Solignano Nuovo di Castelvetro, a farmhouse that tickles the senses in the Modenese hills

Crossing the threshold the smell of mothballs, old hats stacked on a lamp, iron beds and large windows…what a fascination to visit old houses.

We are in Castelvetro, in the province of Modena, and if a property fascinates on a gloomy day like today, we are certainly in a unique and enchanting place.

Already, the two-storey main building with the old stable next to it exudes magic and tickles my fancy. But let’s enter the first property, climb these four stone stairs before stepping through a door that has been restored to its wooden splendour.

I love the grit floor, its patterns, and I believe that in the renovation it should be preserved and restored in all its splendour.

At present, the house is divided into three units Two with access from the main door, occupying the ground floor and the first floor with a similar structure and square footage, and the third with a separate entrance on the west side of the house, which is spread over three floors thanks to a different exploitation of the attic heights. The top floor is the attic, which is almost entirely exploitable thanks to the more than habitable heights of most of the spaces.

There are many uses, but as you may have guessed, I imagine a somewhat different future for this property. On the ground floor a reception and breakfast room, perhaps with a few tables in the garden. The rest of the space and the upper floors with spacious rooms with large bathrooms where guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the place and enjoy a moment of true relaxation.

In the red building that used to be a stable, I imagine the manor house, on two levels. On the ground floor we could create a splendid living area overlooking the garden, surrounded by antique roses and calla lilies and jars full of succulent plants. The first floor could be used as a sleeping area with beautiful exposed beams and large windows to admire the lovely landscape.

The tool shed in the garden has currently become a convenient parking space thanks to a shed, but a skilful renovation could give new life to this too.

With more than 20,000 metres of land, you could create a much-needed swimming pool and a series of aromatic or experiential gardens, and why not dabble in the cultivation of vines, drinking a good fresh Lambrusco is always a pleasure.

Arm yourself with imagination, and yours will not only be a visit to this property but an emotion for your senses.