About us
I never imagined that the small Italian town with the unpronounceable name of Oggebbio would one day become my home.
Born in Essen, Germany, I first moved to Cologne after graduating from high school. But my thirst for adventure soon led me on a journey that eventually took me all the way to Los Angeles, California. For more than thirty years, I enjoyed life beneath the palm trees, working as a journalist for German media while hosting guests in two rooms of my home through Airbnb. Meeting people from all over the world brought me immense joy, and many of those encounters grew into lasting friendships.
It was during a trip to Lake Maggiore that I fell in love—not with a handsome Italian, but with an old villa. Despite its neglected state, I was captivated by its charm from the very first moment. Once again, my sense of adventure took hold, and I packed my bags and moved to Oggebbio.
Since 2018, I have dedicated myself to carefully restoring the villa, always respecting its centuries-old history while creating a new life within its stone walls. What began as a personal restoration project has grown into a small family business.
In 2024, my daughter Malina joined me, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and a shared passion for hospitality. While I continue to focus on the restoration, maintenance, and day-to-day care of the properties, Malina manages much of the administrative side of the business, including guest communication, reservations, marketing, and the many behind-the-scenes details that help create a seamless experience for our guests.
Together, we are proud to run a small mother-and-daughter business and to welcome visitors from all over the world. We look forward to sharing the beauty, history, and magic of this special corner of Lake Maggiore with you.
Our Philosophy
We believe that travel is about more than just finding a place to sleep. It's about discovering new places, meeting new people, and creating lasting memories. As a family-run business, we take pride in offering a personal touch and treating our guests the way we would like to be treated ourselves.
When you stay with us, you're not booking through a large company—you’re staying with hosts who genuinely care about your experience and are always happy to share their favorite places, local recommendations, and a little piece of life on Lake Maggiore.
How we started
Our story began with a chance visit to a small village on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
In 2018, Birgitt fell in love with an old, abandoned villa in Oggebbio. While many saw a building in need of years of work, she saw its history, character, and potential. What started as a renovation project quickly became a passion. Room by room, stone by stone, the villa was carefully restored with respect for its centuries-old heritage.
Over time, one apartment became two, then three, and eventually a collection of unique holiday homes, each with its own story and charm. Along the way, guests from all over the world arrived, sharing in the beauty of the lake, the mountains, and the slower pace of life that makes this corner of Italy so special.
In 2024, Malina joined the business, bringing fresh energy and helping manage reservations, guest communication, marketing, and the many details that go into creating a memorable stay. Together, we combine a love of historic homes, hospitality, and authentic travel experiences.
Today, we are proud to be a small mother-and-daughter business, welcoming guests not just to an apartment, but to a place we are fortunate enough to call home..