La Casa Pietra - the perfect villa holiday in Italy
La Casa Pietra is an old farmhouse villa in a quiet sunny location in the Bormida Valley, lovingly renovated with the original stone facades and vaulted ceilings restored and all services and fittings modernised, to create a stunning home that provides comfort and style in a tranquil setting.
The property can accommodate up to 8 adults and 6 children, with 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen/dining room, comfortable living room and TV room/study. The floors are tiled throughout, all external windows and doors are double-glazed and have traditional wooden shutters. Two of the bedrooms have their own balconies and there is an ensuite bedroom which has French windows opening on to the courtyard.
La Casa Pietra has an attractive garden with shrubs, fruit trees, a covered terrace and two other outside eating areas. There is a lovely swimming pool 12m x 6m (suitable for families with children), as well as a large trampoline, swings and table tennis. The pool has an electronic cover which you can close when the pool is not is use, retaining the heat.
Wine Routes: The Province of Asti has several wine routes, through historic villages and vineyards. One of these routes - the Langa Astigiana - takes in Bubbio and circles the hills surrounding La Casa Pietra, where you can see several castles and towers as well as farms specialising in goats cheese production, hazelnuts, chestnuts, fruits and medicinal herbs. In the hilly terrain of the Langa Astigiana there are many nature trails and paths.
The local village, Bubbio is only 10-15 minutes walk away and is a charming village with some shops, cafes and a couple of restaurants. The village centre has a lovely green space with a little playground overlooked by the outside terrace of the local restaurant serving the best pizzas in the area as well as traditional Italian dishes. You can also find banks, a post office and bakery.
The nearest large supermarket is 15 minutes drive away in the historic town of Acqui Terme, which has a good fresh fish counter, plenty of meats and all the food you will need. It also has many household and garden goods, toys and even some clothes.
The historic and beautiful town of Acqui Terme, 15 minutes drive away, is very much worth a visit during your stay. Lovingly restored by the Italian government in recent years, the town originated in Roman times and was built around a natural hot spring, which you can see bubbling up in a beautiful square in the town centre. This is a lovely place to come and wander around the shops and twice-weekly market, have lunch in and see the fine architecture and peaceful squares.
Walking in the hills around Bubbio is another lovely way to spend some time. There are several local walking routes meandering between villages, showing you the local flora and fauna and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Another local favourite is cycling. The house is in a flat part of the river valley, but with pleasant hills a short walk/ride away. Please see our cycling page for more details.
Eating is a huge part of the Piemonte lifestyle. A meal cooked by a wonderful local Chef can be arranged, made lovingly using local ingredients to suit you.
We can also arrange cooking lessons...
Through our friendly local guide Gabriele we are also able to offer walking tours, wine tours, road cycling tours, Vespa tours and other activities. If you would like to consider this, please email us and we can put you in touch. Alternatively go to www.ferrerogabriele.com to check their services.
A day at the beach is another option; about an hour's drive away is the coast between Genoa and Savona, with many beaches to choose from. Genoa also has many attractions, including a large sea life centre and restored ancient port.
Just across the tiny lane to the house flows the River Bormida, lovely for a morning walk.
La Casa Pietra is a wonderful home from which to explore North West Italy or simply relax by the pool...if you would like to rent our home, please check our availability and rates.
A welcome pack is provided when you arrive, including a local wine, pasta and local hand-made biscuits.
Facilities at La Casa Pietra
Downstairs
Fully equipped dine-in kitchen, with oven, hob, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer
Comfortable living room with enclosed wood-burning fire
Study/playroom/TV room with comfortable seating for relaxing, containing TV with international channels and a Playstation.
Double bedroom with en-suite shower room and doors onto courtyard.
Upstairs
3 double bedrooms, two with extra bunk beds for children
2 bathrooms; one with shower, one with bath/shower
Outside
Private swimming pool 12m x 6m, with sun loungers and electric cover. Pool towels are provided
Outside large terrace with table seating 12+
2 other smaller eating areas with extra chairs
Luxury outside seating area with sofas, chair and low table, set in the shade for those hot summer afternoons
Large gas-fired barbecue
Egg BBQ
Large trampoline, fully netted
Two swings
Table tennis table
Foosball table
Bicycles for guest use (see the Cycling page for more on bikes)
Garden with fruit trees, irrigated lawns, shrubs and roses
Parking for up to 6 cars
Other
In total, 4 double bedrooms; sleeps 8 adults with up to 6 children
WiFi throughout including garden and by pool - provided by Starlink
Caretaker lives on site and can advise on local places, activities etc
Built-in water filtration system
Central heating