Interior design retreats in Italy

Come to my house in Piemonte for a long weekend of interior design workshops, fabulous food – and a look at this elegant and fascinating region, including the famous vintage markets of Turin.

SOLD OUT FOR 2024.

I am now registering interest for 2025 for either the long (four nights) or shorter (three nights) retreats so do contact me on the email at the end of this post if you would like to be added to the contact list when the dates are released.

As subscribers and regular readers may know, I have recently finished renovating a historic house in Piemonte, northern Italy, and from September 2024 I will be running interior design retreats and workshops at the house – in a lovely hilltop village just outside Turin – modern Italy’s original capital city. I am so looking forward to meeting you here.

The retreats will take place over a long weekend and places are limited to 15 people. Both experiences include a voucher for a 1:1 30 minute design consultation with me to take place after the retreat when you have had time to absorb everything you have learned.

Having co-hosted design retreats previously ( in Marrakech and Milan and Venice) I know that one of the highlights for guests has been the chance to spend time with like-minded people and chat all things interiors in beautiful surroundings.

Thank you for showing us round, for being a superb hostess and for making this retreat the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people. This was by the far the best of the trips I have been on and I can’t recommend it enough. LOLLY

Previous attendees have made friends for life. Some have even changed careers and found a more creative outlet as a result. If you fancy meeting new people and learning more about how to make the best of your home (or someone else’s!) then read on.

Here are some details of the itinerary…

The short retreat starts with drinks on Friday evening and ends after dinner on Sunday with you free to continue your onward journeys after breakfast on Monday. May I suggest if you are able to come early on Friday and leave late on Monday that you can make the most of the city of Turin and take some time to explore. I can give you a list of suggestions of places to eat, drink and visit.

Who knew learning could be so much fun? LORRAINE

There will be three workshops including one expert guest speaker.

All accommodations, on the ground transport, food and drink is included. Once you arrive you will only have to put your hand in your pocket for your own shopping.

The longer version starts on the Friday and ends after breakfast on Tuesday. There will be four workshops, two guest speakers and pizzas in the historic pizza oven at my house.

A truly memorable trip, filled with inspiration both from the beautiful house and the inspiring expert-led workshops that took place over the weekend. We were so well looked-after and Kate was a wonderful host, not just at the house itself but also in Turin itself, ensuring we had some amazing meals and of course introducing us to the vintage market which was exceptional. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the retreat for anyone with a love of interiors. PENNY

Both events include a trip to the vintage market of Turin, which claims to be the largest open air flea market in Europe and where you can browse antique furniture stores as well as stalls selling everything from ceramics by Gio Ponti, Alessi kettles and Moka pots.

You will stay at a landmark, design-focused hotel, where we will welcome you with aperitivi and dinner – and you can enjoy spectacular views over the city and across to the Alps! You will also be able to visit the private art collection of the Agnelli family which includes Matisse, Canaletto and Picasso (and it’s always quiet so it’s a real treat to see them up close).

The hotel is opposite the original Eataly where you can shop for all the Italian food treats for which Piemonte is famous - Bicerin, Giandiuotto chocolates, Barolo wine and so much more. The headquarters of Ferrero Rocher, Nutella and Campari are all based here.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• A full tour of all 24 rooms of the house with a chance to ask all the questions

• A styling workshop with an expert guest speaker

• A colour workshop with an expert guest speaker

• Dinner at rooftop restaurant from the Michelin Guide

• Lunch at a local village trattoria

• A stroll round the vintage market

• An informal Q&A session with me

• Pizzas in my tavernetta

The cost includes your private hotel room, all food & drink, transport and incidentals. In fact, all you need to do is organise travel to Turin from wherever you are in the world. (Turin Caselle airport is just 35 minutes from your hotel. Milan Malpensa is a little further, but an easy transfer by road or rail). 

Thank you for such a wonderful time - it felt so personal and special and we were able to see Turin like locals.. I loved your beautiful home and the content presented at the workshops. It was great to meet such inspiring, and like-minded, ladies. MAJA

Once you have finished breakfast the cars will be waiting for you to take you to the day’s destination where everything has been arranged to give you the most relaxing weekend among like-minded people.

We are currently planning dates for next year 2025. At the moment we are thinking of three weekends which will be based around the second Sundays in June, September and October. Currently we are planning the longer retreats in June and September with a shorter version in October.

What an incredibly special few days. I have been inspired and learnt so much with this fabulous group of people. The energy of like-minded people brought together was truly special. CLAIRE

That way you can give yourself a treat before the long summer holiday, or perhaps a moment to yourself at the end of the long summer holiday or a cheeky treat before winter starts.

Let me know if you are interested in attending. You can email me on kate@madaboutthehouse.com and I will then be in touch with further details. Let me know which month(s) you would prefer which will help with me the planning.

Loved every minute and I urge anyone to go. It was simply the best. JO

The cost for the longer retreat is £3,750 and for the shorter it’s £2,750. A reminder that this includes a 30 minute 1:1 consultation with me and all your expenses are covered apart from flights and airport transfers.

I can’t wait to welcome you to my house in Italy.

the top floor salotto where workshops will take place

I’m inspired and full of renewed confidence after seeing the house and participating in the whole wonderful weekend - a brilliant mix of learning and enjoying. Thank you to everyone for being so open and sharing ideas and encouragement. VICKI