2 bedrooms tower, 209 m²

Bettola, Piacenza (province)

Finely Restored 11th-Century Medieval Tower – Riglio Valley, Piacenza

If you dream of owning an authentic piece of history immersed in the tranquility of the Piacenza hills, this property is a truly unique opportunity. Set within a small medieval hamlet with an atmosphere suspended in time, stands this splendid fortified tower house dating back to the year 1100, as engraved on the entrance portal.
The earliest written records of the fortification—once owned by the noble Anguissola family and later by the Nicelli family—appear in the Ripalta chronicle in the year 1367.
The structure, built entirely of stone, spans four levels and preserves its most precious architectural elements intact: from the characteristic stone mask carvings (spiritelli) to the dovecote belt course under the roofline.
The conservative restoration carried out in 2003 highlighted every original detail:
Authentic Materials: Original exposed oak beams, historic fireplaces, stone alcoves, and flagstone flooring, complemented in the sleeping area by warm antique oak floors.
Green & Eco-friendly Soul: Restored using biocompatible materials and featuring a modern demand switch (network disconnector) in the sleeping quarters to eliminate electromagnetic fields during rest.
A property with certified cultural value, featured in prestigious magazines such as "Vivere Country" (December 2018), the book "Dalla casatorre al castello" by Giorgio Eremo (Tip.Le.Co. Publishing, 2012), and various local history volumes.
LAYOUT OF THE SPACES
Main access is through the annexe, which serves as a central hub leading both into the main tower and into the annexe itself. This section comprises a cozy kitchen equipped with characteristic wood-burning stoves, an attic bedroom, and a bathroom, featuring direct access to the private park.
From the entrance hallway, you enter the historic body of the tower, which develops vertically:
Living Area: Features a spacious, finely restored kitchen enhanced by an antique fireplace, flagstone floors, and exposed oak beams.
Living Room: A separate, warm, and welcoming space, also featuring a fireplace and a historic built-in pantry dating back to the period.
Top Floor (La Colombaia): On the highest level, within the wonderful and exclusive Colombaia area, lies the master bedroom, complete with its own private en-suite bathroom.
To complete the property, there is an added feature of great charm and utility: a large storage room with an independent entrance, ideal for multiple uses or storage. From here, you descend into the spectacular underground cellar featuring a stone barrel vault. Inside, there is a natural spring water well with its original channeling system; this natural system keeps the room exceptionally cool at a constant temperature, making it perfect as a wine cellar or a unique historic setting.
GROUNDS AND POTENTIAL
The tower enjoys an exclusive private park of over 6,000 sqm (approx. 1.5 acres)—a true oasis of peace and privacy. This immense green space is the perfect canvas to create a magical and fully personalized atmosphere, an ideal spot to design relaxation corners, outdoor lounges in the shade of the trees, or areas for alfresco dining surrounded by the quiet of the Riglio Valley.
The vastness of the land ensures maximum privacy and the convenience of ample dedicated parking space for guests.
Feature Note: For those wishing to expand the estate (for instance, for a charming boutique hospitality project or a two-family setup), there is the option to separately purchase the adjacent twin tower house, which also holds immense historical value and requires renovation.
LOCATION AND CONNECTIONS
Situated in the picturesque Riglio Valley (Piacenza), the property combines ultimate privacy with convenient proximity to the main hubs of Northern Italy:
Piacenza: 30 km (50 minutes)
Milan: 103 km (1 hour 40 minutes)
Airports: Parma (54 km), Milan Linate (56 km), Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio (68 km).