Between Asti and Casale
Situation : These two old South Piedmontese farmhouses are nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by lush green hills, dense woods and vineyards near the pretty hilltop town of Moncalvo. In all about there are 35 Ha (90 acres) of meadow and woodland with wonderful views of the Alps. Also included are two derelict cottages on the hill behind the farmhouses. At least one of the cottages could be easily restored as a guesthouse. Of the two farmhouses, one has been completely and lovingly restored and the second house is almost finished. Distance to the motorway : 25 minutes. The three international airports of Turin, Milan and Genoa can be reached within one to one and a half hours drive.
The houses: The two buildings are brick construction with partly plastered exterior and are situated next to each other. The large covered open-air space between them has been made into a very attractive outside 'kitchen' complete with barbeque, stone grill and gas ring. The roofs of the two houses are tiled "alla Marsigliese".
In 1994 the 250 years old houses, which are built in the style of a traditional "cascina", underwent a comprehensive and careful renovation. Using only old local terracotta floor tiles and bricks, the character of the houses has been brought back to its original standard. Where possible the brick arched ceilings have been stripped and sandblasted, the doors have come from old houses in Cape Town made from South African Yellow Pine and fitted with old Boer locks.
Both houses have central heating with separate boiler rooms for each house. They are both competely double-glazed and the radiators throughout are French cast iron Art Nouveau design while the bathrooms in both houses have very large old English cast iron baths.
Both houses have also been completely re-plumbed and re-wired with modern fail-safe systems. Satellite TV is also installed.
The grounds : The house is approached from the road by its own long driveway, lined with 22 lime trees, leading to the house. At the rear is a large covered work area (18m x 11m) for the two tractors - one wheeled and one caterpillar, both in working order. A large quantity of additional farm equipment, in good working condition, is included in the sale. There is extensive outside lighting including old Art Nouveau street lights from Dublin, and floodlighting to illuminate the two big chestnut trees in front of the houses at night.
The front garden is landscaped with a well-manicured lawn area which features two impressive old chesnut trees and various ornamental shrubs and trees. This lawn area extends to meadow land for sheep and horses, with lots of space for uninterrupted riding and walking. A hole with reinforced-concrete walls exists into which a swimming pool of 15m x 8m could be built.
There is also a large vegetable garden, a pergola of grape vines providing a shady sitting area, and another of climbing roses above the front door.
The wooded hills surrounding the property are full of wild life including wild boar, foxes and badgers. The only noises are made by crickets, croaking frogs, hooting owls, the occasional tractor, and daily by the postman on his motorino.
Many More Pictures are available of this truly exceptional property.
For the price and futher details, contact us quoting reference P134. An early viewing is recommended - this property is generating a lot of interest!
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