Ticino | Family stays, Silence & space, Pet-friendly, Groups & workshops
The Root – above lake Maggiore
“A spacious, light-filled stay above Lake Maggiore, with a panoramic window, a proper kitchen and the quieter side of Ticino just outside.”
The Root sits on the quieter Gambarogno side of Lake Maggiore, where the forest begins behind the house and Locarno lies across the water. Inside, the 60 m² suite feels unusually generous: a separate place to sleep, a large living room and a kitchen you can actually cook in.
The room turns towards one thing – the view. A panoramic window looks across the lake to the Maggia Delta and the mountains beyond. There is no private terrace here, and somehow that matters less than you might expect. This is the kind of place where breakfast can easily run late, the weather over the lake keeps changing, and staying in feels like a plan rather than a compromise.
Where you'll sleep
The sleeping area is separate from the main living space and has one double bed. Two armchairs in the living room can be converted into single beds, bringing the total capacity to four.
Details that matter
Family-friendly
- The Root works very well for a small family because you do not have to squeeze everyday life into a single room. There is a separate sleeping area, a large living space and a fully equipped kitchen, while the two armchairs can become additional beds for children. Cots are also available on request.
- There is plenty of room to stay in for breakfast or dinner rather than organising every meal around a restaurant – something that matters more with children than most accommodation descriptions admit.
Silence & space
- Piazzogna is close enough for the everyday things, but far enough from the busier side of Lake Maggiore to feel properly quiet. At Habitat, the green around the dwellings gives way almost directly to forest, with the village above and the lake below.
- The Gambarogno Riviera has largely stayed outside mass tourism. It is a place of small villages, wooded paths and long views across the water – better explored without too much of a plan, and without much hurry.
Pet-friendly
- Dogs are welcome at The Root, which makes the surrounding forest paths and quieter side of Lake Maggiore particularly easy to enjoy together. Let the hosts know in advance that you are travelling with your dog, so they can prepare the stay accordingly.
Groups & workshops
- The Root can also work as a shared space for small workshops, retreats, yoga or meditation sessions, cooking classes and dinners, with room for around 10–12 people.
- If you are planning a group stay, workshop or event, please send a request before booking. The host will confirm what is possible depending on the size of the group, accommodation needs and how you would like to use the space.
The space
- The Root is a 60m² space with a separate sleeping area and a generous living room built around a large kitchen island. A wide panoramic window looks across Lake Maggiore towards the Verzasca Valley, Locarno and the Maggia Delta.
- The architecture of Habitat is deliberately simple. Natural materials, clean forms and references to traditional Ticino architecture allow the buildings to sit quietly within the landscape rather than compete with it.
- Habitat was designed around the existing hillside rather than built over it. The architects worked with the slope and vegetation, keeping as much of the original landscape as possible.
- The Root has no private terrace or hot tub. Its wide panoramic window keeps the lake and mountains close from inside.
Outdoors & surroundings
Habitat sits above Lake Maggiore in Piazzogna, on the quieter Gambarogno side of the water. The forest begins just behind the property, while the village is close enough to reach on foot. There is a small shop about 150 metres away; for restaurants and larger shops, you continue through Gambarogno.
Beside The Root, a short Energy Trail leads into the landscape. Five stops along the way are dedicated to earth, water, air, fire and ether, with places to pause, meditate or simply sit for a while.
This side of the lake is less about ticking off sights. Paths connect small villages, the lake is below and the mountains rise behind them. Compared with Locarno and Ascona across the water, Gambarogno feels noticeably quieter – a good place to walk, stop for lunch and not plan too much.
What do we offer?
- Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, an in-room safe, bed linen and towels are all included.
- The Root has panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
- The fully equipped kitchen includes two induction hobs, a combination oven, refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher, Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities.
- The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer, and complimentary bathroom and kitchen essentials are provided.
- Free private parking is available, with charging facilities for electric cars and e-bikes.
- Guests have access to Habitat’s 24-hour self-service shop, stocked with local products.
- Breakfast can be delivered directly to your room on request. It currently costs CHF 25 per person and is based around fresh, local products.
- Room delivery and catering can also be ordered, with food prepared using ingredients from the region.
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Bathroom
The Root has its own private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and hairdryer. Towels and bathroom essentials are provided as well.
How do I get there?
Public transport
For somewhere this close to the forest, arriving without a car is surprisingly easy.
From Zürich HB, the journey is typically around 2 hours 30 minutes. From Milan Malpensa Airport, allow around 2 hours 50 minutes by public transport. Once you arrive at the Cadenazzo FFS station, take the Auto Postale Line B 350 towards 'Dirinella, Confine' and get off at the 'Magadino-Vira, Stazione' stop. From there, take Line B 330 towards Gerra (Gambarogno) and get off at the 'Piazzogna - Paese' stop. Habitat is located about 100 meters from the stop, continuing towards Monte Gambarogno.
Car
Each Habitat dwelling has its own free guest parking space, and charging is available for electric cars and e-bikes.
Worth knowing before you arrive: Habitat is built into the hillside rather than around a conventional hotel car park. Outdoor paths, steps and changes in level connect the different dwellings, and there are no lifts. Across the property, the furthest accommodation is around 100 metres from the parking area, with approximately 25 metres of elevation gain.
Guest access
To reach Habitat accommodations, you’ll need to climb a few steps – the distance from the parking area to the last unit is approximately 100 meters (with a 25-meter elevation gain).
A note from the host
There is no need to fill every day here. Part of the idea behind Habitat is to slow down enough to notice the place itself – the forest, the stream, the changing light and the lake below.
If you feel like walking, follow the Energy Trail into the woods. If not, staying still for a while is very much part of the point.
House rules
Check-in: from 15:00
Check-out: by 11:00
Travelling with a pet?
Dogs are welcome on request and with prior approval from Habitat. An additional fee applies, so please let the hosts know before booking.
Planning a workshop or group stay?
Send a request before booking. The hosts will confirm what is possible depending on the size of your group, accommodation needs and how you would like to use the space.
Smoking is not permitted inside the accommodation.
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