The Story – from old farmhouse to luxury vacation villa in Piemonte

Believe it or not

– but this is how the property looked in the winter 2006.

The property dates back a couple of hundred years. It was once the home of farmworkers who lived on the first floor, while the farm animals were gathered in the stables below, surrounded by vine terrases and beautiful mountains.

First renovated in 2009 and meticulously maintained ever since, the villa now includes a spacious covered outdoor area, perfect for relaxing and dining.

Owned by Danish lighting designer Cathrine Axel and photographer Erik Bjørn, Villa dell’Orso is part of a larger Italian adventure. The couple, originally from Copenhagen, moved to Italy in 2022 and have since embraced a new way of life.

In addition to Villa dell’Orso, they manage Villa Crotto by Lake Como and recently took on a 620 m² farmhouse renovation project in Tuscany, near Siena, transforming it into a luxury retreat.

Cathrine and Erik’s love for Italy extends back to Copenhagen, where they founded the Nebbiolo Winebar, bringing Italian wines to Danish audiences. Together, they maintain their Italian properties and cherish visits from their four adult children, who still reside in Denmark but eagerly join them in “Sunny Italy.”