It was love at first sight! Within a couple of weeks, we knew it was the one. The building’s history offered a perfect storytelling opportunity.
Everybody has school memories!
What was your life like before this project began ?
La Scuola is a life-changing project rooted in our family history and our previous jobs.
Born and raised in the south of Italy, I grew up on the Sorrento coast and in Taormina, Sicily. This meant I was always surrounded by stunning natural beauty and architecture. My mother is French and my father was from Naples, creating a fascinating blend of cultures and lifestyles.
Marco was born and raised in Venice. His mother, a gifted creative talent, owns arguably the most beautiful woman and man fashion shop in the city.
Our working paths diverged from our parents’. I spent over two decades as a graphic designer for advertising agencies while Marco, a visionary entrepreneur, founded a company in 1996 to empower hoteliers to sell their rooms online independently.
Over a few years of working together, our shared working skills and family backgrounds provided the perfect foundation for envisioning our life project.
When you first saw this old school, what made you feel it could become a guesthouse?
We were searching for a lovely, not overly large building in a picturesque rural setting nestled among rolling hills. Our journey led us to a bend marked by a small bell tower and we were instantly captivated by the breathtaking scenery surrounding it. Behind us stood this charming, somewhat neglected building with a faded inscription: “scuola”.
It was love at first sight! Within a couple of weeks, we knew it was the one. The building’s history offered a perfect and captivating storytelling opportunity. Everybody has school memories! We simply crafted our ideal accommodation: a non-touristy destination close to many attractions yet secluded and surrounded by nature. A corner of what authentic Italy is!
What was the biggest challenge in bringing the project to life ?
The biggest challenge was finding the perfect partners for the refurbishment. We wanted to retain as much of the original materials and feel as possible. After meeting an architect from the Order of Landscaper Planners and Conservators, the renovation became a stimulating nine-month adventure. It allowed me to focus one of my passions: furniture and interior design!
In what way did you want La Scuola Guesthouse to feel different from a standard hotel? What kind of experience did you want to create for guests?
La Scuola Guesthouse marks our first experience into hotel management but as travellers we wanted to create the kind of place we seek on our journeys. That’s our unique secret. Our goal is to create lasting memories for our guests. We love to pamper them with kindness, attention to detail and a friendly attitude rather than relying on TVs or technological showers. While comfort is certainly guaranteed with our high-quality choices!
La Scuola is set in a quieter, lesser-known part of Veneto. What do you love most about life there?
Our region in Veneto is one of the most underrated areas. Nestled between the Garda Lake and Venice, both struggling with over-tourism. We are so fond of the genuine village atmosphere, the stunning landscapes, the lovely rural areas and the delicious food. The wild nature is simply breathtaking. Each season, from spring to autumn, brings a unique experience with its changing colours.
When we travel abroad, we love getting lost in the local way of life and trying out the real food. Unfortunately, some visitors miss this opportunity due to limited curiosity or unfamiliar schedules.
To help, we provide a personal digital local guide packed with suggestions and favourite places and some amusing “lessons to learn” about avoiding being a tourist in Italy!
Looking back, what did you gain by taking that risk? Would you do it again?
Yes, we are really happy with our decision and would do it again! We’re incredibly happy to have moved to this countryside area, though it’s conveniently close to bigger cities when needed.
We started off feeling pretty secure about the project, and La Scuola Guesthouse turned out to be a fantastic choice. Of course, there were some nerve-wracking moments at first, especially when it came to the budget and getting the renovations done. We also had some frustrating days dealing with bureaucracy, but nothing so intense that we gave up.
One of the most invaluable things we’ve gained is the sense of community. We’re so happy to work with local businesses and proud that we’ve given a little boost to the locals in starting new restaurants and activities—that’s one of the biggest satisfactions! And our latest adventure, making natural ice cream and selling it on the old-fashioned Ape Car, has really strengthened our relationship with the community.
What do you hope guests remember long after they leave?
We hope our guests leave with lovely memories of the atmosphere they experienced at La Scuola, a sense of satisfaction from discovering a new part of Italy and a deeper understanding of Italian culture, and perhaps even inspire them to travel in a more mindful way.
Quickfire
A dish you could eat again and again ?
Risotto! Any kind of.. with vegetables, mushrooms or just saffron “alla milanese”
A simple pleasure you never get tired of ?
A mid-morning coffee break!
What's always in your suitcase ?
My Blundstone boots
The next destination on your list ?
Tasmania
A song that always puts you in a good mood ?
No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
The most underrated place you’ve been ?
Lusiana! Not joking… but more seriously the Berry region in France.
THE ADDRESS
La Scuola Guesthouse
Lusiana – Veneto – Italy
Historic schoolhouse · Slow living in Veneto · Authentic local experience
