Design history in Ticino: in 1976, Otto e Associati, the architect collective Otto in Lugano transformed the 130-year-old stable into a simple residential house that still stands out today for its open, functional architecture and select furnishings. Many elements, including the mosaic-tiled kitchen and bathroom, the partly wood-panelled walls and room-in-room solutions are still original. All of this, together with old beams and rough plastered walls, are reminiscent of the former stable.
The house is located at 1,000 metres in the middle of the Leventina Valley, where vineyards, palm trees and coniferous forests combine to create a natural experience.
In 1982, the house was taken over by Arnoldo Marghitola, who ran a furniture shop in Lucerne together with his brother Primo Marghitola, a design pioneer and creator of the Tripolino children’s furniture. Over the years, Arnoldo expanded the interior design of the rustico to include bookshelves, built-in cupboards, beds and lamps that he designed himself and made on site, and which still characterise the style of the house today. Complemented by an exciting collection of timeless classics by renowned designers – from Alvar Aalto and Marcel Breuer to Hans Coray and Wilhelm Kienzle to Rosmarie and Rico Baltensweiler.
A holiday home full of stories and associations that has retained its original character without sacrificing comfort. On the ground floor, three bedrooms offer plenty of room to guests. Next to the kitchen and the bathroom, the bright living room invites you to read, relax or converse with others. A crackling fire in the free-standing fireplace provides for warm and cosy evenings. If you are looking for a retreat to work or switch off, you can climb up one floor to the open gallery, while a sauna and a cold-water spa are available in the basement for total relaxation. And all around, there are numerous seating areas – both on the large balcony and throughout the garden, all of which blend in with the variety of plants in the lush natural surroundings.
What to do
The Gotthard region offers a variety of highlights for hiking, biking, skiing, climbing and bouldering. The outdoor bouldering facility in Faido is suitable for beginners and children. There are also various lakes for swimming. Excursion destinations nearby include the beautiful Val Piora, the mysterious Lago Tremorgio or the Romanesque buildings in the village of Giornico, day trips to Bellinzona, Locarno, Lugano, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como or to Milan.
Why we like this house
An old stable full of pioneering design.
This house is great for
Two to six people – whether architecture, design or nature lovers, couples, friends or families. Children, however, should be sure-footed.
Sustainability
Revival of an old building, vintage furniture, public transport: There is a direct train connection from Zurich to Faido. From here you can take the bus or walk to the rustico.
Details
| Region |
CH – Switzerland, Ticino, Leventina, Primadengo Ticino |
| Name | La Stalla |
| Scenery | In a small hamlet in the central Leventina at an altitude of 1000 metres |
| Number of guests | Max. 6 |
| Completed | Ca. 1890 (stable), 1976 (conversion to residential house), regular interior work until 2022 |
| Design | Otto e Associati , Lugano |
| Architecture | Historical, Modern classic, Old & new |
| Accomodation | Holiday home |
| Criteria | 1-6 (house/apartment), Family, Garden, Hiking, Lake/river, Mountains, Sauna, Skiing, No car needed |
Availability calendar
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4 Comments
Wir hatten eine wundervolle Zeit im Haus! Entspannte Lage am Dorfrand mit tollem Ausblick umgeben von Natur. Schöne Wanderungen direkt vom Haus aus möglich. Wir kommen sehr gerne wieder
Unser Aufenthalt im Rustico “La Stalla” war schlichtweg fantastisch! Die Architektur verbindet geschickt Offenheit und Funktionalität, und das liebevoll gestaltete, handgefertigte Mobiliar verleiht dem Haus einen zeitlosen Charme.
Die gut ausgestattete Küche und der gemütliche Kamin sorgten für angenehme Abende, und das Fondue-Set lud zu geselligen Tischrunden ein. Besonders möchten wir uns bei unserem Vermieter Rolf bedanken — seine Gastfreundschaft hat unseren Aufenthalt noch angenehmer gemacht.
Die Umgebung rund um das Rustico “La Stalla” ist ein Paradies für Naturliebhaber und Abenteurer. Die Nähe zu den Alpen und der Gotthard-Region ermöglichte es uns, die Gegend ausgiebig zu erkunden. Direkt vor der Haustür erwartete uns ein herrliches Wandergebiet, darunter der entspannte Panorama-Höhenweg Strada Alta. Besonders beeindruckend war das Hochtal Val Piora mit seinen drei Seen — Lago Ritom, Lago Cadagno und Lago di Tom.
Unsere Zeit im Rustico “La Stalla” war wirklich unvergesslich, und Rolf trug maßgeblich dazu bei. Dieses einzigartige Ferienhaus verbindet historischen Charme mit einer atemberaubenden Umgebung. Wir können es nur wärmstens empfehlen und freuen uns bereits auf unseren nächsten Besuch in dieser zeitlosen Oase der Erholung.
Beim Aufwachen blickt man auf die Berge :)
Das Haus hat besonderen Charme. Es ist ein sehr gemütlicher und ästhetisch ansprechend gestalteter Ort zum Runterfahren und einfach im Moment sein.
Hier findet man Ruhe und die Besinnung aufs Wesentliche.
Besonderes Highlight ist die rustikale Sauna im Keller.
Das Dorf ist sehr ruhig und im Tal gibt es ausreichend Einkaufsmöglichkeiten.
Sehr zu empfehlen.
The 2.5 week workation stay at La Stalla was an incredible experience. This beautifully renovated barn has a unique flare and yet is a kind of place you walk into and feel right at home. There is a cozy feel about it and practically, everything is super well equipped (kitchen, firewoods, etc.). The house rests in a sleepy Alpine valley in Ticino but is still well connected by public transport (I went there without a car) — this made the stay special in a way that you feel like you’re away from it all but are still connected if needed. The snowcapped mountain view is just amazing (I visited in March) and there are many hiking paths around. I’d definitely love to go back one day.