The country lodge stands on the limit of an erosion cliff of the Ticino River in Cameri territory. The events of this residence date back to the 16th century, when – as we learn from a paper – the lands around “Picchetta” were assigned as reward for war services to the Cid family, native to Zaragoza but living in Milan. They undertook many land reclamation works and enlarged the building itself, until it was devolved to the Jesuits of Novara until 1773, when the Religious order was abolished. During this period the management of the property was assigned to privates, through leaseholds proved by contracts. We read from papers that the “Palatium Pichette” was surrounded by blooming garden spotted with fruit trees. There were several rooms, fireplaces, well, cattle-shed and wine-fermentation room. The whole property, after having been escheated by the Royal Property, was acquired by the marquis Pietro Antonio Natta d’Alfiano. From this period on, the inner structure underwent important changes: they built up the octagonal hall and the towering dome, whose vault, rich in 19th-century wall-paintings in manneristic style, shows fauns, music players, amphorae on rich pedestals, winged monsters, garlands The several wall-paintings once covering the outer walls date back to the 18th century. They included slightly perspective picturesque images in false relief, sundials, ball clocks, coats of arms, today scarcely readable. A plan of the villa of 1855, kept at the State Archives of Novara, gives a precise witness on the structure of the surrounding garden. In fact, we can see that the part of the garden placed in the east side appears to be designed with geometrically regular flower-beds, enriched with a basin functioning as water-tank, and with an important stairway with three flights of steps. The south part is large and fenced, with a basin and an elegant entrance portal. The north part – today lost because of the cession of this complex wing to other property – widens forming a square area with a fountain in the centre. The recovery works of the historical garden of Villa Picchetta dates 2005. They have been carried out respectful of the original style by talented designers, thanks to the ancient papers above. Villa Picchetta became property of the Ente Parco Naturale del Ticino in 1989 and, later on, in 2001, its seat after conservative restorations.