EV ICON ITALY 2
There are places that are unforgettable because they combine history, landscape and everyday beauty in a single glance. Villa Boemia, nestled in the hills of Monferrato, is one such place: a residence that speaks to time, capable of preserving the elegance of its origins and the lightness of contemporary living.
A charming heritage in the heart of Piedmont
Built in the early 20th century and carefully renovated in 2017, Villa Boemia stands on a hill surrounded by vineyards that change colour with the seasons: the rich green of summer, the golden tones of autumn, the silver of winter when fog envelops the valleys.
Once owned by footballer and coach Nils Liedholm, the villa retains the charm of residences of yesteryear. Here, among brick vaults and historic façades, Liedholm produced his wine, a symbol of the deep connection between sport, nature and tradition.
Arrival in the hills: the setting that takes you by the hand
Ginevra and I arrive in the early afternoon, when the light gilds the rows of vines and the stone walls warm the air. The roads flow smoothly: wide bends, distant bell towers, the slow rhythm of tractors between Lu and Cuccaro Monferrato. The villages appear discreetly, the signs of the wineries marking the natural stages of the journey. To the south, the outline of Asti; further on, the roads to Alba, Barbaresco and Barolo. It is a landscape that is not just a backdrop: it accompanies you, guides you, asks you only to slow down.
Interiors that convey balance and modernity
The villa is spread over three floors, connected by an internal staircase and a lift. The spacious and bright living areas welcome guests into a simple yet refined atmosphere.
The living area, with its large windows, opens onto a shaded terrace where al fresco dining becomes a summer ritual, accompanied by the scent of lime trees and the distant song of cicadas.
The five bedrooms and seven bathrooms combine elegance and modern comfort. The residence is completed by a fitness room with sauna and a games room with a brick vaulted ceiling reminiscent of ancient Piedmontese cellars. We find Cristina already at the villa: she greets us with the attention of someone who knows the house room by room and the territory vine by vine. We are all gathering here, ready for the final stages of EV Icon Italy’s year.
A garden designed by light
The garden, measuring approximately 4,000 square metres, surrounds the villa like an embrace. From the main terrace, the view descends along the stone steps to the lower level, where the lawn opens up to reveal the panoramic saltwater swimming pool.
Rectangular in shape, it is set in greenery and invites you to experience the landscape in an authentic way. In summer, the sun reflects on the water and Monferrato becomes a golden expanse; in autumn, the air smells of harvest and the light becomes softer.
Wine tasting at sunset: a conversation in a glass
The sun slowly sinks behind the hill and the light stretches across the rows of vines, golden and light. Cristina waits for us outside: the stone table is set under the pergola, the glasses arranged like promises. Shortly afterwards, the oenologist arrives, with the calm air of someone who knows every vine by name. He pours the first wine and smiles: “Listen to it, even before you taste it”.
Before us, the countryside is a continuous breath. In the glass, the ruby reflects the last rays of sunlight; on the nose, cherry, a hint of spice, a trace of wood. We drink in silence, letting the aromas speak for themselves. Cristina, Ginevra and I look at each other knowingly: this is the moment when wine ceases to be a product and becomes a story.
Then we walk down among the rows of vines. We walk slowly while the oenologist talks about the harvest, the expectations and the subtle balance between sun and rain that determines the fate of each vintage. The air is full of scents: ripe grapes, cut grass, damp wood. I think about the process that transforms grapes into liquid memory. There is no rush: just the natural rhythm of the countryside and the pleasure of sharing something real, here, in the heart of Monferrato.
Monferrato: wine, culture and silence to listen to
Asti is just over half an hour’s drive from the villa, while Alba, Barbaresco and Barolo can be reached by winding roads that snake through vineyards and medieval villages. But it is by straying from the beaten track that Monferrato reveals its true character.
In the surroundings of Camagna, Moleto and Fubine, time passes more slowly: the days begin with the sharp sound of pruning and end with the smell of must rising from the cellars. In Cella Monte, among the stone houses, the silence is broken by the tolling of bells or the voices of those preparing their stalls for the weekly market.
There are taverns with three tables and checked tablecloths where you can taste agnolotti al plin and young Barbera wine poured on the spot; shops selling roasted hazelnuts, preserves and mountain cheeses wrapped in brown paper. It is a land that is experienced more with the senses than with itineraries: in summer it smells of hay and peaches, in autumn of truffles and burning wood.
And when the fog envelops the vineyards and the sounds fade away, everything becomes intimate, almost suspended. At that moment, Monferrato reveals its most authentic nature: a place to listen to, rather than visit, where every bend in the road holds a story and every glass of wine a face.
Villa Boemia and the essence of EV Icon Italy
Each EV Icon Italy villa showcases a facet of Italian excellence. Villa Boemia represents one of the most authentic: a balance between memory and innovation, nature and comfort. It is not just a country house with a swimming pool and views of the vineyards: it is a place where time slows down and every detail — a half-open window, a glass of wine, the light of sunset — becomes part of the experience.
👉 Discover Villa Boemia and the Emma Villas experiences dedicated to Monferrato.
Contact our Villas Specialists at [email protected] or the Experiences team at [email protected].
