A lovely traditional old house of character situated within the historic heart of the medieval, hilltop town of Penne in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Close to the Gran Sasso National Park, Lake & WWF Nature Reserve
The House
The house is spacious with thick walls, high ceilings, wooden shutters and tiled floors throughout , helping to keep it cool during the summer months. The gas central heating & double glazing in all rooms means it is also suitable for winter stays. It is presented to a high standard with most rooms having recently been redecorated, and is comfortably furnished.
Ground Floor – Garage
First Floor – Arranged in a semi open plan style comprising:
Entrance hall
Bathroom: Bath with hand held shower, wash basin & WC
Living Room: Traditional fireplace, comfortable chairs & radio/CD player
Dining Room: Vaulted ceiling, full length window opening on to a small balcony. Seating for 8 around the large dining table, TV & DVD Player (please bring your own CD’s/DVD’s)
Kitchen: Fridge/freezer, double sink, 4 ring gas hob with extractor hood, full size oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, various cooking utensils, cutlery & crockery.
Second Floor –
Bathroom: Shower,wash basin, WC & washing machine
2 Double Bedrooms: Both are light and airy.
Plus 1 Bedroom with 2 separate bunk beds
A travel cot is available on request
The Abruzzo Region
Nestled halfway down Italy’s Adriatic coast, opposite Rome, Abruzzo has been described as the ‘green heart of Europe’ and is Italy’s most protected region. A third of its 11,000 sq km is designated as national park and is home to rare wildlife such as Marsicano bears, chamois and golden eagles
There are two spectacular mountain ranges, the Maiella and Gran Sasso, dotted with some of the least visited hill towns in Italy. There are 17 ski resorts in Abruzzo and the slopes are said to be central Italy’s finest, in spring it’s even possible to combine a morning's skiing with an afternoon on the beach! In addition, the coastline boasts 133km of golden beaches, creeks and cliffs.........Abruzzo is an excellent year round holiday destination.
The Town of Penne
There is always something to do in Penne itself, whatever time of year you visit..... The house is only a 2 min walk from the piazza where you can enjoy a drink in one of the many cafes and bars..... Penne has lots of small shops to enjoy including Pasticceria, butchers, boutiques, jewellers and gift shops selling local crafts.....There are also several small museums to visit (The Archaeological Museum “G.B. Leopardi” of Penne, The Municipal Diocesan Museum of Penne & The Naturalistic Museum “Nicola De Leone” of Penne).....There is the Lake of Penne Nature Reserve.....As well as a park with children's play equipment, and a swimming pool & tennis courts just on the edge of the town....
A busy market fills the town every Saturday morning selling local fruit, vegetables & cheeses, as well as clothes, shoes etc....
Penne is one of the most important towns in the province of Pescara, a reference point for the Vestina area. It is the ideal place for all types of stays: both in the summer and the winter since, with a drive of just 40 minutes, it is possible to reach the mountains where, in the summer, there are beautiful walks and, in the winter, equipped ski slopes on the peaks. In addition to this, there are also the sunny seaside resorts just 30 mins away with their crystal clear waters for bathing.
The town of Penne is defined as the ‘town of bricks’ due to its having been built almost entirely in cotto terracotta on the tops of four hills. On two of which the medieval centre still rises between the valleys of the Tavo and Fino rivers, amid a landscape of green hills and oak woods. To the west, the mountain ridge of the Apennines are visible just a few kilometres away.
The ancient town centre is well preserved, a maze of narrow, cobbled, alleys, surrounded by 15th century walls. The main access to the town is particularly picturesque, through the S. Francesco gate with its decorated frontispiece, and is the work of De Sio. Penne's churches include the 12th century Santa Maria, and the Duomo, which now houses the Diocese Museum including a crypt dating from the 8th century. The town has a lively festival at the end of August each year, and there is a market every saturday morning. You will find that the town has a warm and very friendly atmosphere
A number of artistic-artisan workshops are active in the town, with the production of Pennesi majolica earthenware's, serigraph prints, embroideries, traditional weavings, jewellery, wrought iron and copper work and fine cabinet making.
Penne also represents a point of access to the Gran Sasso National Park through the Lake of Penne Nature Reserve, a WWF oasis where it is possible to participate in guided visits. This oasis includes a centre for environmental education, a nature trail with observation huts for those interested in the avifauna, an animal first-aid centre, an artisan workshop, a botanical garden, a naturalistic museum, two aquariums and a centre where otters are bred.
As soon as you leave the town you are into wonderful countryside, which is ideal for those who enjoy walking. Full & half day guided walks from Penne, can be arranged. Some of the walks available are: The Calderone Glacier, The Monastery of San Bartolomeo, "Little Tibet" & Spectacular Majella Gorges.
The nearby resort of Pescara has fantastic shopping, nightlife and seafood restaurants. A 35 minute drive takes you to Montesilvano with its clean beach. There is also Pineto, a resort known for its pine woods. The Onda Blu Water Park is approx 1 hour away and an excellent 18 hole golf course is approx 40 mins drive.
How to get there
Nearest airport: Pescara 20 miles (40 mins drive). Also within easy reach are Ancona (approx 1 hr 50 mins) & Rome (approx 2 hrs 10 mins).
Car hire is not essential, due to public transport, but is highly recommended to make the most of your stay.
Please contact us for a copy of our Booking Conditions
To be arranged
A £150 deposit is required within 7 days of booking. The balance is payable 8 weeks before the start of the rental period. If booking less than 8 weeks before the start of the rental period, the total cost must be paid at the time of booking. Payment can be made by cheque or Paypal
DISCOUNTS:
£20 discount per week for 2 guests (min stay 7 nights)
10% discount on the second week of a 14 night stay!
Discounts for longer stays, 10% second week, 15% third week, 20% fourth week.
Maximum rental period: 4 weeks
Short breaks are always welcome (min 4 nights)