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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.

The sea is only a 35 min drive away through the countryside and the mountains are approx 40 mins, making this a superb location from which to explore this beautiful and unspoilt region....between the sea and the mountains.



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 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
Kitchen: Fridge/freezer, double sink, 4 ring gas hob with extractor hood, oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker & enough cutlery & crockery to accommodate up to 8 people.

Second Floor –

Bathroom: Shower, wash basin, WC & washing machine
2 Large 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. In addition to this, there are also seaside resorts just 30 mins away.

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, embroideries, traditional weavings, jewellery, wrought iron and copper work and fine cabinet making.

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.

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, "Little Tibet" & Spectacular Majella Gorges.

The nearby resort of Pescara has fantastic shopping, nightlife and seafood restaurants. 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. The Passo Lanciano ski resort is approx 45 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).

Inexpensive Ryanair flights are available.

Car hire is not essential, due to public transport, but is highly recommended to make the most of your stay.

Pescara Airport: Rome, Milan (Linate), New York (JFK), London (Stansted Airport) and Frankfurt (Hahn Airport). All scheduled flights can be checked on the airport website www.abruzzo-airport.it

Ancona Airport: London Daily (Stansted Airport) & Liverpool (Tues, Thurs, Sat). All scheduled flights can be checked on the airport website www.ancona-airport.com

Rome: Numerous airlines fly into Rome from all over the world. See www.adr.it for details

Pescara airport is only a short bus ride away from the centre of Pescara. A regular bus service connects Pescara to Penne.




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



"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
wonderfully furnished."

RK. Wisconsin USA



"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 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