Villa di Modolo: Stay in a Venetian country house at the foot of the Dolomites

A hamlet with fewer than a hundred residents, tucked away in the Valbelluna—the green valley between Belluno and the Dolomites. And there, behind an 18th-century gate, you’ll find Villa di Modolo: a 17th-century country house that has been in the same noble family for centuries and has now opened its doors to travelers looking for something different.

Rooms and apartments in the old cheese factory

Not just another anonymous hotel. Not just another all-inclusive resort. But an agriturismo with character: 7 renovated rooms and apartments in the estate’s former cheese factory, a romantic park, a view of the Dolomites, and the warm welcome of the Miari Fulcis family—descendants of a lineage that has been rooted here for over six hundred years.

Valbelluna: The Forgotten Valley Between Venice and the Dolomites

When you think of the Dolomites, you think of Cortina d’Ampezzo—UNESCO-listed landscapes teeming with tourists, expensive après-ski, and crowded trails in the summer. The Valbelluna, the wide valley through which the Piave River flows on its way to the Adriatic Sea, is something entirely different. Here, medieval hamlets and Renaissance palazzos lie within walking distance of crystal-clear mountain streams. The mass tourist hasn’t arrived here yet. Nature, however, certainly has.

Belluno, the provincial capital, is a ten-minute drive away. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a three-quarter-hour drive away. Venice is fifty minutes away. This puts Villa di Modolo right at the crossroads of mountains and culture: ideal if you want to alternate between tackling high-altitude mountain trails and wandering through picturesque palazzos.

The Estate: Venetian grandeur in an Alpine valley

Villa di Modolo was built in the seventeenth century at the behest of the Miari family (who were granted the title of count by imperial decree of Emperor Sigismund in 1412). The main building was completed in its current form in 1806 by architect Andrea Miari, featuring the typical Ionic and Corinthian half-columns of the Venetian villa tradition. The family chapel, dedicated to Saint Lawrence, overlooks the small square in front of the entrance.

Today, the estate lives on thanks to the family’s new generations. Francesco and his sons have converted the former Latteria (the dairy shop from the 1920s) into charming rooms and apartments, preserving its authentic character: wooden beams, rustic details, and panoramic views of the Dolomites. Villa di Modolo is part of the “Ville Venete” and “Ville Castello dimore,” cultural heritage sites of the region and of Italy.

Rooms and Apartments: The Latteria’s Character

The guest rooms at Villa di Modolo are housed in the renovated Latteria, the estate’s former dairy building. The combination of rustic elements (rough stone, wood, high ceilings) with contemporary design makes these spaces unique. Breakfast is included.

“Latteria” Apartment

Accommodates 2 guests (plus a sofa bed). Bedroom with a double bed or two twin beds, living room with a kitchenette, and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower. Direct access to the courtyard with views of Valbelluna and the surrounding mountains. Breakfast available upon request (prepared with local products), delivered directly to the apartment.

“Dolomia” Apartment

An exclusive 66 m² designer loft for 2 people, with the Dolomites as a permanent backdrop. Fully equipped, with contemporary furnishings, and offering all the privacy you’d expect from a special stay.

Rooms ‘Latteria 2 through 5’

From Basic to Comfort Plus: 4 room types for couples or solo travelers, each with the distinctive charm of the historic Latteria. Rooms 2 and 5 are particularly popular with couples.

“Venezia” Room

The house’s Superior Room: 37 m², 1st floor, panoramic balcony with a view. Exclusive design, named after the Republic of Venice, which held sway over this region for centuries.

Garden with a view

If you visit Villa di Modolo, sooner or later you’ll be drawn to the garden. The romantic park behind the main building invites you to relax: a late 17th-century pavilion, the remains of an old fountain, and lush vegetation. Here, you’ll gradually be brought back to a more unhurried pace.

After a day of hiking or biking, the terrace overlooking the mountains awaits: a spot with a view you won’t find anywhere else. The Dolomites in all their rugged beauty, glowing in the late afternoon light. Massages can be booked upon request.

Exploring the Dolomites from Belluno

From Villa di Modolo, you can quickly find yourself deep in the Dolomites. Here are a few highlights:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo (1 hour and 15 min): the beating heart of the Dolomites, with spectacular hiking and mountain trails
• Nevegal: the local ski resort, a 15-minute drive away, which is also popular in the summer with hikers who have a cable car ticket
• Alta Via delle Dolomiti No. 1: a multi-day hiking trail that starts in Belluno and runs right through the Dolomites
• Lago di Santa Croce: an azure-blue mountain lake just 25 minutes away, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and kitesurfing
• Agordo (25 min): gateway to the Agordino, one of the region’s most beautiful and remote valleys
• All of the art cities in Veneto are within a 2-hour drive: Venice is 50 minutes away, Vicenza is 1.5 hours away, and Padua and Verona are 2 hours away

Bicycles are available for rent on the estate itself, so you can explore Valbelluna at your own pace. And if you’re looking for a little more adventure, there’s a climbing and ropes course on the grounds.

From Cheese Factory to Family Estate: The History of Villa di Modolo

The Miari family (later Miari Fulcis) has left its mark on every corner of this estate. From the sundials on the facade to the vaults in the cellar bearing the inscription 1644. From the family chapel to the coach house, which now welcomes guests as an agriturismo.

The farm that was associated with the villa for many years—from dairy production to organic livestock farming—has given way to a new generation that combines hospitality, art, and agriculture. Breakfast is sourced from small, local suppliers.

Guests particularly praise the friendliness and personal attention, the cleanliness of the rooms, and the peaceful location near the Dolomites.