From Dreams to Doors Open: The Story of La Corte Antica B&B 

On the Relaxed Trails of Lake Maggiore: How La Corte Antica became a home for travelers around the world. 

After spending three nights at the very grand Hotel Regina Palace (an experience that felt straight out of Buckingham Palace), we weren’t sure what to expect from our next stay. All we knew was that it was a private room in someone’s apartment. With a little hesitation, we pressed the buzzer to the apartment, but any doubts quickly vanished. 

Gioele greeted us warmly at the door and led us up to the apartment, which was immaculate and impressively modern. The space was beautifully prepared - every detail thoughtfully arranged, from the pristine bathroom and spacious bedroom to the perfectly set-up breakfast area. It felt private yet inviting, offering a sense of home away from home. Gioele took the time to walk us through everything, always encouraging us to make ourselves comfortable and help ourselves to anything we needed. Within minutes, we felt completely at ease. This B&B was worlds apart from the grandeur of the Hotel Regina Palace, but in the best possible way. 

Gioele’s warmth and hospitality left a lasting impression, and I found myself wanting to learn more about his journey into running this B&B. On our last night, he and Michela even invited us to join them for pizza and wine, a generous gesture that made our stay even more memorable. Plus, it was the perfect opportunity to dive a little deeper into their story... 

Q: What attracted you to working with Macs? 

Gieole: “We were drawn to Macs because of the friendly and professional communication we experienced. After exploring the website, we understood the types of vacations you offer and were excited by the unique model – it’s definitely something we’d love to try. It also provides an opportunity to connect with a new type of guest, especially from different parts of the world. We’re thrilled to be part of a network that highlights the beauty of our lake and region on a global stage!” 

Q: What inspired you to start B&B La Corte Antica? 

Gioele: “Before landing my job in Switzerland, I dreamed of becoming a musician. But in Italy, making a living as a musician isn’t easy, so I thought I could play a little in the summer while running a B&B as a second job. When I saw the building in 2017, I knew it was a great opportunity, especially since Luino has limited accommodation options. Michela and I also loved the idea of meeting people from all over the world, hearing their unique stories, and learning about different cultures.” 

Michela: “We wanted to create the kind of place we look for when we travel—somewhere with fine finishes but also thoughtful touches that make a stay enjoyable. I asked myself, what are the little things that make a difference when we're away from home? One example is the hairdryer—I know how frustrating it is when a hotel provides one with very little power, so I made sure our B&B has a high-quality one. It’s those small details that elevate the experience.”  

Q: How did the business begin? 

Gioele: “I purchased a wing of the building in 2017, and it needed extensive renovations. The following year, I began working on the interiors, creating an apartment for Michaela and me on the ground floor and guest rooms on the first floor. Like many businesses, we faced delays due to the COVID pandemic, but now that those challenges are behind us, we’re excited to welcome guests and fill the house with new friends. It was four years of dedication, research, sacrifices, and countless hours of work. With the help of close family and friends, we even handcrafted some of the details, making La Corte Antica a true labour of love.” 

Q: What was your background before starting the B&B? Did you ever imagine running a place like this? 

Michela: “Gioele has been a video maker for over 10 years and even started his own TV business with a colleague—I’ve always admired his entrepreneurial spirit. Meanwhile, I’ve worked as a nurse for 11 years, so our careers couldn’t be more different. Running a B&B was never something I imagined for us. Gioele is full of ideas and sees possibilities everywhere. When he first showed me the building, nobody had lived in it for 60 years. I took one look and said, “Don’t even think about it—it’s a mess!” But a few weeks later, he told me he had bought it…and the rest is history!  

Q: Have there been any unexpected moments or surprises along the way? 

Gioele: “Aside from the challenges of the pandemic, we were actually quite lucky—there were no major issues along the way! The building’s structure was solid, and we had the pleasure of working with a talented young architect who made the process smooth. Of course, with an older building, some complications were inevitable, but thankfully, nothing too unexpected." 

Q: Who or what influenced you in starting the business? 

Gioele: “My brother! He told me it wasn’t a good idea…so, of course, I had to do it anyway.” 

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges in growing your business? 

Michela: “Balancing our individual jobs while ensuring exceptional guest experiences has been one of the biggest challenges. We aim to always be available, even sharing our personal phone numbers to assist guests whenever needed. My mother, who speaks German, helps bridge the language barrier for our German-speaking visitors, which makes a big difference. Another challenge is managing expectations—some guests assume B&B La Corte Antica is a hotel, when in reality, it’s a private home. Helping them understand and appreciate the difference can sometimes be tricky.” 

Q: Was there ever a time you thought about giving up? 

Michela: “Giving up was never an option—we poured our hearts and efforts into this B&B from the start. Opening the business was a challenge, as we were figuring things out along the way. Our first few guests were a learning experience, and there were moments of doubt, but we used those experiences to improve. We refined our policies and adapted, and with each step, things became smoother and more rewarding.” 

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment on your journey to this business? 

Gioele: “Every time a guest tells us they’ve had a wonderful stay, it makes all the hard work worth it. Hearing people say how beautiful the place is, and knowing they appreciate that we built this B&B ourselves, is so fulfilling. One of our biggest hopes was to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and this business has given us exactly that. Meeting new people and sharing experiences with them has been amazing!” 

Q: How does your business work with the local community? 

Gioele: “I’m hoping to join the neighbourhood committee to help improve Luino. I’d love to get involved, share ideas, and represent the voices of our community. We provide every guest with a list of our favorite local spots—places that Michela and I personally love.” 

Michela: “The businesses we recommend don’t even know we do this, and we don’t expect anything in return. Our only goal is for our guests to have the best possible experience in Luino and enjoy the places that mean so much to us.” 

Come for the Lakes, Stay for the People 

La Corte Antica isn’t your typical B&B. It’s not about polished luxury or picture-perfect brochures. It’s about warmth, heart, and that rare feeling of walking into a place for the first time—and somehow feeling like you already belong. 

Gioele and Michela didn’t just renovate an old house. They built something deeply personal. A place where strangers quickly feel like friends, and where every little detail tells you they’ve thought about you. 

If you’re looking for a place where authenticity shines brighter than chandeliers and connection comes served with your morning espresso, La Corte Antica might just be your next unforgettable stay.