How a shared love for Piemonte became The Rallento Collection, introducing the first four homes we're so excited about.
Why we Started Rallento
Living in Piemonte, we've fallen in love with more than just the beautiful landscapes, incredible wines and long lunches. It's the people, their stories and the little places you discover along the way that make living here so special.
But as more visitors discover Piemonte, we've noticed a few things. Some of the loveliest local businesses are surprisingly difficult to find, while more commercial experiences are becoming increasingly visible. And beautiful old houses are sometimes turned into holiday rentals that have lost much of the personality that made them special in the first place.
The four of us (Ilse, Martijn, Jennifer & Boy) came to Piemonte with different backgrounds, interests and talents, so naturally, we each noticed different things. Between us, we bring experience in hospitality, property management, interior design and renovation, along with our own local connections and favourite places.
What brings us together is our love for this region and the feeling that, by combining what we know and what we each do best, we could create something we'd genuinely love to share with others.
And that's how the idea for Rallento began.
Good Places Good People
We know winemakers who make wonderful wines but barely have a website, organic farmers who are more interested in their produce than Instagram, and little restaurants that you'll probably only find because someone told you about them.
They're often the places we'd recommend to friends visiting Piemonte. Not because they're secret or particularly fancy, but because there's a real person and a story behind them.
We wanted to make these connections easier, helping visitors discover the region through the people who know it best, while giving small local businesses the opportunity to welcome guests without having to become marketing experts.
And perhaps save you a few evenings of searching online in the process.
“The best experiences in Piemonte are not hidden. They are just not always to be find online.”
Homes With a Little More Personality
The houses were just as important to us.
With our backgrounds in hospitality, property management, interior design and renovation, we have a soft spot for places that feel like a home, with original details and interiors that feel collected over time.
We love homes where the furniture has been chosen because someone actually likes it, not simply because it can survive a thousand holidaymakers. Places with personality, comfortable spaces and the feeling that you're staying in a much loved home.
We also met homeowners who wanted to welcome guests but weren't particularly interested in putting their property in front of the largest possible audience. They wanted people who would appreciate the home and its details, and treat it with care.
So we brought together a small collection of private holiday homes, each personally selected and presented with the attention it deserves. Add our local knowledge, the people we've come to know and a little local support organising your stay, and you have The Rallento Collection.
When a Holiday Becomes Something More
There's something else some of us noticed over the years, often during check-ins and check-outs. Guests arrive for a holiday and leave dreaming about having a place of their own in Piemonte. We recognise that feeling, and with our combined experience and network of local professionals, we can help them find, renovate and create a home they'll love just as much.
And who knows, perhaps one day that home might even become part of The Rallento Collection. Helping someone discover Piemonte, make it their second home and eventually share it with others would bring the whole Rallento story full circle.
Why The Name Rallento?
The name Rallento was inspired by the Italian word rallentare, meaning to slow down, and the musical term rallentando, which tells musicians to gradually ease the tempo.
It felt like the perfect name for what we wanted to create. Because slowing down means something different to everyone.
For our guests, it might mean spending the whole afternoon by the pool while a private chef prepares dinner at the house, or exploring Piemonte with the help of someone who knows exactly where to go. Less time organising, more time enjoying.
For homeowners, it's the peace of mind that comes with knowing their property is visible for the right guests. For our local partners, it's being able to concentrate on making wonderful wines, growing good food or sharing their craft, while we help bring the right people to them.
And for those who fall in love with Piemonte and dream of creating a home here, it's having someone alongside them to support during the search, the renovation and all those unfamiliar Italian processes.
Different people, different needs, but the same idea: taking some of the worries and work out of the experience, so there's more room for the good things.
That's what Rallento means to us.
Meet The First Four Rallento Homes
We couldn't be more excited about the first four homes joining Rallento. In fact, we think we've started with some of the loveliest places you could stay in this part of Piemonte.
They're all quite different, which is exactly what we hoped for.
Casa Balau | Costigliole d'Asti | 14 persons
What we love about Casa Balau is how much thought has gone into every detail. The interiors are full of art, vintage finds and interesting pieces, while the house itself is exceptionally well equipped. Three ovens for those who love cooking, a billiard table, karaoke, a sauna and plenty of places to gather, both inside and out. It's a house that manages to be beautifully furnished and genuinely fun to stay in.
Cascina Sernella | Nizza Monferrato | 10 Persons
This one is particularly close to my (Jennifer) heart. As the home behind Studio Sernella, it's where our love for old buildings, natural materials and thoughtful interiors comes together. We especially love how the spaces encourage you to slow down, whether that's cooking together, picking something from the vegetable garden, relaxing by the private pool or finding a quiet corner in the former hayloft. It's the kind of relaxed, comfortable living we enjoy ourselves.
We're currently putting the finishing touches on the house, with everything set to be completed in April 2027. And the exciting part? From June 2027, you could be among the very first guests to experience Cascina Sernella.
Casa Bansella | Agliano Terme | 10 Persons
The owners have filled this former winery with vintage treasures, art and unexpected combinations that work great together. And then there's the garden, full of flowers and lovely corners, with an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven that's practically made for long evenings around the table. It's personal, creative and the perfect balance.
The entire house is yours during your stay. The garden and pool are shared with the owners when they're on the property.
Villa Tinella | Calosso | 10 + 2 Persons
Villa Tinella caught our attention for the way historic details and contemporary design sit so naturally together. Original tiled floors, high ceilings and a beautiful fresco alongside a striking Italian kitchen and carefully chosen furniture. And the views! Whether you're cooking at the generous kitchen island, relaxing by the infinity pool or looking out from the loft, the vineyards always seem to be part of the experience. We particularly love how the house feels both architecturally interesting and comfortable for families.
A Presto!
And while we're incredibly proud of these first four homes, Rallento has always been about more than finding a beautiful place to stay. It's about sharing the Piemonte we've come to love, introducing you to the people who make it special and taking care of the little things along the way. Whether that's arranging a private chef at your home, a visit to a local winemaker or simply helping you plan a lovely day out, we want you to spend less time organising and more time enjoying being here.
We can't wait to welcome you to Piemonte.
