2 bedrooms detached house, 130 m²

Portula, Biella (province)

Private Riverside House with Land, Gardens and Development Potential
Nestled in a sunny and secluded position, this characterful three-storey stone house offers a rare opportunity to create a charming countryside retreat in the heart of the Piedmont Alps. The property benefits from exclusive vehicular access, private parking, walled fruit/ herb garden, and a separate parcel of land comprising pasture and orchard trees.
Accommodation and Development Potential
Measuring approximately 130 sqm, the property extends over three floors and enjoys delightful views across the surrounding mountains, the riverside and the picturesque hamlets of Coggiola and Masseranga.
Maintaining some period features, the house provides an excellent opportunity for sympathetic restoration and modernisation, allowing the next owner to create a unique home tailored to their own tastes and requirements.
The current accommodation comprises:
Two double bedrooms;
Two bright and spacious reception rooms;
One bathroom;
Living accommodation arranged over two floors, each measuring approximately 60 sq m;
Additional space on the second floor, offering further scope for conversion or reconfiguration.
Original Features
A number of attractive features have been preserved, including:
Solid chestnut plank flooring;
Original internal timber staircase;
Exposed timber-beamed ceilings;
Open fireplace;
Original timber-framed windows with ornate handles;
Period ceramic electrical switches.
The Vaulted Cellars
Beneath the property lie two exceptionally dry, exposed-brick cellars with cross-vaulted ceilings and original river stone flooring. These atmospheric spaces offer outstanding potential for conversion into a wine cellar, traditional taverna, entertaining space, home cinema, studio or workshop.
Further Conversion Opportunities
The former hay loft to the rear of the property, together with the building that once housed the village barber's shop on the lower-ground floor, provides substantial scope for additional accommodation, guest suites, a home office or small business premises, subject to any necessary permissions.
Gardens, Grounds and Outdoor Living
The property occupies a generous plot incorporating the house, a walled fruit and herb garden, and a separate area of pasture with mature fruit trees.
The outdoor space is a particular highlight and lends itself to a variety of uses. There is ample room to install a swimming pool, create a paddock for horses, establish an extensive kitchen garden, or develop a private wellness retreat within the existing rustic outbuildings, subject to planning requirements.
Parking and Access
The property benefits from private parking for one/two vehicles. Vehicular access is restricted solely to residents and authorised visitors, ensuring a peaceful setting with no passing traffic.
A Rewarding Project
Essential services are already in place, including a bathroom, kitchen with wood-burning stove, mains water supply, sewer connections, roof, rainwater drainage and balconies.
The property would suit anyone seeking a rewarding renovation project, whether undertaking works themselves or taking advantage of current Italian renovation incentives (up to 50% tax rebate). It offers the opportunity to create a beautiful bespoke home with relatively modest initial outlay and excellent long-term investment potential.
Situated in Frazione Masseranga di Portula, the property enjoys easy access to the walking trails of Oasi Zegna and the ski slopes of Bielmonte, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. The area appeals to anyone seeking unspoilt landscapes, quieter routes and a relaxed pace of life, all within reach of modern amenities.
With an asking price in the region of €56,000, this is a rare opportunity to create a unique home where history, nature and tranquillity come together.

About the Area
Masseranga di Portula, in the Province of Biella, Piedmont, is a charming hamlet set within the picturesque Valsessera Valley at the foothills of the Biellese Alps. Surrounded by cool streams, woodland and mountain scenery, it offers a peaceful rural environment while remaining conveniently accessible from the major cities of Northern Italy.
The area forms part of the historic community of Portula, a village of medieval origin renowned for its rural character, longstanding traditions and proximity to the Sanctuary of Novareja.
The region is particularly noted for its authentic Piedmontese cuisine, including local cheeses, cured meats, polenta concia, honey and traditional mountain specialities served by local restaurants and agriturismi.
Distances
Biella: approximately 18 km
Turin: approximately 80 km
Milan: approximately 115 km
Turin Caselle Airport: approximately 85 km
Milan Malpensa Airport: approximately 90 km
Transport
The hamlet is accessed by local roads and is served by bus connections to Biella and neighbouring towns via Portula. Rail services from Biella provide connections to Turin, Milan and the wider Italian rail network.
Masseranga is an ideal location for those looking for the perks of living in a beautiful, less know part of Italian countryside, where you can still enjoy all the different seasons, without sacrificing convenient access to major cities and international airports.
For further information or to arrange a viewing, please get in touch.
English, French and Spanish spoken.