Roccaverano
Villa Roccaverano is located in the municipality of Roccaverano. The village of Roccaverano is perched on a hilltop 4 kilometers from the house. The hilltop is the highest point of the region, and from the tower in the centre of the village it is possible to overlook a vast part of the Asti region. At the centre of the village is also a small square and around the square is a family owned restaurant, a cafe, a grocery store, a pharmacy, a small hotel and a church. The village community is friendly, open and helpful.
The Landscape
Roccaverano is located on the brim of the vast Bormida valley, which is overlooked from Villa Roccaverano. The valley leads all the way to the coast of the mediterranean ocean, which can be reached within an hours drive. In the landscape around the villa is a multitude of trails and small dirt roads, which offer endless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Best known is the trail connecting the five ancient defence towers in the region, of which two are visible from the villa. In truffle season it’s possible to meet local truffle hunters with their trained truffle dogs; one of them lives at the bottom of the hill in Mombaldone, where he owns a restaurant.
The Food and Wine
Piemonte is famous for it’s culinary expertise and in every small village you will find family owned restaurants serving magnificent dishes made from local produce, accompanied by amazing local wines such as Barolo, Nebbiolo and Barbera. Several wineries close to Villa Roccaverano make sublime wines, which can be bought directly from the producer. A widely known specialty for Roccaverano is the goat cheese, Robiola di Roccaverano, which can be bought directly from the cheese makers in the area. One of them is located less than 2 kilometers from the house.
Acqui Terme
Acqui Terme is the closest larger town, located a 20 minute drive from the house. The historic town was founded by Romans around the hot water springs, which can still be experienced in the central town square. Since Roman times, the hot water has been used in thermal treatment, and the hot spring water is still the primary source used in the spas and thermal treatment centres of the town. In Acqui Terme you will find lots of great restaurants and cafes as well as shopping and supermarkets.