Corte Pravecchio

Il dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing — isn't just a phrase here; it's a way of life etched into the fabric at the soon-to-be-opened bijou hotel, Corte Pravecchio. Nestled in the enviable heartlands of Veneto (Provincia di Verona), in the sweet spot Valeggio sul Mincio, Corte Pravecchio prevails over a verdant wonderland of slow-lane agriculture, ancient vineyards, historic charm and proximity to Lake Garda. 

The 18th-century family home anchors a scenic commune of traditional farm buildings and a new hotel-guesthouse sibling constructed from sustainable hemp bricks, which rise from a once ruinous stable, barn and small holding. 

Distilled from nature, Corte Pravecchio successfully chronicles a nod to history in an uncomplicated manner and embraces better-for-the-planet initiatives. Inside, the interior design colludes with minimalist Nordic style, creating a youthful, modern aesthetic that captures its unstaged beauty – a sweet simplicity of aged trees, twisted vines and grasslands.

Infused by love and connection to nature, Corte Pravecchio redefines country living, perhaps nudging its guests to slip into the slow lane, enjoy the morning dew, take a deep breath, listen to the birds at play and walk barefoot through the fields. Immersive escapism come complete with considerate creature comforts and style - a farm hotel of edited design opening in spring 2025.

Asymmetrics, Crawford's Clay Wishbone, Oak to Hemp Bricks

Corte Pravecchio has been created by design studio RURALURBAN, together with the owning duo, Mia and Ivan, who have successfully let the original architecture and surrounding vines lend a seated maturity to their boutique guesthouse-hotel of six suites. Minimalist in Geist, soft blunt lines frame an interior design that mimics the holistic rhythms of nature, a companion to the intricate palettes of wild meadows and in harmony with Veneto's familiar materials. The interior is deliberately smooth, easy, biodynamic and placid, taking its cues from sustainable living.

All new construction took sustainable hemp bricks and the local oak timbers to cocoon the bedrooms and restaurant quarters. Curated furnishings add a Nordic design accent to the hotel, lending a legacy of handcrafted furnishings such as the classics by Carl Hansen & Søn, the CH24 Wishbone Chair by Isle Crawford special editions in Soft Clay, the iconic MG501 Cuba Chair designed by Morten Gøttler in 1997, and several asymmetric Sideways Sofas designed originally by Rikke Frost. Further subtle touches include creafted rugs by Muuto, the little Granny candleholder by Northern designed by Rudi Wulff and several playfully eccentric Vuelta Portable lamps by Ferm pepper the scene and amplify the ambience of unhurried. Suites range from 40 to 60 square metres, designed as intimate retreats with private terraces connected to the familiar terrain of nature. 

Kitchen Table Defined

Keeping on narrative, Mia and Ivan have devised a foodie concept that borrows from the farmland heritage, the regional traditions of Verona and the fraternity of organic growers and biodynamic producers. Serving up the bounty of the farm, fresh food reigns, and humble plates are elevated into journeys of taste. Again, the Corte Pravecchio touch remains simple, meaningful and connected. 

Inspired by the desire to reconnect with nature, founders Mia and Ivan envisioned a sanctuary, embracing holistic wellness where thoughtful design meets authentic hospitality. Their collaboration has resulted in a space that balances creativity and practicality, offering an experience unlike any other.

Things Turned Out Rather Differently

The kinsfolk couple behind Corte Pravecchio and the concept of a modern agriturismo hotel is Mia and Ivan. After returning home from her social-minded endeavours and charity missions in Peru, Mia entered the world of hospitality as she explains, "My maternal grandparents have worked in the restaurant industry all their lives, and my uncle is a renowned chef" so not a total surprise; but what I did not realise at the time, this would be a life-changing decision." Mia went on to take over the family farm from her father. The farm had been in the family for generations, which all began with her grandfather, who, although he had grown up in Bolzano, his mother was from Valeggio sul Mincio, hence the family farm was located here. 

During the pandemic, a spark was ignited: "Why not create something of your own? We already have a beautiful place! So we began to realise our dream of a small, fine farm hotel. Ivan comes from Überetsch, more precisely from Eppan. We complement each other really well. His practical way of thinking and my passion for creative ideas fit together wonderfully. Ivan previously worked as a project manager in an electrical company, and his experience in organising and implementing projects is invaluable to our project. My parents actively support us but prefer to stay in the background. Except when it comes to the Tavolata, they like to swing the wooden spoon themselves and then sit down with the guests to chat a bit, or, when it comes to wine, my father Andrea really thrives. We also have a small but nice wine cellar and produce our own wine. So together, we made our dream come true, and now we can hardly wait to open our doors in March and finally share our beautiful place with our guests."

Ducks, Chickens & Firepit Chats

At Corte Pravecchio, nature is just outside your door: trees, bushes and blooming meadows. Discover two natural lakes, a pool, clucking chickens, happy-go-lucky wild ducks, and the odd donkey. Cycle to the enchanting mill village of Borghetto or wander through the picturesque Parco della Sigurtà park in Valeggio. Discover the historic charm of Verona and Mantova or perhaps visit the serene shores of Lake Garda. Peschiera is just a 10-minute drive from Corte Pravecchio, and Sirmione and Lazise is only 20 minutes away. Nearby, you'll also find exquisite wineries, bustling local markets, and charming trattorias for a relaxed and delightful dining experience.

Snuggle up around the fire pit or take a seat at the communal dining table with a bottle from the in-house wine cellars. Corte Pravecchio and the hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio are courtship, a small but essential step emphasising holistic wellness and planetary betterment. The farm hotel forges a simple way of life that honours sustainable, culture-rich lives close to nature - it's la fuga nel verde – the escape into the green, with style.