Situated in the sleepy mountain hamlet of Pattemouche near the popular resort of Sestriere, Baita 1697 is a former 17th century farmhouse that has been lovingly restored by owner and interior designer, Lucie McCullough. It is just a three minute walk to the cable car which accesses the famous Via Lattea ski area, also known as The Milky Way, which has slopes suitable for all levels. Cross country ski tracks wind through the beautiful Val Troncea National Park the entrance of which is just 200 metres from the property.
With a floor space of 450m² set over three floors, Baita 1697 can accommodate up to 12 adults and six children in five ensuite double bedrooms, a children’s dormitory, and a media room which can be converted into a double bedroom.
Once derelict, the property has been restored to a very high standard whilst ensuring that many original features remain. On the ground floor, the former stables have been transformed into the atmospheric living and dining area. Exposed stone walls and vaulted ceilings create a backdrop for exquisite furnishings, beautiful fabrics and a cascade of lighting descending from the upper floor. Though the space is large and open plan, there is a distinctly cosy feel with traditional sitting corners tucked into the arches either side of the log burning open fireplace. Sheepskin covered perspex chairs surround a large wooden dining table whilst in the kitchen, the breakfast table has been made from a huge tree root topped with a sheet of glass. The ski room, laundry area and guest WC are just off the entrance hall and there is a cellar adjacent to the dining area.
An open tread wooden staircase leads to the first floor where there is a media room with a wood burning fireplace and an L-shaped sofa that converts into a double bed on request. Also on the first floor are three ensuite double bedrooms, two with private balconies and one with access onto a private decked terrace. Set under the eaves on the top floor, there are a further two ensuite double bedrooms and the children’s dormitory which has six roll-out mattresses and coloured night-lights. The dormitory shares a Jack and Jill style ensuite bathroom with one of the bedrooms. The rooms have been individually designed and decorated using exotic treasures and finds from around the world whist the finest Egyptian cotton beds linens and indulgent bath products add that extra layer of luxury.
What was once a hayloft has been converted into a top floor lounge with exposed timber beams and leather armchairs set around a wood burning fireplace. Doors open onto a roof terrace with stunning views over Monte Banchetta, an 8-person wooden hot tub and an outdoor fireplace.
Baita 1697 has WiFi internet throughout, iPod docking stations, an extensive film and music library and plenty of children’s toys and board games.
Pattemouche and the local area have a number of excellent restaurants offering an extensive range of Italian cuisine, excellent wines and, of course, great coffee.
