Holiday Villa-House for rent in Carezzano Piedmont Alessandria Italy, vacation rental | short term lettings.

Estimated to be 400 years old, our house is one of the oldest in the village. As you come in through the external courtyard there is a sense of being welcomed, and being able to relax and spread out. The house has recently been tastefully restored which has enhanced its old world charm. We can also arrange to have traditional Italian meals (lunch and dinner) prepared by a local professional cook, at a cost of between 5 and 15 Euros per person per meal.

The enclosed courtyard and quiet surroundings make the property suitable for children. The walls throughout the house are very thick and keep the house cool during the summer months, so there is no need for air conditioning. An important point when the outside temperature is 28/30 °C.

Accessibility
The property would not be considered accessible for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

Outside
The whole house is built around a secluded courtyard where you will find plenty of deckchairs for sunbathing and a covered portico for al fresco eating. The outdoor table comfortably sits 12 people and there is a barbecue. A conservatory at first floor level provides a relaxing semi-open air area which enjoys the evening sunshine, as well as views of the village rooftops and bell tower. This is an ideal place for an evening aperitif, and is also the designated smoking area (we prefer that you don't smoke in the house).

Coast/Beach
If you're interested in spending time by the sea, the beautiful towns of Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Camogli are all within 1.5 hours travel by train or car.

Golf
There are 2 golf courses within 45 minutes drive. If golf is your thing let us know and we can provide you with more detailed information.

Special interest holidays
On request we can also organise for a professional art guide to accompany you on tours of Milan, Genoa, Turin and other areas of interest.

Travel
There are 2 airports in Milan: Milan Linate 1 hours drive. Milan Malpensa 1 hour 45 minutes drive. One airport in Bergamo (serviced by Ryanair). Orio Al Serio 1 hour 30 minutes drive.
And one in Genoa (also serviced by Ryanair). Genova 45 minutes drive.

Car Hire: We would highly recommend that you hire a car for the duration of your stay, not having one would greatly limit your ability to enjoy the area to its full potential.

Distances
The nearest town is Tortona (pop. 30.000). From here the local railway station provides easy access to a number of tourist attractions in northern and southern Italy, these destinations are also accessible by car.

Times by train: Venice 4 hours. Milan 50 minutes. Genoa 50 minutes. Rome 6 hours 30 minutes. Florence 3 hours.

Further details
Eating: We have lived in this area for many years, and will be happy to provide you with a list of all our favourite bars, restaurants and eating spots.

Wine: The 'Colli Tortonesi' are also a well known wine producing area. Two varieties are predominantly used in the production of Colli Tortonesi DOC wines. Local suppliers are plentiful if you want to stock up on high quality wine at very affordable prices.

Swimming: Two of the neighbouring villages (both within a 15 minute drive) have public swimming pools where you can practise your italian and meet the locals. There's a water park within 35 minutes drive. Rivers in the local mountains also offer swimming for the more adventurous, good spots vary between 30 minutes to 1 hours drive.

Shopping: As well as easy access to Milan and Genoa, the local town of Tortona has many trendy Italian shops. Nearby (15 minute drive) you will also find one of the largest designer outlets in Europe, with more than 100 designer shops offering heavily discounted prices all year round.

Walking: The surrounding hills provide many opportunities to stretch your legs on mediaeval trade routes winding through the picturesque rural landscape. If you fancy a day trip to the sea there are also some wonderful coastal walking trails in the 'Cinque Terre' region of Liguria.

Horse riding: There are a number of riding & trekking schools in the area, if you're interested we will also provide you with details of these.

Thermal baths and spas: The thermal springs of Salice Terme (40 minutes drive) give you the chance to bathe in the warm, natural mineral-rich waters and choose from a range of spa treatments designed to ease the body and soothe the mind.