In June 2022, Charme Hotel al Torchio opened its doors in the centre of Ascona, in Via Borgo, opposite the Municipal Museum of Modern Art. Dating back to the end of the Middle Ages, from the 19th century onwards the building had an agri-commercial character: from the straw hat factory to Ettore Sasselli's pasta factory, then from 1924 to 1994 as Naretto's grocery shop, a vocation continued by Cattaneo and Banfi. At the back, the courtyard hosted the Osteria Sasselli for a long time, until the opening of restaurant al Torchio in the 1960s.
The name derives from the presence, in addition to a water well, of a large wine press dating from the early 19th century, which was originally located in the inner courtyard and has now been moved to the underground cellar.
The meticulous renovation process of this ancient building, designed by Vannini and Pelfini’s studio, lasted four years and cost five million Swiss francs to create a modern three-star-superior hotel that wisely respects its tradition, highlighting the exposed walls, a wonderful alleyway with an arch, and the rooms furnished with refined taste and recycled materials (such as the doors and the stone) that make this place romantic and exclusive, thanks to its unique style.
23 rooms and suites of different categories for up to six people, spread over two floors, in which the search for functionality and intimacy is surrounded by a magical atmosphere that sweeps over the roofs of Ascona. The large inner courtyard, used as a terrace for events, breaks and pleasant moments, serves as an amphitheatre for a two-storey loggia which also houses a multifunctional room for banquets and private parties. On the ground floor, the bar and restaurant can accommodate 50 people inside and out.
Everything to satisfy our multicultural and confederate clientele, Locarnese and Ticinese guests looking for a charming and relaxing corner in Ascona, enjoying exclusive flavours and emotions.
Charme Hotel al Torchio is an asset, thanks to the courage and determination of Piergiorgio Nessi, the owner and creator of this initiative, of which he can be proud: during these years of careful restoration, he has expressed all his enthusiasm, good taste and imagination, for a resounding success!
Fonte fotografica: Archiv Ferien-Journal
The complete redevelopment of the entire structure took place between the years 2018 and 2022, intervening on walls steeped in history and rich in architectural elements of considerable value. Specifically, the spaces within the existing volumes were revisited by adapting and transforming - with correct redevelopment -the improper volumes into clean volumes contiguous to the existing buildings.
A minimalist style renovation, aimed at preserving the important historical- architectural aspect of the building. The works were carefully carried out by the architectural firm Pelfini-Vannini located in Locarno, and the total cost exceeded 6 million Swiss francs. The obvious technical, logistical and planning difficulties, added to those caused by the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately slowed down the time initially planned for the construction of the hotel.
