Agriturismo Cascina Borio, home cooking in Monferrato
Agriturismo Cascina Borio is a family-run farm stay in Villafranca d'Asti, Piedmont, with large rooms, a restaurant and a garden. It has a 4.5 on Google, but opinions are very divided. I recommend it to anyone who wants home cooking and quiet, not to anyone looking for modern rooms.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Agriturismo Cascina Borio.
Where Agriturismo Cascina Borio is
Agriturismo Cascina Borio is in Villafranca d'Asti, Piedmont, in the Monferrato hills, in the San Grato area. It is a restored farmhouse with views over the countryside, in a very peaceful spot.
Guests use it as a base for exploring the Asti area and the Langhe, and one review mentions Alba as a lovely destination nearby. Those who have stayed say it is not far from Asti, handy for the city's Christmas markets. You do need a car, though, as you are in the middle of the countryside and far from other attractions, as one guest who was not satisfied also noted.
The property's description mentions the Valle Andona Nature Reserve and the Romanesque church of San Secondo nearby. Walks on foot or by bike are a real strength.
What the rooms are like
The rooms are furnished in a rustic style, simple but spacious. Guests describe them as large, clean and quiet, with a private bathroom and a comfortable bed. One review speaks of a beautiful view over the countryside.
According to the property's description there are flat-screen TVs, toiletries, a well-kept garden and free parking. Wi-Fi is available in the shared areas.
One thing needs saying plainly. The description mentions air conditioning, but one guest reports that there isn't any and that the window has to be kept open with a mosquito net. Another suffered from the heat in the room. If this matters to you, check first before booking.
The cooking, the real reason to come
Home cooking is what wins people over most. Many guests talk about generous, honest dinners and breakfasts made in the house, with local and seasonal recipes. Biscuits, cake and the house jams are mentioned, along with milk and eggs from the farm.
One guest with coeliac disease says they ate well after letting the house know in advance. Anyone expecting a wide choice at dinner may be disappointed, though, as several guests describe a fixed menu rather than elaborate dishes. Here simplicity is the point: the food is not sophisticated, but it is well made.
What guests say, the good and the bad
On Google the rating is 4.5 from 153 reviews, but be aware that opinions are very divided. Many guests arrive with a gift voucher, such as Smartbox, and this explains part of the verdicts.
Those who loved it talk about the family-run feel, the two owners, the warm welcome and feeling at home. They would return just for the meals.
Those who were critical were harsh. Some mention an unpleasant smell of damp and mustiness on arrival, dated rooms, a blocked sink and mould on the bathroom ceiling. Others complain about a poor dinner and a garden without chairs.
What to know before booking
| Aspect | What guests liked | What guests criticised |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms | Large, clean, quiet | Dated, hot, musty smell |
| Dinner | Generous and homemade | Meagre and without choice |
| Welcome | Warm and family-like | One person found it unfriendly |
| Location | Quiet and good for walks | Far from places of interest |
My advice, in short. If you arrive with a gift voucher and expect a modern place, you risk being disappointed. If you are after a country house with simple cooking, it has a lot to offer. Animals are accepted on request, for an extra fee, and anyone with food intolerances should let them know in advance.
Who it is for and what to do nearby
I would choose it for anyone who enjoys good food, likes walking and is not looking for luxury. For couples wanting modern comfort, and for anyone without a car, it is not my first choice.
As a base for the Asti area and the Langhe it works well. In Piedmont you could compare it with La Cascina Grossa in Cascinagrossa, with Canonica dei Templari in Piazzano or with Agriturismo Il Runch Di Majrano Luca in Viù. I only know the names and towns of these places.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
