P290: Elegant Antique Farmhouse, Fully Renovated, 3 Spacious Double Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Permission for 2 Further Bedrooms and Bathrooms, Suited for B&B, ca. 5000 m² Landscaped Grounds, Beautiful Views
See also a P290 Picture Gallery with 38 images
Near Asti
This immaculately-presented rural property enjoys a very sunny hillside position with fine views over the lush green Monferrato hills - on clear days the peaks of the Swiss alps can be seen in the distance. It is situated at the end of a small country lane that continues only as a rough track, in an area popular with hikers and horse-riders that features undisturbed mediterranean woodland, arable fields and vineyards - the vines grown here are mainly Grignolino d'Asti, a lighter red variety.
The property is located near a small village with convenient day-to-day shopping facilities, and the elegant historic town of Asti is only a 10 minute drive away. Asti's spectacular Palio - just as popular with Italians as the internationally-known one at Siena in Tuscany, but even more ancient - is held on the third weekend in September, followed by the Douja D'Or, a famous wine festival.
The Asti-Turin motorway/freeway/autostrada can be reached by car in 15 minutes, and from there the international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa are less than an hour's drive away.
The House
The turn-of-the-century house is of solid brick construction, facing south so that all rooms overlook the mature, established gardens and grounds. The house has been extensively renovated by the current owner to a high standard, without compromising its antique character and charm. All rooms still have the original vaulted ceilings: some are decorated with trompe-l'oeil paintings, while others reveal the traditional antique brick vaults.
The house is surrounded on 3 sides by a portico that provides shaded sitting areas for the hot months of the year. On the remaining side it is attached to a small antique farmhouse, currently being renovated, that is barely visible beyond a tall wall and the mature vegetation: both properties have independent gated entrances, gardens and grounds.
Having turned their passion for cooking into a business, the current owners have established a small, exclusive and fully-licenced restaurant that seats up to 40 guests. If the new owner is interested in continuing to run the restaurant, the property could be sold as an on-going business. However, without the restaurant the property would make a fine family home, with the potential to create a small B&B if desired.
Accommodation
Ground Floor: The main entrance from the courtyard garden leads into 3 reception rooms, now restaurant dining rooms, that have a total floorspace of 150 m² and could easily be re-converted into private reception rooms. Two of the reception rooms have a working open fireplace: the third has a small bar area, and all of them overlook the garden.
Currently the spacious kitchen adjacent to the reception rooms is a professional chef's kitchen, with doors leading to the courtyard. The kitchen equipment is not included in the price, and will be removed unless the property is sold as an on-going business. The ground floor also includes a spacious guest bathroom with a shower.
First floor: An antique stone staircase leads onto a landing and to the first floor accommodation, which comprises three large rooms and a very spacious bathroom. One of the rooms is currently used as a bedroom, another as a sitting room, and the third as a small kitchen/diner: they could easily be re-converted into three bedrooms if desired.
Second Floor: Stairs lead from the first floor to a very spacious attic space. The roof has been fully insulated, and there is space to accommodate 2 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms: the wiring and plumbing is already in place for these, and the permission for the conversion has recently been granted by the local planning authority.
The Garden & Grounds
An electric gate leads into a large courtyard that provides sufficient parking for guests. A low wall separates the courtyard from a garden area that features a well-manicured lawn with an irrigation system, flower beds, mature shrubs, and trees that include some very old red and white mulberry trees. A small footpath leads to a large storage cave dug into the hillside, and to the remaining grounds of predominantly mediterranean woodland. There is space for a swimming pool.
Services
Mains water, mains electricity, gas, central heating, telephone, modern security system
Sporting Facilities
There are a number of golf courses in Southern Piedmont. The nearest, the new 18-hole Feudo d'Asti, can 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 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 immaculately-presented property in a prime location that offers an exciting business opportunity.
See also a P290 Picture Gallery with 38 images.
For more information contact us quoting reference P290. Please note that all quoted measurements are approximate.
