Generous Portion of 17th Century Franciscan Abbey with 1.3 Ha Grounds and 6000 m² Moscato DOC Vineyard

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Between Nizza Monferrato and Alba

The Situation: the property occupies a sunny hillside location with stunning views over the lush green Monferrato wine hills. Approached by a small and quiet country road, the property is situated at the edge of a small hilltop village in the heart of the South Piedmontese wine producing region, the so-called triangolo d'oro (golden triangle) Nizza Monferrato - Agliano Terme - Santo Stefano Belbo. The nearest town, with excellent shopping facilities and restaurants, is less than a 10 minute drive away. The motorway can be reached within 20 minutes, and the international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa within 60 to 90 minutes.

The vineyard: The property measures about 13,000 m² (3.25 acres), of which the well-maintained vineyard occupies about 6,000 m², producing highly sought-after DOC Moscato grapes. Total annual harvest is about 6,000 kg. Currently the vineyard is tended by a local farmer, an arrangement that can be continued by the new owner if required. The remaining grounds accommodate a part of a former 17th Century Franciscan Abbey - that has been in the current owner's family for over 300 years - plus 2 courtyards, a small meadow and an orchard stocked with various fruit trees.

The house: The two-storey brick-built house has a T-shape and is the smaller section of the Abbey. The entire building forms a square, with a large inner courtyard that has been divided by a high wall. The house has its own gate and two separate entrances, one of which is currently in use. The house has two courtyards - a spacious one on the outside of the building with a large portico and access to part of the vineyard/grounds, and a smaller one to the rear of the building. The house has features typical of South Piedmontese farmhouses, the so-called "cascinas", in which the living and working areas are under one roof. This makes architectural and functional changes quite straightforward. The condition of the building is good, and many original features can still be found - for example, there are barrel-vaulted brick ceilings throughout, open fireplaces, and most of the floors are original cotto. However, the house is in need of general renovation and modernisation.

Accommodation

Ground floor: The entrance from the courtyard leads to 5 spacious rooms including an old-fashioned kitchen. The rooms have high ceilings and partly double doors. Access from the ground floor to a very large cantina (wine cellar).

First floor: A stone staircase leads up to three spacious bedrooms - with magnificent views - and a dated bathroom. There is also a spacious hayloft on the first floor, which provides additional space with excellent development potential - it could easily be converted into further bedrooms and bathrooms.

Outside: The property has a spacious courtyard - with beautiful views - that is large enough to accommodate a swimming pool. A new single, brick-built garage has been errected, attached to the far end of the house, but there is also a large portico that could be used as a parking space. There is access from the courtyard to a grotto/winecellar in the house. Just a few steps across the small road and opposite the house is the other part of the grounds: here is located a further vineyard, an orchard and a meadow with great views.

Services: Telephone, mains and well-drawn water, and electricity.

Sporting facilities: There are a number of golf-courses in Southern Piedmont.The nearest, Le Colline in 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 one to one-and-a-half hours.

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

Our opinion: A property with lots of character, wonderful views and a well-maintained vineyard, in a peaceful setting and with a convenient location. Lots of potential to create either an intimate holiday home or a permanent residence.

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For price information, contact us quoting reference P175. Please note that all quoted measurements are approximate.