Chef Marco (from Osteria Battaglino in Dogliani) showed us how to prepare amazing stuffed roasted onions (fortina cheese, sausage onion & herbs), slow roasted veal with herb & handmade mayonnaise dipping sauce, Uovo In Sfoglia (egg, pastry, fonduta cheese) and roasted rabbit on spit (prepared in kitchen’s stunning wood oven). Continued....
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

William B.

Beautiful Villa in a Perfect Location!
This villa is perfectly located near Dogliani and all the wine region has to offer. The chefs kitchen is incredible and certainly offers enough space and equipment to prepare a feast. The bedrooms are nicely furnished and offer privacy yet an intimate feel. The pool is nice and offers an outstanding view of the Piedmont region.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ole S.

Fantastic
We were a group of 15 people staying the house and enjoyed every moment of it. We started by have Clay and his friends to cook for us - great introduction to Piemonte food and wine. The rooms are excellent and all could be together and have some privacy. The kitchen is the best ever - just what we people who likes cooking dreaming of. The house is located relatively remotely but very beautifully. Clay and his friends were very friendly and helpful which made our trip even better. We are all dreaming about doing it again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Seth M.

Stunning Piemonte Villa Overlooking the Langhe
Our group of 11 people throughly enjoyed Clay's 17th century villa outside of Bonvicino. The villa is very comfortable, blending the old world charm with modern conveniences. The rooms were spacious and the bathrooms up to date, providing you with what you need while you are there. The large chefs kitchen and dinning area was perfect for a big group, everyone had plenty of space and you never felt cramped. The views from the rooms and from the patio were stunning and provided a great escape to enjoy a glass of wine and some antipasti. Clay was a wonderful host, truly made our vacation memorable. We would definitely recommend this place to any group and hope to come back again soon! Seth
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Lesley J.

Paradise: Great food, wine, views, people
The villa, the pool, the surrounding countryside really are as gorgeous as they appear in the photos—no filters needed! We were a group of 12 who were perfectly comfortable during our week at San Lorenzo, which can easily accommodate seven couples who want their own private bathrooms (two are across the hall from the bedrooms; the others are en suite). We made good use of the incredible kitchen since our routine was to be out and about in this amazing part of the world during the day, then reconvene in the evening to cook up the delicious ingredients we’d found—not to mention drink the fantastic wine. Clay was invaluable in making this happen: from the spread of gourmet groceries that awaited us on our arrival to the spot-on recommendations for places to have lunch. We were also incredibly glad we scheduled a full-day tour with Clay, who took us to two of the finest wineries in the region (which is saying something!) and arranged for lunch at a place with outstanding food, wine, and views. This was all thanks to his close relationships with the wine-makers and restaurateurs in the area. It was great to come “home” at the end of the day to a place removed from all the bustle of a tourist-filled town, where all you hear is the sound of the church bells from across the valley and the bees buzzing in the lavender. But we were still close to all the places we wanted to visit: La Morra, Barbaresco, Bra, Alba, etc. The relatively nearby town of Dogliani had plenty of places to stock up on basic groceries and other needs. Some of our group took a day trip to Torino; others went hiking in the Alps or visited the Ligurian seaside. It was warmer than usual during our July stay, so we picked up some fans to keep us cool at night (and some bug spray to keep away the critters)—but it was more than pleasant beneath the shade of the trellis or swimming in the fabulous pool. Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay longer!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017