Situation : This prestigious 16th century residence, owned by the same family for nearly 500 years, enjoys a secluded and peaceful position in the historic centre of a picturesque hilltop village conveniently located between the lively market town of Nizza Monferrato and the elegant provincial capital Alessandria. The substantial brick-built house and outbuildings, including a detached portico, enclose a romantic courtyard garden with an attractive and private swimming pool. There are fine views from the house over the open countryside and the nearby medieval castle. The village in which the property is located is highly sought-after, and has day-to-day shopping facilities: more extensive facilities, including excellent restaurants, are available in the nearby towns.
In the direction of Alessandria the motorway/freeway/autostrada can be reached by car in 10 minutes. The international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa are a little more than an hour's drive away.
The buildings: The renovated main house - La Casa Padronale - is attached at a right angle to the smaller, unrenovated farmhouse (Cascina). Opposite the courtyard garden from the main house is a small outbuilding, currently used for storage, which could also be renovated and turned into a guest apartment. There is also a spacious portico, which could be used as a garage.
Accommodation
Casa Padronale / Main House:
Ground floor: four steps lead from the courtyard to the main entrance door, which opens into a small entrance hall with stairs leading to the first floor. To the right the entrance hall leads to the kitchen, which features an open fireplace and has doors opening to the courtyard. Internal stairs lead from the kitchen to the very impressive wine cellar/cantina below the house. The cellar takes up the entire length and width of the house, and features beautiful medieval vaults. A small corridor leads from the kitchen to a modern bathroom with shower and to a guest bedroom with an open fireplace. Currently this room is used as a TV room.
To the left of the entrance hall a door leads to a very spacious dual-aspect dining room with double doors opening into an elegant 18th century reception room: this room is also dual-aspect, with an open marble fireplace and a beautiful wooden ceiling with original period decoration. A door leads from this reception room to a guest suite which includes a spacious guest bedroom, a bathroom and a small entrance hall.
First Floor: stairs lead up from the main entrance hall to a first floor landing and a dual-aspect sitting room with a beautiful wood-panelled ceiling and doors leading onto a long balcony. A corridor to the right of the sitting room leads to 3 bedrooms and to a very large bathroom with an open fireplace. To the left of the the first floor landing another corridor leads to 3 further bedrooms and a bathroom. These bedrooms are currently not used, and need to be renovated.
The Cascina/Farmhouse comprises a former kitchen and stable on the ground floor, 2 bedrooms and a large open hayloft on the first floor. This unrenovated building can be turned into additional accommodation if required.
The Outbuilding opposite the main house was also formerly a stable, with a cantina / wine cellar and a hayloft above.
Outside: a tall wooden entrance gate leads from the quiet village road via an arch to a second, internal cast-iron gate and on to the beautiful courtyard garden. This courtyard is well-stocked with mature shrubs and trees, providing welcome shade during the summer months: it is also completely enclosed by both the property's buildings and a high antique brick wall, giving plenty of privacy. The courtyard also has an active well, fitted with a pump.
The Swimming Pool: steps lead from the courtyard through an arched passage to a lovely hidden garden situated on a terrace at the back of the farmhouse, with beautiful views over open countryside and the village castle. The garden is well-stocked with ornamental shrubs, fruit trees and olive trees: it also features a lawn area and an impressive infinity swimming pool, surrounded by wooden decking, that measures approximately 15 x 4 meters.
Services: Mains water, gas, electricity, gas-fired central heating, alarm system.
Sporting facilities: There are a number of golf courses in Southern Piedmont. The one nearby, Margara near Felizzano, can be reached by car in 20 minutes. South Piedmont is perfect for bike riding: there are numerous small, scenic roads - mostly tarmac-surfaced - connecting the hills and villages. Horse riding is also very popular, and there are good riding facilities in the area. The nearest public tennis courts can be found in Asti. The beaches of the Riviera are a one-hour drive away.
Viewing: Strictly by appointment with the sole agents, Piedmont Properties.
Our opinion: A very elegant and prestigious residence in a picturesque setting. This very spacious property has carefully-preserved original features as well as tons of further development potential.
Many More Pictures are available of this property.
For more information contact us quoting reference P253.
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