Nordelaia – a new masterpiece by the award-winning design studio These White Walls
A marriage between rustic and luxe deep in the heart of Piedmont
Independent boutique hotel Nordelaia, situated in the UNESCO world heritage site of Montferrat, showcases design spearheaded by These White Walls. The 12 room estate, set in an 800-year-old farmhouse, was respectfully reinvented by British design studio These White Walls – best known for the multi-award-winning interiors of HIDE restaurant in Mayfair, London.
Our design for Nordelaia is centred around wellbeing and escapism; the aim being to create a holistic and nurturing environment in which guests can relax, switch off and connect – not only with each other – but also with the stunning landscape that surrounds them”, – says Rose Murray, Founder of These White Walls. We define this design as ‘rustic-luxe’, where rest and reconnection with nature go hand-in-hand with cultivated indulgence. Designers decided to maintain most of the old building’s original rustic appearance, trying to maintain a balance between rich cultural history and modern luxury. This union between the old and the new, the rustic and the lux, is what sets this project apart and makes it feel truly special – Rose notes.
These White Walls have carefully planned the concept of the rooms, embodying the philosophy of freedom in it. Some bedrooms have two wardrobes and two workspaces, symmetrically positioned opposite each other, as a reminder that we are all independent individuals connected by a common experience. The idea of solitude and reconnection with nature continues with the absence of TVs – thus Nordelaia invites guests to enjoy the digital detox that is so necessary in the modern world.
Following the aim to save connection with the authentic look of the estate and its history, designers chose textures and materials for the rooms that are in harmony with the unique atmosphere of the place. Surrounded by ornamental green spaces that extend from the guests’ own terraces, the ground floor Garden rooms feature textured materials, including rustic woods, natural stone burnished metals, and wrought iron. These sit in contrast to the Legacy rooms on the second floor that feature a more dramatic feel with luxurious materials such as velvet and brass. Tucked away at the top of the building are the cozy and wonderfully private Attico rooms. Much of the furniture is bespoke, created by local artisans with some key pieces and fittings from notable Italian designers.
The design of the restaurants is also inspired by their surroundings: the ground floor reflects bonds between earth and nature, revealed in deep shades of green and a palette reminiscent of soil and roots. In contrast, the first-floor restaurant is a reference to a blooming garden, embodied in shades of pink and peach.
Every element of the hotel’s design is crafted with thoughtful attention and symbolism. The kitchen counter is decorated with laser-cut brass detailed with the image of a dandelion blowing seeds into the wind. Designers also decided to add laser-cut insects to the light fitting as a reference to the emergence and spread of new ideas into the world. Such a concept echoes Nordelaia’s dining concept: Michelin starred chef Andrea Ribaldone and the resident chef Charles Pearce aim to respect local culinary traditions while simultaneously pushing boundaries and inviting guests to a gastronomic journey with brave experiments.
Nordelaia sees in nature not only inspiration but also a healing power: the hotel’s swimming pool offers incredible views of Montferrat Valley. At the spa facilities – one of a kind in the region – guests will be able to enjoy privacy and peaceful tranquillity with hammam, sauna and Kneipp pool, as well as yoga and gym spaces.
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About Nordelaia
With easy access from Milan, Genoa and Turin, this 12-room hotel is set among five hectares of agricultural land. The hotel, respectfully built around a farmhouse dating back to the year 800, has been restored in full respect of the building’s historical elements, and to create a direct connection to the local nature and terroir. A striking new three-tier structure houses the hotel’s restaurant, bar and events space. In addition to the out door pool, the property includes 450 m2 spa area, overlooking both the valley below and Cremolino castle, featuring wet and dry facilities, treatments rooms. A hammam, sauna, Kneipp pool and light sensory herb room make up the wet area. There is also a yoga room and NOHrD equipped gym.
About These White Walls
These White Walls is a multi-award-winning luxury-led and concept-driven interior design studio based in London. Founded in 2017 by Rose Murray, the studio is recognised for its blank canvas approach to creativity that results in unique and beautifully crafted interiors. The studio creates bespoke interiors for the high-end hospitality and residential sectors as well as private clients and commercial brands. Previous projects include the renowned HIDE restaurant in Mayfair, London.
