Medieval Castle With Grand Private Park In The Novara Area

Set on a panoramic hilltop overlooking the picturesque Ticino Valley, this castle dating back to 1260 is an extraordinary example of fortified architecture and a magnificent opportunity for contemporary luxury living. The main property covers an area of 1,620 sqm spread over three levels, offering an impeccable interior layout comprising ten spacious bedrooms and five bathrooms. Originally designed for the region’s most influential nobility, the complex also comprises a detached guest house and a charming historic hamlet arranged around a private courtyard, featuring no fewer than five additional residential units that can be customised. This exceptional scale allows the property, set within 72 hectares of outdoor space comprising gardens, vineyards, arable land and woodland, to accommodate numerous guests, making it the ideal choice as a sumptuous private home of the highest standing or for the development of high-end hospitality projects.

Originally built in the second half of the 13th century, the castle boasts a glorious past linked to the Barbavara family, who retained ownership until the second half of the 17th century, when it passed to the Castiglioni family. A skilful and meticulous programme of conservation restoration has preserved the charm and elegance of the period structure intact, eliminating the need for major structural work. The stone and brick façades blend harmoniously with the communal areas and the historic courtyard, enhanced by an imposing entrance portal overlooking an 18th-century villa recognised as a cultural heritage site. Of great visual impact is the panoramic tower from the 19th century, added by the Carena branch of the Castiglioni family, which rises above the property’s skyline and is accessed via an elegant wrought-iron staircase, offering an unobstructed and spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

The redesign of the interior spaces celebrates the property’s historic character through fine finishes and perfectly preserved original details. The ground floor is entirely dedicated to entertaining and socialising, comprising grand reception rooms made warm and welcoming by majestic stone fireplaces and natural light that reflects off the surfaces. The ceilings feature spectacular historic coffered panels, period frescoes and warm exposed beams in every room, while the floors alternate between antique terracotta tiles and fine solid wood. The dining room stands out for its walls painted with refined elegance and features elements that evoke tradition, leading off to a fully equipped kitchen which also boasts a characteristic wood-fired oven. A monumental staircase leads to the upper floor, entirely dedicated to the sleeping quarters, where the master suites are situated; all are spacious, light-filled, and feature en-suite bathrooms and private sitting rooms.

The castle is surrounded by an imposing expanse of lawn and land used for various agricultural purposes, stretching for almost seventy-two hectares towards the plain. This vast private park guarantees absolute privacy and offers the opportunity to create exclusive facilities, including a regulation-size polo pitch or stables for horses. The outdoor areas adjacent to the main building include a cosy sheltered patio, ideal for use almost all year round, even in the autumn months, and spacious panoramic terraces shaded by fragrant wisteria.

From these outdoor areas and the balconies of the bedrooms, you can enjoy a captivating journey through nature, with unique views overlooking the entire valley and offering picturesque landscapes at every hour of the day.