La Casa dei Gelsi Panorama Lodge
Via Sceresa 2
6838 Scudellate
+41 91 684 11 36
info@lacasadeigelsi.ch
The vision behind Panorama Lodge “La Casa dei Gelsi” began in 2018, when the Zanini family decided to acquire a large building on the edge of the village of Scudellate, at the top of the Muggio Valley, to restore it as part of the Albergo Diffuso Monte Generoso development project.
Originally built in 1874 by the Cereghetti families, the house was inhabited by their descendants until 2018. In the late 19th century, rural families relied on terraced farming as their only agricultural resource to survive the harsh conditions of life in the valley. The property borders the former Swiss customs house and lies along the trail leading to the Italian border.
This path, especially during and after World War II, was travelled by many people transporting goods—and with them, stories of hardship and hope—giving Scudellate a modest yet meaningful role in this chapter of history.
At La Casa dei Gelsi – Panorama Lodge, every room is an experience of style and atmosphere—a space designed to envelop guests in refined, welcoming hospitality. Each room is named after the distinctive style that defines it, telling a unique story through curated details, fine materials, and a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.
The view opens out over the Muggio Valley, offering breathtaking panoramas that accompany every moment of the day—from sunrise to sunset. Natural light, warm tones, and the elegance of the furnishings create the ideal ambiance for those seeking relaxation, wellbeing, and a deep connection with nature.
Whether you're looking for a private retreat or an immersive experience in the heart of the region, the rooms at Casa dei Gelsi welcome you with the perfect balance of comfort, design, and authenticity.
The renovation of La Casa dei Gelsi was the result of a four-year effort by the Zanini family, aimed at bringing new life to a historic home in the Muggio Valley. The goal was clear: to preserve the home’s authentic character while addressing the structural complexities of the building.
For this reason, the work was only partially conservative. Wherever possible, original materials and proportions were maintained, while also integrating modern knowledge and needs. One of the house’s most distinctive elements—its exposed stone walls, crafted in the late 1800s by the Cereghetti brothers—has been meticulously restored and now stands out as one of the building’s most captivating interior features.
The exterior was also the focus of a careful restoration. The property opens onto a garden and terraced landscape, once used for farming and now rebuilt using local materials like Moltrasio stone and chestnut wood. The garden is home to five magnificent mulberry trees, an herb and vegetable garden, a large organic vineyard, and various native fruit trees. This is a place where family, land, and tradition converge with an eye to the future.
The lodge faces south, offering open views over the garden, terraces, and the surrounding valley and mountains. A stay at La Casa dei Gelsi promises well-being and a close connection with nature.
Guests are welcomed onto a natural panoramic terrace, where breakfasts and aperitifs are served in the shade of the beautiful mulberry trees that inspired the name of the lodge.
The terrace is also the perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxation, just steps away from the lush garden. For those who love reading, there is a dedicated quiet corner among the wildflowers, under the shade of another mulberry tree, overlooking the vineyard below.
In the evening, guests are invited to gather around the outdoor firepit, where they can share a pleasant conversation with the Zanini family, hear local stories, and experience the valley’s hospitality.
The small village of Scudellate lies in the Muggio Valley, within the Monte Generoso region, in Switzerland’s southernmost area, the Mendrisiotto. It is a region that has preserved its traditions and character over time, known for its authentic hospitality, a reflection of the local people’s welcoming spirit.
The Muggio Valley is a place steeped in rural history and customs, where traditions are still alive. Scudellate sits at the top of this stunning valley—a place where it’s easy to forget you are just a few kilometres from urban centres and major roads or railway lines.
This south-facing village, untouched by time, is immersed in a remarkable natural setting, offering peace, freedom, and a deep sense of connection to nature. Though few in number, the locals are open, spontaneous, and eager to share their daily lives with visitors.
The Monte Generoso region and the Muggio Valley offer a wild and authentic natural landscape. The village of Scudellate, situated at the end of the valley and at the foot of Monte Generoso, enjoys a privileged location with full sun exposure and unforgettable sunsets.
Scudellate is the ideal starting point for hikes to Bellavista, the summit of Monte Generoso, and Monte Bisbino, from which you can admire Lake Como and reach other remarkable destinations—including crossing the border into Valle d’Intelvi.
Hiking trails vary in difficulty level, so it's advisable to seek local information and come well-equipped.
Each season in Scudellate offers unique landscapes, colours, and sensations, all inviting visitors to slow down and reconnect with rural values and natural beauty.
The restoration of La Casa dei Gelsi also included the rehabilitation of ancient terraced plots, now home to the highest vineyard in the Canton of Ticino. Nestled against the rocky slope of Monte Generoso, the vineyard includes a large garden.
These terraces now host “Divona”, a resilient, organic white grape variety that requires no chemical treatments. The garden features native fruit trees and ten cherry trees, once so abundant in the area that they inspired the local dialect name of the street, Via Sceresa (“sceresa” means cherry).
Near the guest rooms on the first floor, a vegetable garden supplies fresh herbs, spices, and seasonal produce for the guests of Scudellate—another way the lodge connects with its land and enhances the experience of those who stay.
