A Cozy Chalet For Two Brings An Old Chestnut Drying Room Back To Life

Once upon a time there was a chestnut drying room sitting is a corner of the Stura Valley in Moiola, Italy. The location was beautiful, with magnificent views of the Alps and wild landscape all around. That old chestnut drying room is no longer there but in its place is now a cozy little chalet called Lou Estela. It’s a charming B&B completely in 2021 and design by architects Dario Castellino and Valeria Cottino.

The chalet overlooks the slopes and mountains that border the Stura Valley
The chalet overlooks the slopes and mountains that border the Stura Valley

The chalet is a perfect retreat for couples, being small, secluded but still so very in touch with nature and its surroundings. Here in the valley the ambiance is tranquil but also very exciting thanks everything that surrounds it. Taking advantage of this gorgeous panorama was one of the main objectives which the architects stuck to till the end.

The large panoramic window exposes the living area to the magnificent landscape
The large panoramic window exposes the living area to the magnificent landscape

The idea was to transform the original structure and to add more elements to it. What used to be the old chestnut drying room is now a very inviting and cozy bedroom. It has textured stone walls, wood logs and ambient lighting for warmth and character. A large window carved into the exterior wall opens it up to the majestic views. 

The new modules mimic the style and shape of the original building
The new modules mimic the style and shape of the original building
The gabled roof of the living area retains the same shape and style as the roof of the old structure
The gabled roof of the living area retains the same shape and style as the roof of the old structure

In addition to the bedroom there’s also a very welcoming living area, a kitchenette and a bathroom. These have a more modern appearance but maintain the same cozy vibe as the bedroom. The wood-clad walls and gabled roof create a very warmth and comfy atmosphere and also help the new sections of the build blend in with the landscape and with the original building. Other elements like the panoramic window add a contemporary vibe to this little chalet for two.

The new modules are entirely clad in locally-sourced wood
The new modules are entirely clad in locally-sourced wood
The chalet is a beautiful blend of old and new and its design celebrates this contrast
The chalet is a beautiful blend of old and new and its design celebrates this contrast
The living room has a cozy little sitting area in front of the window
The living room has a cozy little sitting area in front of the window
The tiny kitchenette is complemented by a dining setup for two
The tiny kitchenette is complemented by a dining setup for two
The interior walls and ceiling is covered in wood, mimicking the exterior of the building
The interior walls and ceiling is covered in wood, mimicking the exterior of the building
The bright and open living area contrasts with the bedroom which is quite dark
The bright and open living area contrasts with the bedroom which is quite dark
The warmth of the wood is replaced in the bedroom by the beautiful texture of the stone
The warmth of the wood is replaced in the bedroom by the beautiful texture of the stone
The bathroom is small but cozy and stylish thanks to the materials used in its design
The bathroom is small but cozy and stylish thanks to the materials used in its design