Italian Stone House with Small Moscato Vineyard

Large Stone House (Rustico) with ca. 5000 m² Plot, Small Vineyard, Pleasant Views, Very Convenient Location, B&B Potential

Near Santo Stefano Belbo

Situation : This secluded property enjoys an elevated position on a sunny hillside overlooking the valley of the Belbo river, with fine views over the Monferrato hills. It is located near the small, lively market town of Santo Stefano Belbo, a well-known centre of wine trade and a gateway to the famous Langhe region. The property has very good road access: the centre of Santo Stefano, with its good shopping facilities, weekly market, cafes and restaurants, is only 2 minutes away by car. The busy wine town of Canelli is also only a few minutes drive away. The motorway can be reached in about 30 minutes.

The house is a 250 year old farmhouse of solid stone construction. This type of house, a so-called rustico, is highly sought-after: they have become increasingly difficult to find in Southern Piedmont. The south-facing building measures 14m x 20m and comprises a residential part plus an agricultural part that includes the former stable and hayloft. Behind the house is a spacious portico with a second hayloft, an area that can easily be integrated into the main accommodation. The rooms feature traditional brick-vaulted ceilings, some also have wooden beams and open fireplaces, and the house offers tons of development potential. The size and position of the house make it attractive to a buyer wanting to create either a B&B or self-catering apartments.

Currently parts of the roof are in a derelict condition, and the owner is including the repair of the roof in the sale. The house is in need of comprehensive renovation and modernisation, and we are happy to help clients find a competent geometra/architect who can supply a quote on request and then oversee the entire project.

Accommodation

Ground Floor: the front door leads from the courtyard into a small entrance hall with wide stairs leading to the first floor. To the right a door leads to the spacious former kitchen and another spacious room, both overlooking the courtyard. Also on the ground floor, currently only accessible from the courtyard, is the former stable - this could be integrated into the main accommodation. On the side of the house, also accessible from the courtyard, is a large ground-level wine cellar, divided into two rooms.

First floor: the stairs from the ground floor lead to a small landing, with a door to a spacious, but dated bathroom. Another door leads from the landing to a small corridor with doors to 3 spacious bedrooms. Also on the first floor is a former hay loft, an area that can be used to create either further integrated accommodation or an independent self-catering apartment.

Second floor: from one of the rooms on the first floor, stairs continue to the second floor. Here there are two spacious bedrooms, both facing south with fine views over the grounds. Both bedrooms have lots of light, vaulted ceilings and open fireplaces. Stairs lead from the second floor to a spacious loft area.

The grounds measure about 5000 m² (1 acre) and include a small, well-tended Moscato vineyard. On the south side of the courtyard is a detached garage - which could be turned into a workshop - and a small stone building, once used to house chickens and rabbits, which could become a nice feature, for example a Mediterranean barbecue. The property has well-defined boundaries, and plenty of space for a swimming pool.

Services: Both well-drawn and mains water; 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 35 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.

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

Our personal opinion: A true gem of a rustico, in a beautiful and peaceful location: it would make an excellent B&B or a very generous private residence.

More Pictures are available of this property.

For price information, contact us quoting reference P223.