Vineyard Property in Italy - Piedmont Real Estate

6 Ha Property with 1.5 Ha Barbera DOC Vineyard and 2 Antique Houses in Beautiful Hillside Location

Near Asti

The Situation: The property occupies a beautiful hillside location with far-reaching views over the lush Monferrato countryside and near to Asti, an attractive historic town with excellent shopping facilities, hotels, restaurants, schools and hospitals, plus elegant coffee and wine bars. The spectacular Palio of Asti - second in popularity only to the better-known one in Siena in Tuscany - is staged on the third weekend in September, followed by the Douja D'Or - a famous wine festival. The property includes two antique houses, one of which is a typical Piedmontese farmhouse, a so-called cascina - while the other is a small 'manor' house. A quiet minor road leads past the property, and day-to-day shopping facilities are nearby. The motorway can be reached from the property within 10 minutes, and the international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa within 60 to 90 minutes.

The Vineyard: The property measures about 6 Ha (15 acres), of which about 1.5 Ha are an immaculately-kept vineyard that produces mainly Barbera DOC plus small quantities of Grignolino, a lighter red variety. Currently the vineyard is tended by the owner, but of course the vineyards could be sublet to a local farmer if desired. A further 3 Ha of the grounds are well suited to be planted with vines - but note that planting new vineyard requires the purchase of a permit.

The Houses: A gate leads from the small road to a large courtyard, shared by the 2 houses which both face South. Both houses enjoy fine views, but are different in style: the smaller manor house was built around 1850, has high ceilings and a stunning underground wine-cellar. The second house - built around 1800 - is larger and has features typical of South Piedmontese farmhouses, the so-called cascinas, in which the living and working areas are under one roof. Architectural and functional changes here are quite straightforward: the hayloft and stable could easily be integrated into the main accommodation. Both houses are in need of renovation and modernisation - at the moment there are no bathrooms - and we are happy to assist clients in engaging a competent geometra/builder who will be happy to supply a quote on request and oversee the entire project. The rooms of both houses have lots of light, and many original features can still be found - for example, there are barrel-vaulted brick ceilings, original stone stairs and open fireplaces.

Accommodation

House 1, "The Manor House"

Ground floor: The main entrance from the courtyard leads into a hall in the centre of the house. Opposite the main entrance is another door that opens onto the south-facing garden. On the ground floor there are 2 spacious rooms, one of them a kitchen, plus 2 small storage rooms. The rooms have elegant high vaulted ceilings - which can easily be sandblasted back to their original beauty - and hard-to-find original cotto floors, also suitable for restoration. The impressive underground wine cellar, with constant temperatures throughout the year, is only accessible from the outside.

First floor: An original stone staircase leads from the hall up to a landing with balcony. There are two spacious bedrooms, and one smaller room that could be converted into a bathroom. Both rooms have higher-than-average ceilings and beautiful views.

House 2, "La Cascina"

Ground floor: This house also faces South and enjoys great views. The main entrance from the courtyard opens into a hallway and a generously-sized room and a spacious kitchen. On the ground floor, and currently only accessible from the courtyard, is a large stable that could be integrated into the living area and transformed into a stunning living room.

First floor: The original stone stairs lead to the first floor, where there are 2 spacious south-facing bedrooms plus a large hayloft that can be converted into further bedrooms and bathrooms.

Outside: The extensive courtyard features mature trees and a small pond - which is currently neglected but could be restored and enlarged. There is plenty of space for a swimming pool. The remaining grounds are given over to vineyard and pasture.

Services: Well-drawn and mains water, and mains electricity.

Sporting facilities: There are a number of golf courses in Southern Piedmont. The nearest, Margara in Felizzano, can be reached by car in 20 minutes. Tennis courts can be found in the nearby towns, and horseriding 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 a one to one-and-a-half hour drive.

Viewing: Strictly by appointment with the sole agents, Piedmont Properties.

Our opinion: This property has lots of character, wonderful views, a very well-maintained vineyard and a very central location. It could be shared by 2 families, or part of it could be used for holiday apartments.

More Pictures are available of this property.

For price information, contact us quoting reference P200. Please note: quoted measurements are approximate.