This is my second rental from Toni HiltonPierbon, this time in the charming small town of Villa San Secondo. Nido is a perfect one bedroom home, formerly the lodgings for the bellringer of the church that tops the summit of V. San Secondo. It has been restored by Toni to the level of comfort and authenticity we so enjoyed at Villadeati last year. From the sitting room, there are sweeping views over the valleys and hills of Monferrato. I spent evenings munching on hunk of grana padano, sipping a glass of Barbera d'Asti and counting my blessings.

Days were spent exploring Asti, Alba and the innumerable hilltowns that Monferrato is famous for. Although I could only spend a week, it was perfectly paced with a mixture of excitement (the medieval festival at San Slivestre) and relaxation. Having done quite a bit of travel in my time, I can safely state that I have never received such hospitality as Toni and her family provided. Next visit, I hope to try out her third property and stay longer!

A tiny ecclesiastical town, an ancient yet comfortably updated farmhouse, views (on a clear day) of the Alps and innumerable villages dotting every hill in sight and the most informative and friendly host in Italy - who could ask for more? Every part of our visit at La Vista exemplified the best of slow travel - caffe on the rustic terrace in the morning listening to the bleat of sheep in the valley below, dinner at the excellent Da' Maria in the improbably named hamlet of Zanco, and during the day, visits to bakeries, churches, and wineries recommended by Toni and Roberto. With Asti, Alba and Barbaresco within easy reach, the location was perfect for the three vinophiles who shared this commodious home. The care that Toni took to make sure our visit was enjoyable was truly remarkable. My only complaint is that I cannot return sooner.