A story that began with art — and trust
Stone Oven House was born out of a journey — one that began with the idea that art could be exchanged for life’s essentials. In 2010, artist Sergei Balovin launched the “In Kind Exchange” project: instead of selling his artworks, he began offering them in exchange for food, shelter, or services. What started as a simple gesture evolved into a global artistic and human experience — a journey across continents, during which Sergei was welcomed into homes of people from all walks of life.
When Claudia Beccato joined the project, bringing her background in gastronomic publishing and her love for cultural hospitality, the journey deepened. Together they travelled, absorbing traditions, ways of living, and the many forms of generosity that connect people. The idea of creating a home for others — a space for exchange, inspiration, and shared experience — took shape long before Italy appeared on the horizon. But it was here, in the Val Pellice valley, that everything came together.
Every journey has a destination — ours became a home for many
They were offered the chance to take care of an old stone house in exchange for helping restore it — not with money, but with time, effort, and creativity. That first gesture of trust marked the beginning of a deeper bond with this place. A year later, they fell in love with the valley and the way of life it offered. A neighbouring house — abandoned and overgrown — went up for sale. That was the moment to commit. They bought it, moved in, and started building something from the ground up — together. Not just a house, but a home for others, too.
A home built from memory and mountain stone.
There is a place in the hills of Val Pellice—above the village of Rorà—where time layers itself, where stones tell more than one story. The hillside once hosted the Church of San Nicolaus (San Nicolao), a medieval church built in the 13th–14th century and repeatedly rebuilt over time. After the Valleys’ historic conflicts, when the Waldensian communities reclaimed the land and the Catholic clergy withdrew, the church fell into disuse. Many locals believe that the church was dismantled, and its very stones helped build the house now standing here.
The estate became the home of the Pavarin family, and was known locally as Vernaréa. For generations, the thick stone walls, heavy wooden beams, vaulted cellars, and old bread oven testified to a life rooted in the valley: animals on the lower level, grain drying in the loft, seasons measured by harvests and hearths.
In the mid‑20th century, during the darkest days of war, the house once again became part of a deeper story. From 1943 to 1945, the renowned sculptor Roberto Terracini — a Jewish artist from Turin — found refuge here under a false name, sheltered by the Pavarin family. The villagers played an active role in the resistance, helping partisans and offering sanctuary to families fleeing racial persecution and urban bombardments.
While living in the house, Terracini created a series of poignant drawings portraying village life — local residents, rural scenes, and the partisans who found shelter in the valley. Today, several of these works can be discovered in a dedicated corner of Stone Oven House, offering a glimpse into that difficult yet resilient time.
Тhe house continues its evolution. The original stones know the echo of prayers, the quiet hum of farm life, the whispers of hidden artists in wartime—and now host new voices: creatives, travelers, and dreamers. In recent times, during the first year of the war in Ukraine, this home also welcomed Ukrainian refugees, offering them shelter, dignity, and peace amidst uncertainty. It remains not a museum, but a living space where the past is held with care and the present breathes with possibility.
A valley shaped by those who chose freedom
Tucked into the foothills of the Cottian Alps, the small village of Rorà sits on a sunny slope in the Val Pellice, a remote and beautiful valley in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Though seemingly modest and quiet, this valley holds centuries of rich, complex, and often dramatic history. It is the heartland of the Waldensian movement—one of the oldest surviving non-Catholic Christian traditions in Europe—and a land where stories of resistance, faith, resilience, and coexistence are carved into every stone.
Long before the Protestant Reformation, a merchant from Lyon named Peter Waldo gave away his wealth to preach a simple life rooted in the Gospel. His followers, later known as the Waldensians (or Valdesi), rejected the Church’s power and luxury — and were branded heretics.
Forced into hiding, they found refuge in the high valleys of the Western Alps, including Val Pellice. Here they survived centuries of persecution: massacres, exile, forced conversions. But they never gave up. In 1848, after relentless resistance and international support, they were finally granted civil and religious freedom.
Today, the Waldensian Church is still at the heart of the valley’s identity. Small in number but strong in values, the community remains committed to social justice, education, and openness. Their legacy of resilience and humility continues to shape the spirit of Val Pellice.
Where the road ends, Rorà begins
Rorà, the village where Stone Oven House is located, is one of the oldest Waldensian settlements in the valley. Built from local stone, surrounded by forests, pastures, and ancient chestnut trees, it feels timeless. Its modest size (only a few hundred residents) belies a strong sense of community and history.
In the past, Rorà was known for its stone quarries—especially its unique white and grey pietra di Luserna—which were exported across Europe. Today, it has become a haven for artists, nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking silence, inspiration, and connection to something deeper. With no tourist crowds and no commercial distractions, Rorà offers an experience that is slow, authentic, and intimate.
The village is home to a small but vibrant population, including farmers, artisans, and cultural activists. It hosts historical reenactments, local festivals, art exhibitions, and open-air concerts, while also preserving a way of life that values craftsmanship, respect for nature, and meaningful human connection.
Yesterday left its mark — today welcomes you in
We see this place not only as a home, but as a quiet continuation of the valley’s cultural life. By preserving the soul of the old house — its architecture, its atmosphere, and its stories — we hope to honour its past while keeping it alive through what happens here today.
Every event we host, every conversation shared, every guest who crosses the threshold becomes part of this ongoing story. We’re grateful that the way the house is built encourages connection — between people, ideas, and generations. We’d be happy to welcome you next.
