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. Just a short walk from a good range of small shops, restaurants and cafes. Close to the Gran Sasso National Park, Lake and WWF Nature Reserve and surrounded by wonderful countryside including vineyards and olive groves. The house is situated within a residential area (with very friendly neighbours!), and has a narrow cobbled alleyway at the side. It 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, and most rooms have recently been redecorated, and it is comfortably furnished Ground Floor Garage First Floor Arranged in a semi open plan style (separated by restored brick arches) comprising: Entrance hall Bathroom: Bath with hand held shower, hand basin, bidet and WC. Living Room: Traditional vaulted ceiling. French doors open onto a small balcony. Sofa's, comfortable chairs, coffee table, radio/CD player. TV and DVD Player (please bring your own CDs/DVDs). 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, electric kettle, coffee maker, various cooking utensils, sauce pans, glasses, cutlery, crockery etc Second Floor Bathroom: Shower, hand basin, bidet, WC and Washing Machine 2 Large 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. Various other items are provided for those with young children. The house sleeps 2 - 8 people The Abruzzo Region Nestled halfway down Italys Adriatic coast, opposite Rome, Abruzzo has been described as the green heart of Europe and is Italys 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 Italys finest, in spring its 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. The Town of Penne The town of Penne is defined as the town of bricks due to its having been built almost entirely in cotto terracotta (which was also used for paving the narrow streets) 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 also 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 adding 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 handicraft shop, a botanical garden, a naturalistic museum, two aquariums, picnic areas, marked walking trails and a centre where otters are bred. It is home to 160 speices of birds. The Lake is just outside the town, about 20 - 30 mins walk from the house or of course it's 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 very 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 and The Legends and Museums of Penne. It's also possible to book a weeks 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 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. Nearest airport: Pescara 20 miles (40 mins drive). Also within easy reach are Ancona (approx 1 hour 50 mins) and Rome (approx 2 hours 10 mins).