La Residenza dello Scoiattolo is in the middle of the Anzasca Valley, little more than 10km from Macugnaga, on the slopes of Monte Rosa. Perfect for skiers in winter and for mountain walkers (or simply nature loving people) in summer, this is a lovely part of the world, where Italy meets Switzerland.

The B&B provides friendly, comfortable accommodation. Set away from other houses, the lodge is nonetheless close to the village, providing a winning mix of privacy and convenience. The owners are on hand to help with any questions or needs, and the accommodation provides a charming, relaxing and very beautiful holiday base in Italy.

The two-storey villa sits within its own garden, enveloped by a huge wisteria, and with the woods nearby. The first floor is entirely given over to the Bed & Breakfast: there are 2 bedrooms, 1 double room with a wide terrace with a view on Monte Rosa, and 1 single room. In addition, there is a bathroom exclusively for the use of the B&B, a passage room and a second, wider solarium terrace at the back of the house.

A generous and varied Continental Breakfast is served downstairs each morning, by the fireplace in the sitting room. On this floor you will find the kitchen and a second bathroom with shower to be shared with the owners. The house has a distinctly Alpine feel, with the wood cladding of the building complemented by wooden walls, floors and ceilings, with wooden beams to complete the mountain ambience. The owners speak French and English. The double room is EURO €55 a night, the single room €40. For short stays the price is €55 per night in double room. All prices are per room and include breakfast.

Anzasca Valley itself is located on the eastern slopes of the Monte Rosa massif, the widest and highest in the Alps, an immense cathedral of ice and rock, rising to 4635m in height. This is a haven for walkers and climbers and for winter sports. Alpine and cross country skiing is popular here, as is ice skating, telemark skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing.

A feature of the place is the Walser Community, who still keep alive their ancient culture and language. They originated in German-speaking Switzerland and the dialect and folklore is lovingly preserved by the inhabitants of Macugnaga. This area of Valesia is peppered with villages founded by religious sects from the Swiss Valais (Walser) who came here in the 13th century seeking sanctuary and the freedom to worship. As well as hearing people in the shops speaking a language frozen in time, and based on Old German, you can see how these isolated hamlets work and lived by visiting the Walser Museum, in the village of Pedemonte.

Also worth visiting at Staffa in the valley, you can find an ancient lime tree dating back to the 13th Century. There is also the La Guia gold mine at Borca. The mine no longer worked, but was once the most prolific in Italy and there are guided tours.