Almost by accident we found this really delightful hotel in the small, picturesque town of Rocchetta Tanaro, near Asti in Piemont, Italy. The Fattoria Roceta is locted next to the church in the old stables of the local castle. It has obviously only been recently renovated (and painted in terracotta tones), now featuring a handful of simple, but tastefully decorated rooms. Our was huge, featured open beams under a high ceiling, a new double bed, a clean, cool shower room with everything one expects, TV, mini-bar. The guy at the reception didn't speak a word of English or German or French, but did make every effort - and served us a wine at 23.30 in the huge courtyard. Breakfast was very okay for Italian standards.
We used the Fattoria as a stop-over point on our way from Germany to Tuscany and will do again. Rocchetta is a quiet place with a bit of atmosphere - well: almost quiet. The bells of the church tower ring every quarter of an hour, and on Saturday morning there seems to be a service. And there is, in walking distance from the hotel, a whole market square full of restaurants and wine bars.