In the heart of the Biellese Alps, surrounded by oak and chestnut forests on the Serra Morenica hill that gently descends towards Canavese, Paolo Quintini—known as Paul to his friends—has made his dream a reality. Not just any dream, but one of living fully immersed in nature, becoming part of a living ecosystem that breathes and regenerates every day. Thus, “Home Bed & Breakfast Una Casa nel Verde” was born in Magnano, a place that’s not just about offering hospitality, but also the culmination of a life project Paul built with patience, dedication, and love, alongside his family.
His story begins with a longing to leave behind the hustle of modern life and embrace a simpler, more authentic existence in tune with the rhythms of the earth and its seasons. From transforming an old barn into a cozy yoga space to welcoming a yurt all the way from Mongolia, every step Paul took was an act of faith towards a harmonious and sustainable way of living.
The result is a peaceful haven in the lush Biellese landscape, where travelers come seeking tranquility, wellness, and a deep connection to nature.
We interviewed Paul, and here’s what he shared with us.
Interview with Paul from Home B&B Casa nel Verde in Magnano
How did “Home B&B Una Casa nel Verde” come about?
Home Bed and Breakfast was born from a dream: to live in nature and experience it every day, to be part of it, share its gifts, and participate in the great miracle that renews itself daily.
Step by step, the hOMe Anahata project took shape: a life dedicated to nature, yoga, and self-discovery. It led us to this small town nestled in the hills, Magnano, a place surrounded by greenery, where we dedicate time to practicing yoga and inner exploration.
We worked intensely for a year, organizing self-construction workshops using straw and raw earth, dug right from behind the house. We transformed a barn into a warm and welcoming space where we could practice and share moments of joy and peace.
We then created a synergistic vegetable garden for our needs and embarked on a New Life.
Next came a yurt from Mongolia, which we set up in the woods near our farmhouse, dedicating it to meditation and experiential workshops. Finally, we opened our latest addition: the Bed & Breakfast, to welcome guests and travelers exploring the Biellese region.
What eco-sustainable and community-supportive practices have you adopted?
We try to live in harmony with the rhythms and seasons of the Earth. We’re fortunate to have as neighbors an elderly couple of farmers who, over the years, have maintained the landscape for animal grazing. They also delight us with butter and cheese reminiscent of a bygone era. We heat our home and produce hot water using wood we gather from our land, helping to care for the forest, a living element that requires attention to preserve its wild beauty.
The products we offer to our guests are local, organic, and sustainable: sourdough bread, local jams, and ecological soaps to provide a healthy and natural welcome.
For several years now, we’ve been part of the SlowFood network with the Slow Land Montagne Biellesi project.
What do your guests appreciate most?
Our guests often express their deep appreciation for the landscape that surrounds us. We are nestled in green meadows yet easily accessible by a road that winds through the wooded hills from Biella to Ivrea.
Once they arrive, guests can walk along gentle trails, savoring the scents of nature and listening to the silence at any time of day.
The B&B’s spaces have been carefully curated to offer moments of rest and self-care, whether admiring the landscape from the wooden terrace overlooking the pastures, enjoying a rejuvenating sauna, or strolling peacefully without a care in the world.
What itineraries and experiences should visitors not miss?
The Biellese territory is incredibly varied. The hills around us offer many routes for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, through oak and chestnut forests that cover a vast area extending towards the Canavese region and Ivrea.
Nearby, we have some small yet picturesque glacial lakes: Lake Sirio, with an easy loop trail that crosses the “dancing lands,” and Lake Viverone, offering panoramic views of the Biellese mountains and, further away, those of the Aosta Valley.
The Burcina Nature Reserve, created in the early 1900s, is a pre-mountain ecosystem home to an extraordinary variety of botanical species. It’s also an ideal spot for birdwatching and enjoying wonderful walks in a unique environment.
Towards Biella, the terrain becomes more mountainous, with challenging treks climbing the pre-Alpine slopes and leading to high-altitude refuges, extending as far as the Aosta Valley or offering views of Valsesia.
Just a short distance from Magnano, there are several adventure parks where both adults and children can test themselves on climbing courses and adventurous descents among trees and aerial platforms. Further toward the Aosta Valley, but still in Piedmont, there is a renowned and well-loved climbing wall, even equipped for children.
In recent years, many of our guests have taken the Cammino di Oropa, a route that starts from the plains and, over three days, reaches the Sanctuary of Oropa at over 1,000 meters. This slow-travel path has gained immense popularity and offers the chance to explore the diverse Biellese landscape.
What does being part of Ecobnb mean to you?
Being part of Ecobnb means belonging to a community of people who share our dreams of a Natural Life and caring for the Earth. It’s a way to introduce and promote the beauty of our territory while fostering a green and sustainable form of tourism, one that values the slowness and wonder of Nature.
Conclusion
Thank you, Paul, for the interview! Your story embodies the courage and determination of someone who has transformed a dream into reality, and you’ve shared it with everyone willing to experience it.
“Home B&B Una Casa Nel Verde” is not just a physical retreat, but a space that embodies the essence of a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the surrounding environment. Every guest who visits becomes part of this dream: from walks in the woods to breakfasts made with local products, to the tranquility of the yurt in the forest.
Paul’s dedication has turned Magnano into a destination worth exploring, both for its natural beauty and its ability to refresh the soul.
If you’re looking for a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover yourself, Paul and his Home Bed & Breakfast are ready to welcome you—because every dream needs to be shared in order to keep living!
