Inside Villa Hosszu: The People and Principles Behind the Retreat

Villa Hosszu began with a simple observation: the countryside around Marathahalli deserved a place where guests could slow down without losing comfort. We are a small team of local hosts, cooks, and trail guides who believe a weekend away should feel personal, not transactional. Every stay is shaped by the same quiet principles, seasonal produce, unhurried mornings, and hospitality that anticipates rather than interrupts.

From a single farmhouse to a curated retreat network

2016 — The first villa opens

We restored a neglected farmhouse on the edge of Marathahalli, keeping the original stone walls and adding simple, comfortable rooms. The first guests arrived in late autumn, drawn by the quiet and the view over the valley.

2018 — Farm partnerships begin

Instead of building a restaurant, we started working with three local farms. They supply seasonal vegetables, dairy, and grains for guest meals, and we began offering orchard visits as part of the stay.

2020 — Wellness programme takes shape

A local yoga teacher began leading morning sessions on the lawn, and we added a small sauna near the stream. Forest bathing walks, guided by a naturalist, became a regular part of the weekend calendar.

2022 — Second property joins the collection

We opened a second villa, a smaller stone cottage two kilometres away, for couples and solo travellers. It has its own garden and a private trail leading down to the river.

2024 — Curated itineraries launch

Guests can now book a full weekend plan: a farm lunch, a pottery workshop in the nearby village, a guided night walk, and a slow breakfast on the terrace. Everything is arranged by our small on-site team.

2025 — The retreat grows, slowly

We are renovating a third property, an old granary with high ceilings and thick walls, set to open next spring. It will host small group retreats and longer stays for those who want to truly disconnect.

Nine years of building a place where guests can slow down, eat well, and walk into the woods without a plan.

How Villa Hosszu Grew Into a Quiet Countryside Retreat

From a single farmhouse to a curated stay experience, the journey has been shaped by slow decisions, local partnerships, and a clear idea of what a weekend away should feel like.

2016: The First Farmhouse

We started with one restored farmhouse on the edge of a forest, hosting a handful of guests each month. The early feedback was simple: people wanted fewer distractions and more time outdoors. That shaped everything that followed.

2018: Building Local Ties

Instead of expanding quickly, we spent a season working with nearby farmers and cooks. This led to our farm-to-table dinners, where most ingredients come from within a few kilometres of the villa. The menu changes with what the land offers.

2020: A Slower Pace, On Purpose

When travel paused, we used the time to rethink the guest experience. We added guided nature trails, introduced wellness sessions on the lawn, and made booking more flexible for short breaks. The villa became a place to reset, not just to sleep.

2022: Welcoming Families and Small Groups

We opened two more cottages and began tailoring stays for families and small groups. The focus stayed on comfort: private dining, easy access to trails, and enough space for children to roam safely while adults unwind.

2024: A Recognised Weekend Escape

Today, Villa Hosszu hosts guests from across the region who come for the calm, the food, and the landscape. We still keep the guest list small, the itineraries personal, and the pace unhurried. That is the part we are most proud of.

Looking Ahead

We are now working on a seasonal calendar of cultural visits and harvest weekends, so returning guests always find something new. The goal remains the same: a memorable stay surrounded by nature, without the noise of a typical holiday.

Practical answers about booking, meals, and daily rhythm at the villa.

Questions guests often ask before arriving

How far in advance should we book a weekend stay?

For a standard Friday-to-Sunday break, we recommend reserving at least two to three weeks ahead. Long weekends and holiday periods fill faster, so a month of lead time gives us room to arrange the cottage you prefer and confirm any guided walks or farm visits you want included.

Can you accommodate dietary preferences or allergies?

Yes. Our kitchen works with local farms and adjusts each menu around what guests can eat. Let us know about allergies, vegetarian preferences, or specific ingredients you avoid, and we will plan the meals accordingly. We usually confirm the week's menu with you a few days before arrival.

Are the nature trails suitable for children or older guests?

Most of the trails around the property are gentle and well-marked, with a few steeper sections on the longer loop. We can suggest a shorter route for families with young children or anyone who prefers a flat walk. A guided trail walk can also be arranged at a relaxed pace.

What is included in the stay besides the room?

Each booking includes a farm-to-table breakfast, access to the garden and common terrace, and a list of recommended local spots. Depending on the season, we also include a guided nature walk or a visit to a nearby farm. Wellness activities like yoga or the sauna can be added separately.

Is it possible to extend a stay or arrive midweek?

Yes, midweek arrivals are welcome and often quieter. If you want to stay longer than a weekend, we can arrange a custom itinerary with extra trail walks, cooking sessions, or simply more time to relax. Just mention your preferred dates when you enquire.

What should we bring for a countryside escape?

Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and a swimsuit if you plan to use the outdoor pool. We provide towels, toiletries, and basic kitchen essentials. For guided farm visits, closed-toe shoes are useful, and we will remind you before the activity.

Still have a specific question? Read more guest queries or contact us directly.

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