P586
Nestled in an idyllic rural setting in the heart of Monferrato, this small vineyard property lies between the charming spa town of Acqui Terme with its hot springs and the lively wine town of Canelli. It benefits from a prime hillside location with unobstructed southern exposure and panoramic views. Access is easy, and the property comprises more than 6 hectares, of which 2.2 hectares are cultivated vineyards. The level plot of land to the side and south of the house offers ample space for a garden and a swimming pool.
The property is accessed via a quiet lane, from which a private driveway leads directly to the house. The nearest neighbors are a good distance away, ensuring the house enjoys complete privacy and undisturbed seclusion.
The center of Acqui Terme, with its excellent shopping, hotels, bars, restaurants, markets, and renowned thermal and spa facilities, can be reached by car in about 10 minutes. The nearest motorway access (towards Alessandria) is approximately 30 minutes away. The international airports of Genoa, Turin, and Milan, as well as the beaches of the Ligurian Riviera, are also within a 60 to 90 minute radius.
House
The south-facing stone house was built in the 19th century in the typical style of a southern Piedmontese cascina: the living area and agricultural areas – including the stable, wine cellar (cantina), storage rooms and haylofts above – are all united under one roof.
The building retains numerous original well-preserved historical architectural elements, including the brick vaulted ceilings characteristic of the region, which can be revealed by removing the plaster. The very spacious hayloft, with its considerable potential for expansion, is particularly noteworthy. The roof has already been renovated and is covered with authentic antique pantiles.
The house is currently uninhabitable and requires extensive renovation and refurbishment. However, the current owner has submitted an approved building project to the municipality, and the building has already been completely cleared out, the interior gutted, plaster removed, and non-load-bearing walls taken down, so the new owner can begin the renovation work immediately.
Accommodation
Ground Floor
From the courtyard to the south, the entrance leads into a small vestibule with stairs to the first floor. The current living space is limited to the former kitchen and the adjoining living room. All other rooms – including the former stable, various storage rooms, the wine cellar, and a garage – offer excellent development potential and can easily be converted into additional living space.
First Floor
The upper floor currently contains three rooms and a bathroom. Also located here is the spacious former hayloft, which offers ample room to be converted into a separate apartment.
Garden
The sunny courtyard on the south side of the house, as well as the adjacent areas, are ideally suited for creating a garden, and offer ample space for a swimming pool.
The land register also lists a detached portico located slightly below the house along the driveway. This can be used in a variety of ways and adapted individually – for example, as a covered terrace, carport, or additional storage space.
Vineyards & Grounds
The land extends to approximately 6.5 hectares, of which around 2.2 hectares are planted with vines that extend mainly to the side of, and below, the house, while the remaining areas consist of Mediterranean mixed forest.
Currently, approximately one hectare is planted with Moscato grapes and one hectare with Barbera grapes; the remaining area is planted with Dolcetto. Although the vineyards are regularly maintained, the vines are no longer particularly productive due to their age. Because of the partially steep slopes, mechanized cultivation is only partially possible, meaning that some of the vines must be tended manually. A neighboring farmer currently handles this work.
The vineyards also show good development potential, and could be made fully productive again through targeted renovation measures. Another attractive option is to have the grapes vinified by an experienced local winemaker.