Description
A traditional house of character situated within the historic heart of the medieval, hilltop town of Penne in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Just a short walk from a good range of small shops, restaurants, cafes & bars. Close to the Gran Sasso National Park, Lake & WWF Nature Reserve surrounded by wonderful countryside including vineyards and olive groves.
The house is spacious with thick walls, high ceilings, traditional wooden shutters and tiled floors throughout , helping to keep it cool during the summer months. Full gas central heating and double glazing in all rooms means it is also suitable for a winter break.
It is presented to a high standard as most rooms have recently been redecorated, and the house is comfortably furnished.
The sea is just a 35 min drive away through the countryside, and the house is just a short drive from the Gran Sasso National Park, making this a superb location from which to explore the region.
The House
Ground Floor ? Garage
First Floor ? Arranged in a semi open plan style comprising:
Entrance hall
Bathroom: Bath with hand held shower, hand basin, & WC.
Living Room:Traditional vaulted ceiling, Sofa's, comfortable chairs, coffee table, Radio/CD Player. French doors open onto a small balcony. TV & DVD Player (please bring your own CD?s/DVD?s). There is a small selection of books that you are welcome to borrow at any time during your stay.
Dining Room: Seating for 8 around the large dining table. Fireplace.
Kitchen: Well equipped with everything you should need including: fridge/freezer, double sink, 4 ring gas hob with extractor hood, full size oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, various cooking utensils, glasses, cutlery & crockery.
Second Floor ?
Bathroom: Shower, hand basin, WC & Washing Machine
2 spacious double Bedrooms: One has exposed oak beams and both are light and airy.
Plus 1 Bedroom with 2 separate bunk beds
A travel cot is available on request.
Sleeps 2 - 8
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....making Abruzzo an excellent year round holiday destination.
Abruzzo also holds some of Italy's best-preserved medieval and Renaissance hill towns.
Although rich in natural beauty and history, Abruzzo is only just starting to be discovered by tourists, so it is still authentic Italy
The Town of Penne
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 a 35 min drive 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.
You will find that the town has a warm and very friendly atmosphere. During summer months Penne, is full of cultural events and entertainment's.....including "White Night" on the 4th August when everything in the town stays open over night with festivities going on. Previous guests have enjoyed The Palio festival which takes place over 3 days in August. The town is transported back to medieval times, with the locals in colourful costumes, fire-eaters, dancers, donkey racing, jugglers, stilt-walkers and re-enacted duels all add to the magical atmosphere.
Penne 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 injured animals, a nature trail with observation huts, a handcraft shop, a botanical garden, a naturalistic museum, two aquariums and a centre where otters are bred. It is home to 160 speices of birds. The Lake is about 20 mins walk from the house or it is possible to drive.
Penne is close to the Gran Sasso National Park, and as soon as you leave the town you are into wonderful countryside, which is ideal for those who enjoy walking. An enjoyable way to spend a day (or half day) is to join one of the guided walks from Penne. Some of the walks available are: The Calderone Glacier, The Monastery of San Bartolomeo, "Little Tibet", A Fairy Tale Castle, Monks Valley, Ruined taverns and ancient mule tracks, Spectacular Majella Gorges & The Legends and Museums of Penne. It's also possible to book a week?s package of three full day walks, and two half day walks.
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 Passo Lanciano ski resort is approx 45 mins drive, and an excellent 18 hole golf course is approx 40 mins drive away. Children will love the Onda Blu Water Park, with pools, slides and shaded green picnic areas, which can be reached in about an hour.
Rome is approx 2.5 hours away, and is a wonderful drive through the mountains. It's also possible to travel to Rome by coach from Pescara.....perfect for a day trip.
How to get there
Nearest airport: Pescara 20 miles (40 mins drive). Also within easy reach are Ancona (approx 1 hour 50 mins) & Rome (approx 2 hours 10 mins). Please see our website for more details.
Guest Comments
"What a gorgeous house in a delightful village. The beds were so comfy we slept great every night, it was nice and spacious so we weren't tripping over each other and the town was charming, so it was a lovely holiday. A real highlight for me was morning cappuccino and evening aperitifs at Bar Centrale. So again many thanks and we'll definitely recommend this as a great place to stay"
KL. Wiesbaden Germany
?Thoroughly enjoyed the house, town and region of Abruzzo. Once again Italy has amazed us and the Italians here are so friendly?
N.B Marlow United Kingdom
"We still think about our stay at your house in Penne - daily. Each
day was a different adventure-we will cherish those memories for a
long time. The location was perfect, the town was friendly, the food was great. Your house was more then advertised. It was tastefully decorated and wonderfuly furnished."
RK. Wisconsin USA
?The house was lovely along with the town! Loved ice cream & coffee at Rychotts Bar Loreto?
K. A Kingston- upon-Thames UK
"We all had a really good time and the countryside is quite breathtaking and so varied, and the people so friendly. Food was excellent and so cheap and we will miss our morning coffee in the square people watching."
CE. Hampshire UK
"We wish to thank you for having such a
comprehensive and centrally located property for us to rent. We have
throughly enjoyed our visit here."
CE. Caerphilly Wales
"We enjoyed staying in Penne & your lovely house for a week. Our favorite activity was buying food every day at the various shops close to the house"
DB. Nanaimo Canada
"What a great place to spend a holiday, first-class accommodation, wonderful scenery and friendly locals. Italy is a rich country, wealthy in the things that count! Many thanks. "
DW. Abingdon United Kingdom
?A beautifully presented property in the heart of Penne, extremely conveniently located for touring rural Abruzzo. From this property you can easily reach beach or mountains. The property is very well furnished, very clean and comfortable and is a very superior holiday letting. It comes highly recommended."
FM. Salford UK
"We have enjoyed our family reunion in your lovely house in Penne. The house is well furnished, equipped and clean - first class. The local people have been friendly and helpful. We all enjoyed the Gran Sasso and wonderful scenery - so much variety. Walking and discovering so much in Penne - churches, museums, - was a delight. Thank you."
SW. Fareham UK
Please Note
Strictly Non?Smokers Only Please.
Sorry No Pets
Change over days are flexible to suit your flights
Short breaks are always welcome (min 4 nights)
Please visit our website for up to date availability!
www.holidayinpenneabruzzo.com
|
