Transforming a 100-year-old house in the middle of a vineyard

Perched undisturbed on a hilltop in Piedmont is a unique house acquired by the owners of a MyHomes association. On clear days, the majestic Alps form a stunning backdrop, complemented by lush vineyards stretching 360 degrees around the property. The North Italian atmosphere is palpable here, with vines extending as far as the eye can see. The home has been renovated, preserving the many authentic features that reflect its history and the local traditions.

Uncompromising location

The house, which enjoys UNESCO protection, sits on a plot of approximately 6,000 m². A notable feature is a small vineyard area included in the property, allowing the owners to eventually savor its benefits. Accessed via a private gravel road, the property has no immediate neighbors and is just 3.5 kilometers from the charming city of Nizza Monferrato.

The exceptional location was a key factor in capturing Rikke Skouboe’s interest during her inspection of the property on behalf of MH04 Comfort.

“It was clear to me, even from the initial photos, that this place had great potential. It looked like a dream home nestled in the heart of the vineyards. Fortunately, my visit confirmed this impression. It’s quite rare for that to happen,” says Rikke Skouboe, Property Development Partner at MyHomes.

Below, you can see the breathtaking view of the landscape that the owners of MH04 Comfort now enjoy.

The extensive transformation og the house

The house’s charm goes beyond its picturesque surroundings. Over 100 years old, the property has undergone an extensive renovation that preserved its authentic features while transforming it into a modern home designed with functionality in mind. Inside, everything is brand new except for the original walls, ceilings, and terracotta floors on the first floor, which have been sanded and treated to retain their historic character.

Outside, the home now boasts a swimming pool and a covered terrace, allowing the owners to enjoy the unique ambiance year-round. The modernized house starkly contrasts with its previous state, as Rikke explains:

“The former owner lived on the lower floor of this large house. He had a tiled stove but no real kitchen—just a small wood-fueled stove for cooking, which was quite primitive. The modernized house has undergone a significant transformation and now offers all the comforts of contemporary living.”

Today, the property embodies the Italian holiday dream with high ceilings and abundant natural light, creating an airy and spacious environment. It is also energy-efficient, which offers financial benefits for the future. With all renovations completed, the home requires minimal maintenance for many years to come.

Below are photos of the original house.

Traditional features

The house has been renovated with a deep respect for the traditional building style of the region, ensuring that every detail has been carefully considered. When you view the house’s façade, you can’t help but notice the elegant interplay of colors, with a delicate shade of yellow beautifully complemented by the pastel green of the shutters, windows, and doors. Rikke explains the inspiration behind this choice:

“It’s a classic Piedmont combination, though not one of the most commonly used, so it’s less frequently seen in the landscape. I took photos while exploring the area and occasionally encountered it because I was so captivated by the color combination.”

Opposite the entrance to the house stands a decorative monument that once functioned as a well. For safety reasons, the well was sealed off, but our architect and project manager, Thomas Jensen, had the idea of bricking it up in the traditional manner, as is often done with features such as haylofts in Northern Italy.

The home’s covered terrace was originally a large space added to the house and used as a garage, which is typical in Piedmont, where locals often use sheds, barns, and garages to store equipment for maintaining rural properties and surrounding land. During the renovation, the garage was transformed into a spacious, covered terrace, complete with lounge furniture and a pizza oven, offering a view of the idyllic vineyard.

The interior of the house is also adorned with traditional features that give it a unique character. Several existing walls and ceilings have been sand-blasted to reveal the beautiful original tiles. The first floor is covered with original terracotta stone, and the impressive fireplace has been preserved and restored, serving both as decoration and to create a warm atmosphere in the home.

Below are photos showcasing the home’s features.

Owners’ report

The final touch in perfecting the transformation of this beautiful house is, of course, the feedback from the owners about the finished result. We asked Jan and Kirsten, the first owners to enjoy this North Italian home, to share their experiences.

“We really enjoyed our first holiday in our house in Piedmont. We look forward to going there again this spring.

Piedmont is always worth a visit, with its wide range of good food and fine wines, and its amazing towns and cities. We particularly enjoyed walking around Nizza Monferrato with its small pedestrian streets with lots of speciality shops, ice cream parlours and cafés.

Our house is beautifully situated in the heart of the vineyards – it’s wonderfully spacious and has been tastefully restored and furnished. The large terraces provide a magnificent view on three sides, and the nearest neighbour is a long way away. Both children and adults made good use of the pool.

This is exactly how we would have created a house in Piedmont – but this gives us the opportunity to enjoy it within our own financial means.”

Below you can see some of the owners’ pictures from their beautiful home in Piedmont.