P220: Small Medieval Townhouse in Historic Town Centre

Canelli

Situation

This small medieval house is situated right in the historic centre (centro storico) of the famous wine town of Canelli. Canelli is one of the main commerical centres of the Piedmont wine trade, and many famous wineries - including Gancia, Riccadonna and Bosca - have their headquarters here. Modern Canelli offers very good shopping facilities, banks, restaurants, bars and enotecas, all within walking distance of the property. As in many old towns in Italy, the historic part of Canelli was neglected for many years - but now more and more buildings are being renovated, and an address here is becoming increasingly desirable. No wonder: the historic part of Canelli boasts charming palazzi, beautiful churches, and medieval cobble-stoned alleys that wind up the hill towards the magnificient Castello di Marchesi di Gancia, the stunning castle that overlooks the town.

While some parts of the historic town can only be reached on foot, this house can be approached by car - it would even be possible to turn the storage room in the basement into a garage for a small car: alternatively, a garage could be rented nearby. From Canelli the motorway can be reached in about 30 minutes, and the international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa are little more than an hour's drive away.

The House

The house occupies a corner position in a quiet residential alley, attached on two sides to adjacent properties, and benefits from a long, sunny balcony on the first floor enjoying some pleasant views. Like the neighbouring buildings - some of which have been recently renovated - the solid stone house is of medieval construction. Currently the outside walls of the house are rendered, but a future renovation could include the removal of the render to reveal the underlying ancient stone structure. Past renovation included roof repairs and the installation of central heating: however, the house needs some updating and modernization - we are happy to help the buyer find a very competitively-priced geometra (builder) to oversee the work. We provide this service to buyers free of charge.

Accommodation

Ground Floor: The front door opens from the alley into one of two reception rooms on the ground floor. The rooms have windows overlooking the street, and vaulted ceilings with wooden beams - these could easily be sand-blasted to recover their original beauty. One of the two rooms could be turned into a cosy kitchen, and there is an existing chimney so that an open fireplace could be re-installed. Stairs lead from the first reception room to the first floor.

The First Floor comprises 2 spacious rooms that share a long balcony overlooking the street, plus a small bathroom that is in need of modernisation.

The loft area (second floor) could be incorporated into the accommodation, having space for a further room.

The basement comprises 2 rooms - a wine cellar and a storage room. The basement is accessed via a gate that opens from the street. The storage room accommodates the gas central heating boiler, and could be converted into a small garage. The former wine-cellar has a brick-vaulted ceiling in the traditional vernacular style.

Services

Mains water, mains gas, mains electricity, gas central heating. Parking facilities are nearby.

Sporting Facilities

There are a number of golf courses in Southern Piedmont. The nearest, Le Colline near Acqui Terme, can be reached by car in 20 minutes. Tennis courts can be found in the nearby 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 a one to one-and-a-half hour drive.

Viewing

Strictly by appointment with the sole agents, Piedmont Properties.

Our opinion: A rarely-available property in a top town location which could be turned into a lovely character home.

More Pictures are available of this property.

For more information contact us quoting reference P220. Please note that all quoted measurements are approximate.