June 2017| 47
History and heritage
Corte Stellata, Emilia Romagna, Italy:
Corte Stellata is located in the historical village of Stellata, which
rises against the right bank of the river Po and is renowned
for its star-shaped fortress. Dating back to the 18th and 19th
centuries, the building was once owned by the noble Pepoli
family and the house still displays an original terracotta panel
engraved with the family acronym DDP (Domus Dominus
Pepolus). In the 19th century, land surveyors from Ferrara, who
described in their writings the various estates of this noble
family, named the farmhouse and its land as “Possessione il
Boscone” in recognition of its historical importance. The house’s
barn has been renovated and turned into three apartments,
transforming it into a haven for travellers seeking peace, nature
and history in a traditional setting, providing visitors with an
authentic experience. The area is ideally suited to cycling and if
you head out of the village along the river bank you can follow
the “Destra Po” Cycle Path to the tranquil and magical village of
Malcantone. (www.cortestellata.it)
Maison de Orb, Languedoc-Roussillon,
France:
As a cyclist, you will be familiar with the Canal du Midi…
but how about the guy that designed and built it, Paul
Ri uet
ell, you can go one ste further and stay in
his former residence, the magnificent aison e ’ rb
in Beziers. With bags of character and echoes of an old
France gone by, owners Mark and Ben have captured
the flavour of what a bed and breakfast should be.
eamed ceilings, original stone walls, tiled flooring, books
and original art. Sympathetic to its proud heritage, the
welcoming interior combines clean lines with a neutral
palette. Oh, and of course, it’s on one of France’s most
popular cycle routes. (www.maisondelorb.com)
Sa Bispal, Majorca, Spain:
A former regal residence, Hotel Sa Bisbal occupies a building
of significant architectural interest. t was constructed in
the
century in the most rivileged area of Selva and
nestles at the top of the town next to the gothic church of
Sant Llorenç, which itself dates from 1301. For a long time,
the building was the residence of noble families of Mallorca,
but now welcomes noble cyclists. The owner has restored the
building, giving back all its character and original splendour.
Some of the most notable architectural elements include
the ortal for a, constructed with erfectly fitted stone blocks
the original cub de vi, which was used to ferment grapes in
the production of wine; and the cellar, excavated in the rock
to provide the perfect conditions to store the wine barrels. Sa
Bisbal has six rooms and each is unique in both its design and
decoration. The hotel also works closely with “the bike garage”
which offers local bike rental and maintenance and rovides
overnight bike storage. (www.hotelsabisbal.com)