Casa Maria Luigia is a country estate near Modena owned by chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Originally an 18th-century villa that had fallen into disrepair, it was purchased at auction and restored over several years into a boutique hotel with a restaurant, an acetaia, and a collection of contemporary art. It sits about 20 minutes from Modena city centre, near the Modena Sud motorway exit.
The Transformation of the Villa
Bottura and Gilmore acquired the property at a court auction after several attempts, then invested in a full restoration. The result is a 12-room residence spread over three floors, with a standalone bungalow, tennis court, and swimming pool. Every part of the estate reflects their approach to art and hospitality: the interiors combine Gucci wallpaper and decorative mirrors with art installations by Andy Warhol and Doug Aitken. A listening room features a vintage LP collection and Alessandro Mendini’s iconic Proust armchair.
The Restaurant: Francescana at Maria Luigia
The on-site restaurant is headed by Canadian chef Jessica Rosval, a veteran of Bottura’s Osteria Francescana team. Where Osteria Francescana serves only newly created dishes that rotate twice a year, Francescana at Maria Luigia focuses on Bottura’s most celebrated dishes from across his career — a different proposition for those who want to eat the classics rather than the newest work. The tasting menu and wine pairing are available to non-residents but require booking well in advance.
Breakfast and Morning at the Estate
Breakfast draws on traditional Modenese farmhouse food: freshly baked bread and focaccia from a wood-fired oven, ricotta from local producers, and a selection of regional products including cotechino, erbazzone, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Beyond Food: Cars, Art, and the Acetaia
The estate also houses a playroom with a collection of limited edition Ferrari cars, vintage Ducatis, Maseratis, and Lamborghinis — a reflection of Bottura’s stated interest in slow food and fast cars. The adjoining acetaia holds over 1,200 barrels of aging traditional balsamic vinegar, some dating to the early 1900s. The contemporary art installations throughout the estate — Kehinde Wiley, Ingo Maurer, Davide Groppi — are covered in detail in our article on the art at Acetaia Maria Luigia.
Accommodation
Rooms are available across the main villa and the standalone bungalow. Prices vary considerably by room type — check directly with the estate for current rates. Casa Maria Luigia has become a regular choice for corporate events and private group dinners as well as individual stays.
Looking for an authentic food experience?
Join our Foodie's Delight Tour – Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar & cured meats in one unforgettable day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Casa Maria Luigia from Bologna?
Casa Maria Luigia is approximately 40 minutes from Bologna by car, located near the Modena Sud exit on the A1 motorway. It is about 20 minutes from Modena city centre.
Do you need to be a hotel guest to dine at the restaurant or visit the acetaia?
No. The restaurant and acetaia visits are available to non-residents. The restaurant requires advance booking regardless of whether you are staying at the hotel. Acetaia visits must also be arranged in advance.
What is the difference between Osteria Francescana and Francescana at Maria Luigia?
Osteria Francescana in Modena city centre serves only newly created dishes, updated twice yearly. Francescana at Maria Luigia focuses on Bottura’s iconic dishes from across his career — the menu celebrates the back catalogue rather than introducing new work. Both restaurants operate at a high level and require booking well in advance.
How many rooms does Casa Maria Luigia have?
The estate has 12 rooms across three floors, plus a standalone bungalow. The property also includes a tennis court and swimming pool.
Can you visit the acetaia at Casa Maria Luigia independently?
The acetaia is part of the Casa Maria Luigia estate and visits must be booked in advance. For a guided balsamic vinegar experience with transport from Bologna included, our balsamic vinegar tour in Modena visits a certified producer in a similar format.
Discover more from Emilia Delizia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.