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Open year-round

“Villa Gessa has been in our family for centuries; every room holds memories, stories, and the essence of our childhood,” says Francesca Garagnani, who manages the 17th-century estate with her husband Ghigo Poccianti. After the passing of her father, Vincenzo, Francesca took on the responsibility of shepherding the villa into its next chapter. Following a meticulous renovation in 2023, this icon of Bolognese architecture has opened its heavy wooden doors as a sprawling, 800-square-meter private sanctuary.

From the main road, a long, tree-lined viale sterrato (dirt road) leads to a gate, through which the villa slowly reveals itself: a blush-pink wonder against a verdant backdrop. Upon stepping inside, Villa Gessa feels less like a hotel and more like a storied noble estate. Francesca and Ghigo, both architects, have curated a space where Neoclassical history sits easily alongside modern life: antique wooden chairs and vintage tennis rackets share the room with luxurious linens and printed rugs. Their architectural curiosity has paid off, most notably during the recent restoration of the Affresco room, where they uncovered original 17th-century paint and hidden fresco fragments preserved beneath the plaster.

Designed for the “joy of creating precious memories with loved ones,” the villa can accommodate up to 16 guests across four floors, featuring eight double bedrooms and an equal number of spacious, elegant baths. Beyond the bedrooms, there are grand communal spaces in the house to congregate. On cooler days, you can gather around one of the two fireplaces (in the kitchen and in the living room), while warmer months are best spent in the lovely garden outside, especially thanks to a massive 152-square-meter swimming pool, which can also host grand private events for up to 200 people.

A day at Villa Gessa begins with a homemade breakfast of eggs, ham, fresh pastries, and seasonal fruits in the dining room. After, for those who want to venture out, Francesca suggests a short drive to the medieval hillside sanctuary of Monteveglio or a sunrise visit to a local dairy to watch master cheesemakers craft Parmigiano Reggiano. (The villa is about 30 minutes from both Bologna and Modena, which means you’re in one of the most gastronomically gifted regions of Italy.) You can spend the afternoon wandering the estate or retreat to the garden, where you might cook in the villa’s fully equipped kitchen with supplies you picked up from the caseificio or head next door to the restaurant Madìa Cucina Natura, in what was once Francesca’s father’s stable. Francesca and Ghigo’s also offer curated services that range from private chef experiences and traditional cooking classes to yoga and wellness treatments. 

“Once the restoration was complete, we fell in love with the house even more,” shares Francesca. “That’s when we thought: why not share our beautiful home with others?” Whether it’s the gentle blossoms in spring, the vibrant cherry season of nearby Vignola in early summer, or the copper-hued truffle hunts of autumn, there’s something to be enamored with in every season. “Opening Villa Gessa allows our guests to experience the magic of this place—almost like stepping into a fairy tale—just as we always have,” Francesca says.  

A few more segreti (secrets) from Francesca: 

Madìa Cucina e Natura – Housed in our father’s restored stable, just a short walk from the Villa, Madìa offers a creative spin on seasonal local ingredients. We love starting with the vitello tonnato or the perfectly cooked 64°C egg, before diving into a plate of burnt-wheat tagliatelle.

Osteria Clo’ Filomena – At this cozy trattoria, the culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna takes center stage. Begin with a traditional spread of crescentine and tigelle—served with a generous array of local cured meats and cheeses—and do not leave without trying the tagliatelle al ragù. 

Corte d’Aibo – A charming organic winery, agriturismo, and restaurant set among vineyards. Go for a leisurely lunch surrounded by the rolling hills, and try the asparagus risotto and pork ribs with seasonal vegetables. You can also stop in for a wine tasting or to buy some of their bio bottles. 

Rosmarino – A local favorite for simple, traditional cuisine. Try the classic tagliatelle al ragù and the tortellini con panna.

Caseificio Valsamoggia – At this caseificio, founded over 50 years ago by Sigfrido Manzini and his wife Luisa Cocchi, you’ll find exceptional Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto, and other regional delicacies to take home.