Casa Fantini | Wallpaper

(Image credit: TBC)

last updated 21 July 2022

By all accounts, the low budget hotel built at the turn of the last century by the shores of Lake Orta – an hour’s drive from Milan – was fairly nondescript, but Piero Lissoni saw potential, if not in the building itself, then certainly in its waterside setting.

The decision to create Casa Fantini here was something of a no-brainer. It is, after all, a breathtakingly beautiful spot that the Milanese are understandably loathe to talk about, much less publicise.

To create the new boutique property, Lissoni fused the original building with a new low-rise sheathed in thin timber slats, and turned the perspectives of both towards the water, so that each of the 11 rooms empties its occupants outwards onto a terrace or balcony towards views of the island of San Giulio, lake, mountains, and sky.

This triumvirate of natural elements is quietly reflected in the landscaping and interiors, which are also the work of Lissoni – garden trails that lead to an outdoor lap pool are embedded with grey beola stone, a wall of blue glass in each room literally reflects the natural tableau, while a private garden overlooks Lake Orta itself.

There is, for now, no restaurant, which is as good an excuse as any to explore the area which is replete with picnic spots, hiking trails, wineries, artisanal shops, and good restaurants in Orta San Giulio.

Outside view from hotel out onto the sea

Living space of hotel with authentic frames on wall

Large dining table looking out onto white pebbles

ADDRESS

Piazza Motta Angolo via Roma 2

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Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.

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