Traditional house in medieval town
A lovely old 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. The sea is just a 35 min drive away through the countryside, and the house is just a 40 min drive from the Gran Sasso National Park, making this a superb location from which to explore this beautiful and unspoilt region.
Sleeps: 6 - Bedrooms: 3 - Bathrooms: 2
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 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, sofa, comfortable chairs & radio/CD player
Dining Room: Vaulted ceiling, a full length window opens onto a small balcony. Seating for 8 around the large dining table, sofa, TV & DVD Player (please bring your own CD’s/DVD’s)
Kitchen: Well equipped with 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 etc
Second Floor –
Bathroom: Shower, wash basin, WC & Washing Machine
2 spacious double Bedrooms: One has exposed beams and both are light and airy.
Plus 1 Bedroom with 2 separate bunk beds
A travel cot is available on request.
DISCOUNTS:
£20 discount per week if only 2 guests are staying (min 7 nights)
10% Discount on the second week of a 14 night stay
Discounts are also available for longer stays (max 4 weeks), please contact us for details or visit our website www.holidayinpenneabruzzo.com
POOL:
The house does not have a swimming pool. However the local hotel has an outdoor pool that guests can use for a small fee, and there is an indoor pool just on the edge of the town.
PARKING:
There is a large free car park nearby.
DINING AREA:
There is seating for 8 around the dining table
CHANGEOVER NOTES:
Change over days are flexible so that guests can make the most of the low cost flights
LINEN NOTES:
Included in the rental price: Electricity, Water, Gas (May~Sep), Bed Linen, Towels & Final Cleaning.
Beach towels are available.
October ~ April (inclusive) all gas used is charged separately.
For large groups (5 or more beds): Please add £15 extra per week
PET NOTES:
Sorry no pets
BABY FACILITY:
A travel cot is available on request (£10 extra)
LOCAL AMENITIES/ATTRACTIONS:
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 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.
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. 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 lovely beach. There is also Pineto, a resort known for its pine woods. The Passo Lanciano ski resort is approx 45 mins drive (www.passolanciano.com), and an excellent 18 hole golf course is approx 40 mins drive away. Children will love the Onda Blu Water Park, which can be reached in approx 1 hour
BOOKING NOTES:
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
A refundable breakage deposit of £150 is required when the final balance is paid.
Short breaks welcome (min 4 nights)
www.holidayinpenneabruzzo.com