Arrival back into Italy in June meant I would be based in and around Milan for my first few days. I flew into Bergamo airport, which is 45 kilometres from Milan city centre, so rather than be based in Bergamo or the centre of Milan, I decided to stay in Novate Milanese, at the charming Antica Corte Milanese Bed & Breakfast as a way to kick off my trip.
The B&B aims towards evoking an age-old local tradition, that of offering hospitality to travelers who would journey along the “Lombard” transalpine road which, from the Lukmanier pass, would lead to Mount Bardone.
The B&B had been family-run for years in an historic country house that, since 1881, also included an oil and grain press and an inn and include rooms, with entrance hall, kitchenette, and bathroom. In traditional old fashioned European style, they have two beds that can be joined together to form a double bed if needed.
The grounds are what make this place such an incredible gem however, complete with quaint romantic decor in the common areas and in the gardens.
Modern day Novate Milanese has been swallowed into the urban metropolis of Milan, however, traditionally this has been a rural farming village. There’s barely a tourist in sight on the main streets and it has an old school village feel here rather than a commercial city vibe. I met up with Marco and Beatrice, the two owners and Marco dedicated an afternoon to tell me about Milan’s history and the surrounding area.
Marco, owner at Antica Corte Milanese
Once the history lesson was over, I set out to explore the sights and sounds of Milan. I toured the famous Duomo, the San Siro, the Fortress, the “spot” where Benito Mussolini once hanged and I also was on tour with Walks of Italy to review the Pinacoteca di Brera Art Gallery Tour.
What was great was returning to quaint Antica Corte, which felt like home, particularly at the end of a long day sightseeing. It is perfect for a couple who want to tour Milan but avoid the over commercial and over-hyped big city hotels.
Charming Courtyard
Once inside the gate, a charming courtyard greets you and this is the rustic appeal that your travel brochures of Italy showed you. Antica Corte Milanese is a nineteenth-century court that was restored to maintain the atmosphere of a typical Lombard Court.
Shrubs, flowers and painted walls in an enclosed courtyard are the first attractions here. There are storage containers for wine and olive oil. Even the cobbled stonework on the ground has a traditional feel too it, which were designed so that you could walk on water when Milan floods.
The entrance to Antica Corte Milanese
Antica Corte Milanese in bloom
Village Life
Instead of staying in a soul-less downtown hotel in an area full of commerce and busy streets, this is a village life appeal to the property and surrounding area. There are local cafes and bars and traditional Italian businesses nearby in Novate Milanese as well, all which give you an authentic feel to the place.
History: Marco informed me that the meaning of the city’s name “Medio Lanum” is: middle of the land. There’s also an incredible history of aspargus and Milan’s importance as a trading capital from all over Europe. Adorning the walls of the dining room are lots of relics and information on the history of Milan. There are plenty of books to be read and you can treat your stay here as an unexpected history lesson.
Cosy, Quiet, Tranquil Rooms: with old school beds, a full kitchen, a nice bathroom and a table in the middle for working, a morning cuppa Joe or a late night snack.
My kitchenette
Decadent headboards….
The court offers 15 apartments: studio, two-room, three-room, or four-room for groups. The apartments can accommodate from 2 to 11 guests, depending on the type of apartment, and are furnished and equipped with all that is needed to ensure that any guest here will be accommodated in a charming environment. Your local hosts Beatrice and Marco will meet you on arrival and welcome you to their lair.
Details:
Antica Corte Milanese – Immobiliare Torre Romeo srl Unipersonale
Via della Repubblica, 86
20026 Novate Milanese (MI) P.IVA: 03711150155
Email: info@anticacortemilanese.it
Tel. +39 0239100888 Mobile +39 3387067796
Jonny Blair is a self confessed traveling nomad who founded and blogs at Don’t Stop Living. He sees every day as an adventure. Since leaving behind his home town of Bangor in Northern Ireland ten years ago he has traveled to all seven continents, working his way through various jobs and funding it all with hard work and an appetite for travel. Don’t Stop Living, a lifestyle of travel’ contains over 1,000 stories and tips from his journeys round the globe. He wants to show others how easy it is to travel the world, give them some ideas and encourage them to do the same but most of all he aims to constantly live a lifestyle of travel. He is currently based in Hong Kong and on Twitter @jonnyblair.
