P265: Very Attractive 1.6 Ha Hilltop Property with 1.3 Ha Top Quality Barbera d'Asti DOC Vineyard and Stunning Views, Spacious Antique Farmhouse with Original Features, Partly Habitable, Well-Suited for B&B or Agriturismo

Between Asti and Alba

Situation

This substantial vineyard property enjoys a very sunny hillside position near the intersection of the premier Monferrato and Langhe wine regions. It is located on a quiet minor road just 1 Km (0.7 mile) from a well-known hilltop village with an impressive medieval castle. The village has basic day-to-day shopping facilities, a bar, a bank, a post office and an excellent restaurant. The motorway is 25 minutes away by car, and the international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa can be reached within 60 to 90 minutes.

The views from the house and grounds over the rolling Monferrato hills are stunning - on a clear day you can see Monviso (90 Km or 56 miles distant) and other mountains of the the French Alps. Road access is excellent, and the property can easily be converted into a generous family residence with a B&B or Agriturismo.

The property includes a substantial detached house, a spacious courtyard and a garage. The grounds extend to about 1.6 Ha (4 acres) in total, and there is space to build a swimming pool.

The Vineyard

Currently about 1.3 hectares (3.25 acres) are planted with top-quality Barbera d'Asti DOC vines. The well-exposed vineyard is adapted for working with modern machinery. Annual grape harvest is currently about 10 tonnes (10,000 kg). Should the new owner wish, agreement can be reached with a local wine producer to maintain the vineyard.

The House

The substantial ca. 250 years old south-facing, solid brick house is built in an L-shape and has a total floor area of about 740 m². A 205 m² area of the house has been renovated and is in habitable condition, while 305 m² - including the former stable and hayloft - is unrenovated but suitable for conversion into further accommodation. The remaining area of 230 m² is occupied by a substantial cantina (wine cellar).

Accommodation

The Renovated Part

Ground Floor: The main entrance from the courtyard leads into a small hall with marble stairs leading to the first floor. The door on the left leads to a very spacious living room with doors opening onto a patio with fantastic views towards the Alps to the west. Another door leeds from the entrance hall to the dining room and the kitchen. From the kitchen there is access to the former stable and to the former well room: the well is an underground spring-fed grotto measuring about 4 m² (40 ft²) that could be turned into a stunning feature.

All the rooms on the ground floor have beautiful vaulted ceilings, which can easily be sandblasted to expose the attractive underlying brickwork. The impressive underground wine cellar, with constant temperatures throughout the year, is only accessible from outside the house.

First Floor: The marble staircase leads up to a small landing There are three spacious bedrooms and a modern bathroom. All the rooms have high brick-vaulted ceilings and beautiful views.

The Unrenovated Part

Ground Floor: The unrenovated section of the house is attached at a right angle to the renovated area. On the ground floor is a former stable and 2 further rooms, currently used for storage, that can easily be turned into further accommodation. The rooms still have wooden beams - which can be restored - and original brick-vaulted ceilings that could be exposed to re-establish the authentic character of the property.

First Floor: The original stairs lead to the first floor, with a total of 5 spacious sunny bedrooms in need of renovation.

We are happy to help the buyer find a very competitively-priced geometra (builder) to oversee any renovation work. We provide this service to our buyers free of charge.

The Cantina

A part of the 230 m² cantina (wine cellar) is located underneath the house, and a part is attached to the rear of the building. In the past, the cantina was used to make wine.

The Courtyard & Grounds

A short driveway leads from the road to a gate and the very spacious courtyard. The courtyard is lined with several flowering shrubs and bushes, and features some mature trees that provide pleasant shade. Across the courtyard, but separated from the main building, there is a modern double garage. A raised area behind the cantina could be converted into a garden, and has space for a swimming pool.

Services

Mains water, mains electricity, central heating, telephone.

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 opinion: an exciting property with an excellent vineyard in a prime location. A new owner could move in immediately and supervise the conversion of the unrestored part of the building into a future B&B or agriturismo.

More Pictures are available of this property.

For more information contact us quoting reference P265. Please note that all quoted measurements are approximate.