Beautiful historic villa with a Scandinavian touch and outstanding view
Welcome to Danish owned Cascina Nielsen in Piedmont, where Anders and Mette have beautifully renovated the villa to create a wonderful holiday home for 18 to 20* guests, with 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.
Inside the villa
Inside, you will find a beautiful villa that has retained its classic Italian features. The characteristic terracotta floors and beautiful exposed wooden beams contrast perfectly with the white walls. The kitchen has a Scandinavian inspired design, with every detail carefully considered so that you can prepare delicious meals using fresh vegetables and ingredients bought at the local markets.
On the ground floor, you will find a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and freezer, oven, hob, dishwasher and kettle. There is also a spacious living area with a dining area and comfortable sofas.
The ground floor also has 2 bedrooms. Grignolino has a double bed and a sofa bed for 2 children, making it ideal for a small family. The room has its own private bathroom.
Merlot is a double bedroom with its own private bathroom.
Taking the stairs to the first floor, you will find another 3 bedrooms, each accommodating 2 guests. Barbera and Nebbiolo share a bathroom, while Dolcetto has its own private bathroom.
Above the kitchen on the first floor, you will find the remaining bedrooms. They all have double beds, and Chardonnay has its own private bathroom. Arneis, Cortese and Moscato share a bathroom.
All bedrooms are equipped with fans. The villa also has a washing machine and tumble dryer.
The stairs leading down to the wine cellar are sure to tempt any wine lover. This is where you can arrange a wine tasting, hear stories about the area and get a sense of the history behind the estate. The wine cellar has been kept simple, with just the right atmosphere and lighting for an enjoyable evening in good company.
Wine tastings with Anders and Mette can be arranged in advance, or you can simply purchase some of their wines. By arrangement, they will open the wine cellar for you so that you can have a look around and discover their selection.
The outdoor area
Cascina Nielsen is surrounded by the owners’ own vineyards, where Barbera, Merlot, Arneis, Cortese and Dolcetto grapes are grown. To the north, you can see the town of Asti, while in other directions you can spot olive trees among the surrounding landscape.
On clear days, it is even possible to see mountain ranges in Switzerland and France, making the views from Cascina Nielsen truly unique.
Anders and Mette have clearly kept in mind just how important the 14 metre long swimming pool is for a summer holiday, for both children and adults. But they have also created plenty of opportunities to enjoy time together away from the pool.
There is a pétanque court, a large lawn for ball games and several peaceful spots where you can sit in the shade with a good book.
The terraces invite you to enjoy an aperitivo outdoors, while the pool is perfect for a refreshing swim after a long day of exploring the area. The villa also has a gas barbecue, allowing you to prepare some of your meals outdoors.
What the owners can arrange
Cascina Nielsen is a winery dating back approximately 150 years. The former owners, the Benotto family, were well known locally as one of the leading producers of Barbera and Merlot wines.
Today, the estate is owned by Anders and Mette from Denmark, who have carried out an extensive renovation of Cascina Nielsen.
They can arrange cooking classes with Michelin starred chefs as well as pasta making classes. They are also happy to help arrange food deliveries from nearby restaurants for both breakfast and dinner.
During October and November, truffle hunts with local truffle hunters can also be arranged.
They can also help you arrange hiking and cycling experiences in the surrounding area.
Experiences in the area
Cascina Nielsen is located near Costigliole d’Asti, an important town for Barbera wines. The town is small but offers everything you need for your daily shopping and can be reached in approximately 20 minutes on foot. The old castle regularly hosts art exhibitions, and the town is also home to restaurants where chefs come to learn more about Piedmontese cuisine.
There is plenty to experience in Piedmont and the surrounding area. You can visit Asti, the provincial capital, as well as the market town of Nizza Monferrato, with its beautiful old square full of atmosphere and charm.
Alba is another charming town with plenty of shops selling traditional Italian products and crafts. Keep in mind that many businesses close during the afternoon for siesta, and many shops are also closed on Sundays.
The local markets are always worth a visit. Every Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00, there is a market in the centre of Alba. In Asti, markets are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00, with stalls filled with fresh seasonal produce. You will find everything from cheese and fruit to clothing and kitchenware.
On Sundays, there is a smaller market in Costigliole from 8:00 to 12:00, where you can pick up fresh ingredients to prepare back at the villa.
If you are looking for a restaurant, have a chat with Anders and Mette. They will be happy to recommend somewhere that suits your preferences. Within a radius of approximately 30 km, there are around 20 Michelin recognised restaurants. If a special dining experience is part of your holiday plans, we recommend booking your table in advance.
You will be staying in the heart of a beautiful wine region, with many small and charming wineries nearby. Cascina Nielsen is also within easy driving distance of the Langhe area and Barolo, giving you plenty of opportunities to discover the different wines and grape varieties of Piedmont during your holiday.
