As travelers search for privacy, space, and authenticity this summer, the allure of a lesser-known Italian countryside retreat is quickly gaining traction. While Tuscany has long dominated the luxury villa conversation, Palazzo di Varignana, just outside Bologna, offers something refreshingly different—historic farmhouses reimagined for modern comfort, paired with full estate amenities, spa access, and surprisingly accessible rates.
Located across a 1,500-acre estate in the softly contoured hills of Emilia-Romagna, Palazzo di Varignana’s six private villas combine rural tranquility with five-star support. These properties—available for full buyout—accommodate groups of 8 to 12 guests and start at just €800 per night, a compelling rate in a country where exclusivity and affordability rarely align.
What sets these villas apart isn’t just price point—it’s the entire ecosystem they’re part of. Each residence offers guests access to the award-winning VARSANA Spa, a 43,000-square-foot wellness destination that includes hydrotherapy circuits, saunas, fitness facilities, and a menu of treatments built around rejuvenation and balance. The estate also features five restaurants, including Gingko, a wellness-driven dining concept with a no-dairy, no-gluten, anti-inflammatory menu, and Royal Train, a restored 1920s railway carriage offering a novel and nostalgic culinary experience.
This is Italian country living with an elevated rhythm—where guests can switch seamlessly between home-cooked meals, private chefs, and fine dining, and spend afternoons floating in heated infinity pools, walking through vineyards, or relaxing under the shade of olive trees.
A five-bedroom villa with a private five-hectare garden, a two-story library, infinity pool, and jacuzzi—ideal for those craving quiet immersion in nature and space for reflection.
Nestled in a 4,000-square-meter park, this four-bedroom retreat offers a panoramic pool and twin jacuzzis, perfect for relaxed afternoons and al fresco evenings.
With vineyard views and a west-facing orientation designed for sunset watching, this six-bedroom stone farmhouse also features a hydrotherapy-equipped infinity pool.
Sitting atop a hill with 6,000 square meters of land, this five-bedroom property includes a restored medieval chapel—a rare blend of serenity and history.
Classic Italian architecture shines here, with terracotta ceilings, wooden beams, and antique furnishings lending authenticity to a four-bedroom villa that includes a large garden jacuzzi.
Surrounded by olive groves, this five-bedroom home features a heated pool, sun loungers, and a shaded pergola for outdoor dining.
A dedicated villa specialist handles pre-arrival coordination and on-site requests, from chef services and babysitters to curated excursions throughout the region. Every stay is fine-tuned for ease, privacy, and immersion.
Though removed from the crowds, Palazzo di Varignana’s location places it at the crossroads of Italian culture. A short drive away is Bologna, with its UNESCO-designated porticoes and acclaimed food scene. Guests can also explore Emilia-Romagna’s world-renowned culinary heritage—Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma—alongside its legacy as Italy’s Motor Valley, home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati.
This unique pairing of pastoral calm and cultural richness makes Varignana an appealing alternative to Italy’s more commercialized destinations. It’s the kind of place that encourages a slower pace, with deeper connection.