The property: its history and current condition

Corte di Manno, historically known as Corte Ghirardini, is a rural courtyard complex located in the medieval village of Manno di Toano, in the municipality of Toano, in the province of Reggio Emilia.

It is considered one of the finest and most significant examples of a historic manor complex in the Reggio Emilia Apennines.

The original complex is now divided into several separate sections. One section is still owned by the Ghirardini family and has already been restored. The section presented for sale on this website is jointly owned by several owners other than the Ghirardini family.

A building of historic importance

The entire Corte Ghirardini complex is recognised as one of the village’s most architecturally significant buildings and still retains original features of considerable interest. Its extensive structure, enclosed within a compact layout, clearly reveals its original defensive purpose.

The magnificent views and its setting surrounded by greenery make it an oasis of tranquillity, ideal for escaping the hectic pace of city life.

Nearby are numerous estates and properties that once belonged to Countess Matilda of Canossa.

Condition

The section offered for sale has been unoccupied for many years and provides a substantial amount of space arranged over two levels. Affected by severe weather and seismic events in recent years, parts of the building are now in ruins and the structure has partially collapsed. It requires complete restoration and is not currently habitable.

As part of a historic village, any restoration work on the property is subject to approval and restrictions imposed by the relevant Italian heritage authority, the Soprintendenza. The property has been officially declared to be of historical and artistic interest under Italian Legislative Decree No. 42 of 22 January 2004, Article 10, paragraphs 1 and 12. This designation protects the village’s original architectural character and must be taken into account when planning any building work.

Key details

Area	– Land: 700 sq m of privately owned land – Buildings: 626 sq m gross floor area, plus 211 sq m of attic space
Layout	Two floors, originally comprising 13 rooms; parts of the building are now in ruins
Current condition	In need of complete restoration; not currently habitable
Land Registry details	Buildings Register of the Municipality of Toano (RE) – Bulding: Sheet 27, plots 175, sub. 1 and 176, sub. 1; category A/3, class 1 – Land: Sheet 27, plot 338; classified as arable land with trees, class 2

Why this is an opportunity

Corte di Manno enjoys an enviable location in the heart of a historic Apennine village, surrounded by greenery and forming part of a complex of recognised architectural value. The section already restored by the Ghirardini family provides a clear and tangible example of what can be achieved. Prospective buyers are therefore not relying on an abstract vision: just a few steps away, they can see a real example of the results that careful restoration can deliver.

The building is ideally suited to a bespoke restoration project and deserves to be returned to its full beauty. Its size and layout also make it suitable for conversion into a substantial hospitality or tourist accommodation facility.

The current owners purchased the property with the intention of restoring it. They have since reconsidered their plans and are now willing to sell it on favourable terms to someone interested in taking the restoration project forward.

Plans and drawings

Current condition

These floor plans, elevations and sections date from 2009, when the current owners purchased the property. Due to the seismic events and severe weather mentioned above, some sections of the building have since collapsed and its present condition no longer corresponds entirely to these drawings.

Proposed restoration

The following drawings illustrate a restoration proposal prepared by the current owners. They are provided solely to demonstrate one of the many possible ways in which the property could be developed.