Medieval Stone Coachhouse in Beautiful Historic Hilltop Village, Partly Habitable, Interesting Outbuilding, Gated with Private Garden, Lovely Views

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Between Acqui Terme and Ovada

Situation: This very charming medieval stone house, originally a coachhouse, enjoys a secluded and romantic location beside an impressive 17th century castle and a beautiful 15th century church in the centre of a hilltop village conveniently situated between Acqui Terme and Ovada. The property offers beautiful views over the rolling Ovadese countryside: it also benefits from a generously-sized, gated courtyard garden. 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.

The coachhouse is about 300 years old, of solid stone construction, and attached on one side to the wall of the church next door. The south-facing building comprises a habitable residential section, two former stables and an antique cantina (cellar). In the courtyard, detached from the main house and at a right-angle to it, there is a charming 3-floor stone-built outbuilding in which horse-drawn coaches used to be kept: it has beautiful brick vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, and can be renovated and converted into further accommodation if required.

The residential part of the house just needs some modernisation, while the rest of the property is in need of renovation: 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: currently there are 2 spacious stables on the ground floor, both with wooden gates opening onto the courtyard. Also on the ground floor are two further rooms and a wine cellar (cantina). These ground floor rooms could be converted into accommodation - for example, a kitchen, dining room and living room.

First floor: the currently-habitable accommodation is situated here, accessed via stairs from the courtyard. The first floor accommodation comprises a living room, a sitting room, 2 spacious bedrooms, a small kitchen, a bathroom and a storage room. There are 2 further rooms on the first floor, only accessible from the outside, that are not currently habitable.

The front & courtyard garden: the property is approached via the road that leads to the church and castle in the historic centre of the village. The fenced-in front garden is currently overgrown, and in need of some love and attention: the pedestrian entrance there has been closed, but can be re-opened if desired. The courtyard garden, currently overgrown, features mature fruit trees, some vines that produce edible grapes, ornamental shrubs and bushes. There is enough space to build both a swimming pool and a garage.

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

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.

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

Our personal opinion: A very special property with tons of charm that offers versatile accommodation. It would make either a fine private residence or a perfect holiday home - with great rental potential

More Pictures are available of this property.

For price information, contact us quoting reference P248.