Situation : This beautiful property enjoys a stunning position on a high ridge with endless views over rolling hills, vineyards and medieval hilltop villages in the heart of the premier Monferrato wine region. On clear days the magnificent Swiss and French Alps can be seen in the far distance. The property is located along a quiet country lane that carries only very local traffic, a short distance from a nearby village with day-to-day shopping, bars and restaurants. Nizza Monferrato - a centre of the wine trade and a busy market town with excellent restaurants, shopping facilities, several banks, a hospital, a cinema, etc. - is only a short drive away. The colourful Friday market at Nizza's main square, the Piazza Garibaldi, and the antique market held there on one Sunday each month are both very popular. The motorway can be reached within 25 minutes; the international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa within 60 to 90 minutes.
The Grounds including the house, portico/garage, courtyard, garden with swimming pool, meadows, orchard and woodland, extend to about 2.5 Ha (6.25 acres) in total. The property is well-stocked with mature ornamental trees and various fruit trees. The courtyard and garden are completely fenced to provide a maximum of privacy. The swimming pool, installed in 2003, is located next to a lovely shaded seating area.
The House: The south-facing brick-built farmhouse is about 200 years old and enjoys a commanding position overlooking the landscaped garden and courtyard. A gate leads from the lane into the courtyard in front of the house.
The antique building has features typical of a South Piedmontese farmhouse, a cascina: it was renovated by the current owner in the 1990's in a manner consistent with its antique architecture and style. Brick-vaulted ceilings can be found throughout; some of the antique terracotta floors have been restored, and the roof has been renovated using antique coppi - traditional roof pantiles. At the side of the house there is a portico/garage for 2 cars.
Accommodation
Ground floor: the renovated original front door leads from the very spacious courtyard into the ground floor accommodation. To the right of the small entrance hall is a spacious living room with a fireplace and a door leading to the outside sitting area in the courtyard. To the left of the entrance hall is a spacious family kitchen with a fireplace and a door leading to the large cantina at the back of the house. Stairs lead from the kitchen to a stunning underground cellar that maintains a perfect temperature for storing fine wines. Only accessible from the outside, an additional portico is used to store garden furniture and equipment.
First floor: Stairs lead from the ground floor to the first floor accommodation comprising 3 double bedrooms and 1 very spacious bathroom. All three bedrooms enjoy fantastic views and lots of light, and there is enough space to create a further bathroom if needed. Accessed from the first-floor corridor, a spacious balcony offers a perfect place to watch the sunset. The former hayloft, now fitted with French balconies behind feature glass doors, is currently used as a party room, but could be converted into further accommodation if required.
The independent guest apartment on the first floor is accessed via outside stairs at the back of the house: it comprises a living room with a small kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom, and has a separate heating system.
Services: Mains water, well-drawn water, mains electricity, telephone, gas-fired fired central heating.
Sporting facilities: There are a number of golf courses in Southern Piedmont. The nearest, Margara in Felizzano, can be reached by car in 25 minutes. Tennis courts can be found in the local towns, and horse riding is also very popular, with stables nearby. The excellent network of small, tarmac-surfaced country roads makes the area very popular with cyclists. The beaches of the Italian Riviera are a one hour drive away, and popular Italian ski resorts can be reached by motorway within 60 to 90 minutes.
Our opinion: a beautiful country home in an excellent condition and a splendid location, with potential for further development.
More Pictures are available of this property.
For more information contact us quoting reference P291. Please note that any measurements quoted above are approximate.