Autore: HomesPiemonte

This absolutely charming country house is tucked away on a hilltop with several terraces and breath-taking views. The property has been skilfully renovated, using quality materials, high quality floor tiles and bamboo flooring, and now represents a charming mix of original and retained features combined with new rustic designs.  

The house which is located high up in the hills behind Castino among a cluster of houses some of which share a small courtyard with a large old mulberry tree as the centrepiece. It’s a little natural secluded haven here! On foot it will take you 2 minutes to walk to the cafes and restaurants in Castino which is a paradise for cyclists and hikers.

The property principally consists of two units; The main property one on the upper level and a separate unit on the lower level and slightly removed from the main house. This could perhaps a B&B unit or simply a private place for visiting friends and family.

The main property

The main property is accessed via the courtyard which also serves as the parking area. On the ground floor one finds a hallway with access to a small bathroom followed by a central double height stairwell connecting the ground and first floor. Still on the ground floor a large central kitchen with a small open fireplace and amazing double vaulted ceilings leads out to a conservatory overlooking of the terraces and the surrounding landscape dotted with vineyards, hazelnut orchards and pastures. The ground floor also includes a small but cosy living area, a large multifunctional room which could be added to the living room. There is direct access to a private courtyard and terraces from several of these rooms.

On the first floor one finds 2 larger than normal bedrooms as well as a third smaller bedroom currently used as a utility room. From one of these bedrooms there is direct access to an impressive terrace overlooking the landscape and part of the old medieval castle in Castino.

The self-contained living unit

Accessed either via the main property or through a private gate near the parking area the self-contained living unit has complete privacy and its own private covered terrace. Also this building has been completely renovated and now consists of a sleeping area and a kitchen/dining/living area divided by a light wall. A nice modern bathroom with shower completes the feeling of a luxury hide-out. Large panoramic windows let in lots of light giving the area a light and bright feeling.

This area is heated and cooled through its independent aircon system.

Terraces, garden and outbuilding

The property has several large and relative private terraces with olive trees, charming lighting and breath-taking views. Between the main property and the self-contained living unit there is a very small rock garden – really easy to maintain. Finally. the property also includes a small outbuilding currently used as a storage area, but which would be idea as a workshop.

The property has wooden windows with double glazing and modern central heating via a gas (metano) boiler. In addition, the property has 6 kw of solar panels meaning that the cost of electricity (and heating) is near zero. The property is serviced by communal electricity, water and disposal of wastewater. Internet connection is already available.

Personally, we think this is a true gem of a house for those who don’t want the hassle of maintaining a large garden or indeed vineyards / hazelnut orchards but instead want to live in a modern practical low energy house full of charm and in walking distance from a charming stone village.

Please get it touch – this is a great option!

This unique stone house is more than 100-year-old and represents a fantastic renovation project.

Once ready it will give you a spectacular kitchen / dining room with amazing views, a large living room with fireplace, 4 – 5 bedrooms, necessary bathrooms and of course lots of space storing your wine!

The project is located near the very top of a hill just outside the medieval stone village of Castino which boasts no less than 3 monasteries in the vicinity. The one in the centre of the village, and which is surrounded by fascinating old stone houses and which can be reached by foot, dates back to the 1600 century. In the centre of Castino you not only see history but you feel it!

In more modern times Castino prides itself as one of the classic ascents in Giro di Italia and as a consequence the place is a hugely popular place for cyclists and nature lovers. In the village you find a small bar where the locals gather, a local restaurant with a simple but classic menu, a pizzeria and a small grocer with a good selection of fresh local produce.

The stone house itself needs total renovation but we know the reliable builders, geometras and architects who would love to work with you in getting the very best out the many opportunities this project represents.

The house itself principally consists of 3 units; the main house with a hayloft with arched openings, a side building historically used to store agricultural equipment and a separate building which used to be the stables with a storage area on the first floor. The two independent buildings and the side building are all centred around a courtyard.

The main house (app. 130 sq.mt.) is spread over two floors and consists of a couple of rooms on both the ground and first floor.  This part of the house is the oldest and is build entirely in Langhe stone which – during the restauration – can be exposed to provide an amazing farmhouse feeling. The ceilings are centuries old and consists of a mix of wooden beams with either wooden ceilings or large stone slabs placed between the beams. Your geometra/architect will help you retain and restore these amazing ceilings to their former glory.

As an integrated part of this main building, one also finds the most fantastic ground floor room with a “deep vaulted ceiling” (one single and very large arch) and a classic first floor hayloft with very large openings facing the valley. While the first floor represents a great opportunity to create large, wonderful bedrooms or perhaps a “relax” zone, the unique arched room on the ground floor could be the jewel of the house and designed as your kitchen/living/dining or simply your living room.

The side building is currently nothing more than a large open space with double ceiling hight. However, with the walls built in large Langhe stone and the roof made of enormous century old wooden beams this part of the building deserved to be integrated with the main house.

As an idea you could open part of the side building towards the garden and swimming pool area so as to provide a terrace / outdoor kitchen and BBQ area with 100% privacy and views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This part of the building is simply amazing and a dream of a project for a skilled geometra/architect.

The Separate building (app. 200 sq.mt) which is spread over 2 floors, used to be stables and includes a large light and airy storage area – with amazing views – on the first floor. This building is also entirely constructed in Langhe stone and with the traditional arched brick ceilings on the ground floor and a roof with large exposed beams on the first floor. The possibilities of this building are endless: perhaps additional bedrooms for your extended family and friends or perhaps for B&B purposes. One could also consider using the first floor as a cool covered terrace where you could retreat in the hot summer afternoons and just relax with a book and a glass of local wine while soaking in the endless views.

The property and several hectares of surrounding lands is currently owned by the same family. As part of the sale the family has agreed to include circa 2,000 sq.mt. of land with the property –which will be more than enough for a private driveway with parking for several cars, a nice garden and ample space for a swimming pool and sun terrace. While the exact measurements and layout of the land will be agreed as part of a sale this will surely include several mature hazelnut trees.

The property is accessed via a communal asphalt road and has access to the electricity grid as well as the communal water system. Future heating will likely be either via LPG gas or solar panels connected to a heat pump. As you probably know, there are several programmes which provide subsidies to such installations. Most of these are also available to non-resident foreigners. Wastewater will be via a septic tank which is normal for these secluded farmhouses.