Village Property in Italy from Piedmont Properties

2 Antique Stone Houses in Village Edge Location, 2 Wine Cellars, 2 Porticos, Beautiful Views, Courtyard and Grounds, Many Antique Features, Exciting Renovation Project, Suitable for Holiday Letting

Between Acqui Terme and Ovada

Situation: This charming south-facing property includes 2 medieval houses of solid stone construction in a secluded and romantic location at the edge of a hilltop village conveniently situated between Acqui Terme and Ovada. One of the houses has been basically renovated and can be made habitable quickly; the other is in need of more attention. The property offers beautiful views over rolling countryside: it also benefits from a gated courtyard and a generously-sized plot of land. All the facilities in the village - a bank, a post office, several shops and a weekly market - are within walking distance.

The area between Acqui Terme and Ovada marks the transition from Piedmont into Liguria. The area is known for its great scenic beauty, its picturesque hilltop villages and its pleasant climate. The characteristic wine produced in this area is Dolcetto di Ovada, a rich and chunky red which ages well, but is mostly drunk young. The area is a well-known truffle hunting zone, and the woodlands are well-stocked with porcini mushrooms. The historic towns of Acqui Terme and Ovada with their excellent shopping and entertainment facilities can be reached within 10 to 15 minutes, and the nearest motorway is about 15 minutes by car from the property.

Accommodation

House 1: This stone house has an L-shape and benefits from a spacious hayloft and a portico. A part of this house was renovated 20 years ago, so it can be made habitable very quickly. The outside render of the renovated part of the house can be removed to expose the beautiful stone walls, thereby recovering the rustic style of the building in keeping with the character of the rest of the property.

Ground Floor: The main entrance into the house from the courtyard leads into a kitchen. From there doors lead to a second room, currently used for storage, and to a very basic bathroom. Also on the ground floor is a further unrenovated, spacious room, currently disconnected from the renovated part of the house.

The First Floor is currently accessible via a spiral staircase, but there is enough space in the house to accommodate internal stairs. One spacious bedroom with a balcony is located here, and the spiral stairs lead up to a second bedroom in the attic. Also on the first floor, but currently inaccessable from the main house, are 2 further rooms and a spacious hayloft, which could all be converted into further accommodation.

House 2, also of solid stone construction, is positioned on the other side of the courtyard facing House 1. It has two stunning medieval wine cellars, one above ground and one below.

Ground Floor: A door leads from the courtyard to 2 spacious rooms which have been renovated to a basic standard. There is also a third room on the ground floor in need of renovation. From under the portico, external stone stairs lead up to the first floor. A large ground-floor terrace at the side of the house offers pleasant views.

The First Floor currently includes two rooms, both in need of renovation.

The cellars: The house has 2 spacious medieval cantinas / wine cellars - the one above ground could be turned into additional accommodation. The cellar below the ground features a stunning grotto carved into the rock. Both cantinas have beautiful arched vaults that can be easily restored.

The Courtyard and Grounds: The courtyard is separated from the small village road that leads to the village castle by a very tall wall, into which is set a large entrance gate. An ugly prefabricated garage at one side of the courtyard can be easily removed. The courtyard is very sunny and sheltered - it is an ideal spot for a lovely Mediterranean courtyard garden. The open side of the courtyard leads into sloping grounds that enjoy a south-westerly aspect with far-reaching views. The grounds are currently overgrown with shrubs and mature trees, but could be cleared to create a beautiful terraced garden.

Services: Mains water, mains electricity, mains gas

Sporting facilities: There are a number of golf-courses in Southern Piedmont. The 2 nearest, Colline in Acqui Terme and Villa Carolina in Capriata d'Orba, can both be reached by car in 20 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 Riviera to the west of Genoa can be reached within 35 minutes, and popular Italian ski resorts can be reached in 90 minutes.

Our opinion: This property has tons of development potential - with 2 independent units it would be ideal either as an extended family residence or for holiday rentals.

More Pictures are available of this property.

For more information contact us quoting reference P254. Please note that all quoted measurements are approximate.