Once upon a time there was an ancient village with only 8 residents in the historic part, nestled in the hills of Oltrepò Pavese, where time seems to stand still. Golferenzo, a small village of stone and vineyards, was long forgotten until a dream brought it back to life. Today, thanks to the Borgo dei Gatti project, this place has regained its former glory. Among restored houses, reborn traditions and a “feel good” philosophy, Golferenzo welcomes guests to a unique atmosphere where past and present meet in harmony.
A STORY OF REBIRTH AND TRADITIONS
The Borgo dei Gatti is a dream that has turned into a project, a journey that combines memory and vision. Golferenzo, a hamlet that seemed doomed to oblivion, has come back to life through the recovery of its stone houses and traditions: each dwelling has been expertly restored, respecting the soul of the place, and repopulated by an infectious beauty that has attracted new life and new projects. These include the Corte del Lupo, a modern tavern where you can breathe in the culinary and wine traditions of the area, and the Bottega del Lino, a small treasure that offers the best products of local farmers.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF WELL-BEING
People come here not just to stay, but to rediscover an authentic way of life, far from the hubbub of the world. The philosophy of the place can be summed up in a simple phrase: “feel good.” It is a well-being that cannot be described in words, but is experienced in the small gestures: like waking up unhurriedly in one of the houses, breathing in the clean air and being pampered by the details. The rooms are furnished with carefully restored antique furniture, like Aunt Erminia's, that tell stories of families and traditions. This is not just a relais, but a retreat where each guest can feel part of a larger narrative of simplicity, authenticity and warmth.
The dwellings are located on a street in the medieval village of Golferenzo, which officially bears the name Via Garibaldi, but for all residents is and always will be “Via dei Gat.” Some tell that it was the name of a family of locals, but residents like to believe it is in honor of the many cats that, even today, live free among the ancient stones and barns of this enchanted village. And speaking of animals, your pet-friends are always welcome! Because here, true well-being is shared with everyone, including them.
THE DWELLINGS: A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
The mansions are a plunge into the past while offering all the modern comforts. The stones of the façades, wooden beams and grit floors tell the stories of generations of peasants. Each house is a unique jewel, where every detail has been carefully chosen: earthy colors, natural materials and environmentally friendly architecture make the Càs an immersive experience. In these lodges you can rediscover the pleasure of living at a slow pace, pampered by the magic of the Oltrepò hills. The essential kitchen and modern bathrooms create a perfect balance between past and present, offering guests an unforgettable stay.
DISCOVERING THE OLTREPÒ
Borgo dei Gatti is not only a place to rest, but also an ideal starting point for exploring an area rich in history, culture and nature. Golferenzo, with its hills wrapped in vineyards, is perfect for those who love walking, biking or simply getting lost among the rows of vines. Among the activities not to be missed are horseback riding among the vineyards, which offer a unique experience to get in direct contact with the landscape. For those who prefer to relax, the swimming pool surrounded by greenery is the ideal place to cool off on hot summer days, enjoying the silence and serenity of the surrounding hills.
Within walking distance of the village, you can visit wineries, farmhouses and small local producers who are part of the Slow Food movement, where you can taste the excellence of the area. The bottega del borgo offers a selection of local products, perfect for those who want to take home a taste of this enchanted corner. In addition, guests can participate in cooking classes to learn the secrets of traditional Oltrepò recipes, or take part in guided tastings to discover local wines and typical products.
A must-do experience is undoubtedly the Adasi Experience, which begins inside the Social Spa. This intimate and cozy environment is designed to accommodate a small number of people, thus ensuring a feeling of exclusivity and tranquility. Here, everything beckons to relaxation: putting on your bathrobe and forgetting pesky thoughts is the first step toward wellness.
LA CORTE DEL LUPO
At the center of the village's convivial life is Corte del Lupo, a wine bar and restaurant that perfectly embodies the philosophy of the place. Each dish tells the story of a generous land and passionate producers. Expertly selected wines accompany dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The menu evolves with the seasons, following the rhythm of nature and local crops. La Corte del Lupo is not just a restaurant, but a real meeting place, where you can converse, toast and savor the beauty of small things, just like in the old days. This is where a perfect day at Borgo dei Gatti ends amidst the warmth of people and the authentic taste of nature.
The cuisine is innovative yet deeply rooted in the land. Their motto, "In bocca al lupo", which in English is “Break a leg,” is reflected in their approach: here they don't just cook, they tell stories of traditions and small producers who respect the land and their animals. Every ingredient chosen comes from local, where the quality of the raw materials is the result of a deep connection with nature. The products used are fresh and in season, and the concept of tradition is also expressed by supporting those who work with passion and respect.
In addition to the kitchen, Corte del Lupo stands out as a wine shop. The wine selection offers an overview of Oltrepò Pavese: wine, here, is seen as a form of culture to be shared, accessible to all. The selection is the result of passionate research, with a focus on native grape varieties and producers who preserve local wine traditions.
The commitment to sustainability is evident in every detail. La Corte del Lupo takes concrete measures to reduce food waste by serving microfiltered water and eliminating the use of plastic. In a rapidly changing world, here we try to make a difference in respecting the environment, with the idea that even the smallest gesture can help preserve the beauty of our planet.
In this corner suspended in time, the past and the present meet, offering guests not only a vacation, but an experience that remains in the heart.
CONTACTS
Borgo dei Gatti
Via Garibaldi, 9 -27047 Golferenzo (PV)
Phone: 348.7975541
