Civitella Messer Raimondo holiday home rental, Frazione Vicenne with walking, beach/lake nearby, log fire, balcony/terrace, internet

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Casa del Fiume (house)

Home description

South-facing self-contained wing of a stone-built country house that has recently been restored, situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of the Majella National Park. 5 acres of grounds with walnut groves and various fruit trees sweeps down to the fast flowing mountain river Aventino. Ideal country retreat for adults and older children. Perfect for families that enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature and outdoor activities. Great for walkers/hikers, nature lovers, painters (portable artist easels and stools available), mountain bikers (bikes available to hire nearby), fishing (rod available) and canoeing.

Own private sun-drenched terrace with spectacular mountain views and large teak garden table and chairs, and traditional BBQ with chimney. 2 teak loungers are also provided.

Casa del Fiume is owned by an artist/designer. The interior walls display original works of contemporary art.

The location is ideal for exploring the many small mediaeval towns of this region, walking in the Majella mountains, swimming in the warm Adriatic sea (40 min drive), downhill skiing / snowboarding at the ski resort of Roccaraso (40 min drive), cross-country skiing on 30 Kms of runs through beech woods at Bosco di Sant’Antonio (30 min drive), or merely relax with a book on a lounger with your feet dangling in the cooling water of the Aventino river (2 min walk).

Casa del Fiume is open all year round.
Should you require it, local suppliers deliver to your door bread, cheese, fish, fruit and vegetables.

At an additional cost we provide individually-tailored tuition in Art, Acoustic Guitar and Italian. See our website for further details.

Casa del Fiume - a beautiful Majella mountain retreat.	Casa del Fiume - an Artist's home in Abruzzo.
Casa del Fiume and terrace with views of the grounds.	Kitchen with view to terrace outside.

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/64772

The Marche / Abruzzo / Abruzzo region

Abruzzo is known as the green lung of Europe – one third of Abruzzo is designated either as regional or national park areas. There are literally so many areas of outstanding natural beauty here! The guide books also describe Abruzzo as a land of 1,000 castles, everywhere you drive you see a castle at the pinnacle of a hill-top village or town.

Abruzzo has always been a favourite holiday destination for Italians, due to it’s diversity – dramatic scenery, mountains, sea, blue-flag beaches, gastronomy, art, history and culture- literally something for everyone. But more importantly, Italians say it is like the Real Italy of 50 or more years ago - unspoilt, unpretentious and so welcoming. From May through to the end of October there is a local Festa every weekend somewhere in Abruzzo!

Civitella Messer Raimondo / Frazione Vicenne area

Civitella Messer Raimondo.
This is the nearest town, a mediaeval village perched on top of a hill at the foot of the Majella overlooking Fara San Martino.The discovery of the archaeological finds and of Roman mosaic flooring, testifies a continuity of settlements in this village. The first written testaments date back to the XII century. At the centre of this village is a castle named after the Baglioni’s family and close by is the mediaeval Palazzo Gattone which houses a local museum and in August a Tourist information centre (English speaking). Amenities include small general store, Post Office, Bar, Chemist, Doctor’s surgery. Small market every Wednesday.

Fara San Martino
Fara sits at the very foot of the eastern slope of the Majella and is one of the Italian capitals of pasta production. Since ancient times, the presence of the extra-pure mountain water from the Verd'e river has been used to create “the best pasta” which is now exported all over the world. Both 'Delverde' and De Cecco' have a factory shop selling their pasta as well as other delicacies. Fara San Martino is located inside the Majella National Park where it is possible to see deer, bears, chamois (mountain goats) and golden eagles. A wide variety of small shops, bars and restaurant/pizzeria plus Majella Visitor Centre, Post Office, Bank, supermarket, bakeries, tobacconist, newsagent and petrol station. There is even a butcher who supplies Harrod's! Small street market on Thursday.

Casoli
Casoli is a mediaeval town located on a hill on the right–hand side of the Aventino river. It dominates the river below which feeds into the beautiful lake Sant’Angelo (also known as lake Casoli) and the surrounding hills. Casoli has a large castle (currently being restored) and churches which were built between 1417 and 1587. Just outside Casoli you can visit a WWF natural reserve, which is home to the great white heron, the black stork and the flamingo. Casoli has a larger number of amenities. Street market every Friday in the centre of town is excellent for locally produced cheese, fruit and vegetables with many of the small stalls selling their own produce(often organic). Just past Casoli and on the SS81 is a newly built shopping park that contains a Eurospin supermarket (cheap, similar to Lidl) and an “Acqua e Sapone” (similar to Superdrug).

Lama dei Peligni
Lama situated just below “Monte Amaro” (at 2793m the highest point of the Majella mountain), comprises in its borders the Natural Oasi of the eastern Majella, and is a starting point for many beautiful hiking excursions, horse riding and mountain biking. Inhabited since pre-historic times, in the XII century it was, with nearby Palena, Taranta Peligna e Lettopalena, one of the key defence points along the way to Chieti on the Southwestern Valley route. Well worth seeing is the XVI century church of San Nicola, with Baroque interior and the Majella National Park Visitor Centre containing the Majella Naturistic Museum. The visitor centre also hires out mountain bikes. There is aslo a Nature Reserve for the chamois (mountain goat). Lama has a wide variety of small shops including Bank, Post Office, Butcher, three supermarkets (Sidis is owned by an english-speaking family who used to live in Canada), newsagent, ironmongers, chemist, barber, florist, petrol station 3 bars and 3 restaurants. Well worth a visit during the summer months is the open air swimming pool with english speaking staff and an excellent bar serving food.

Cavallone Cave
The Grotto del Cavallone is a short drive away from Lama on the road to Palena but it is usually only open in August, but it's well worth the cable-car ride.

Near to Casa del Fiume is lake Sant’Angelo (or Casoli lake) – great for fishing and picnic areas around the lake (5 min drive).

Guardiagrele
Go to the walled town of Guardiagrele (30 min drive) on a Sunday and you will discover a great street market plus all the shops open until lunchtime! Guardiagrele is also famous for copperware, beautiful churches and museums.

Lanciano
The city of Lanciano is well worth a visit (30 min drive) especially on Saturday for the street market which is the largest in the immediate vicinity. This market has a large number of shoe stalls and various clothes stalls, including vintage apparel, and a couple of antique lace stalls. Excellent Healthfood shop near to the market in via Veneto. Lots of shops in Lanciano both cheap and ridiculously expensive, historical buildings, churches and there is the world famous Eucharistic miracle housed in Lanciano. Try Bar del Portico at lunchtime - order a cocktail or glass of Prosecco and you get enough crudite snacks to keep you going.

How to get there

Ryan Air operates daily flights from Stansted to Pescara during the summer, in winter it’s 3 times per week. Pescara airport is a small airport close to the main auto routes (and opposite Auchan hypermarket). Hertz car rentals give a discount if you book from the link on Ryan Air website, other car rental companies do operate from Pescara. Casa del Fiume is a 1 hour drive from Pescara airport.

Alternatively fly to Rome from most major UK airports. The drive from Rome will take 2.5 to 3 hours on the autostrada – but it is a beautiful route.

Driving from UK? It will take at least 2 days from London and preferably with 2 people sharing the driving.

Once you decide on which transport you will be using, please let us know and we will supply you with recommended routes to use. There is always an easy route usually via motorways, which can be boring for some, or a more difficult route that takes you through countryside with splendid views of mountains and hill-top villages - that may require some map-reading skills.

Easy route from Pescara airport:
Leave the airport from the exit opposite Auchan hypermarket and turn right. Follow the (green) signs to A14 motorway. Once past the toll gate (do not forget to pick up the ticket) go south in the direction of Bari. The motorway skirts the sea, so the views are of the sea and surrounding hills covered with vines and olive groves. A few tunnels too.After about 30 minutes, take the exit called 'Val di Sangro' for the SS652 road signposted 'Castel di Sangro'. After some 15 Kms take the SS81 signposted 'Casoli'. After 7 Kms turn onto the SS84 and drive straight through Casoli towards 'Lama dei Peligni'. Drive past the lake (called Lago di Casoli or Lago di Sant'Angelo) and ten minutes drive after the lake you will enter Frazione Vicenne. 'Casa del Fiume' is on the 4th bend.

Activities near Civitella Messer Raimondo

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Downstairs has a small entrance lobby leading to the stairs. All rooms lead through to each other (no doors) in an almost open plan way. Kitchen is 3m x 5m with a solid marble work surface surrounding the ceramic butler sink and slate tiled floor.

Dining room is 3m x 5m with a marble tiled floor and cast iron and wood burning stove. Lounge is 3m x 5m with a marble tiled floor and a large cast iron wood burning stove containing 2 sofas seating up to 6 people.

Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and a shower room. The tiled shower room is 1.5m x 2.3m with curved glass shower cubicle, sink and WC. Bedroom 1 is 4.2m x 5m with a tiled floor and contains large double bed with mosquito curtain, wardrobe, large chest of drawers, dressing table with mirror. Double aspect windows give countryside and mountain views.

Bedroom 2 is 4.3m x 4.3m with a tiled floor and contains twin beds (which can be joined to make a double if desired), wardrobe and a chest of drawers. Double aspect French windows have views of the surrounding countryside.

Bedroom 3 is 2.5m x 3m with a tiled floor and contains a single bed and a chest of drawers. One window gives views of surrounding countryside and garden.

Further details outdoors:
Immediately outside the house is a large private terrace and a small garden area. The terrace is equipped with a teak garden table & chairs and a traditional chimney BBQ. The garden area is equipped with two teak loungers for your use elsewhere in the grounds (e.g. riverside beach area within the grounds).
Within the grounds you will also find a Table-Tennis table and near the edge of the river - a couple of hammocks swung between trees!

Further details

5 acre grounds are shared with the owners, who live in the adjacent house.
English Italian-speaking owners are on hand to welcome you and advise you where to shop, eat and visit.
Playstation 2 is available on loan, as are DVDs and CDs.
English language guide books of the area available on loan too!
Portable artist easels and stools are available on loan.
Mountain bikes are available locally to hire.
Welcome hamper of seasonal organic produce (from our grounds) is provided. This includes organic olive oil from our own trees.

Depending upon the season fresh organic fruit and vegetables from our own grounds will be available. As will our own organic olive oil.
Should you require the use of an item that is not listed (eg microwave, ipod player) please let us know.

Conditions

Smoking is only permitted outside the house please.
On arrival a refundable breakage deposit of Euro 250 is required, but only to cover major items.

30% deposit required at time of booking remainder paid in full 6 weeks before departure.

Casa del Fiume will be tastefully decorated for your Christmas stay but without a tree. Should a tree be required please let us know and we will send you a quote for the cost depending on size of course.

Should you require an extra bed (e.g. to be able to accommodate 6) please contact us, as we would be happy to provide this facility. Please do note that whilst the lounge does contain a sofa-bed, it is meant for occasional use.

Rental rates

Prices for group size 5
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Mid 2009	11 Sep 09	30 Oct 09	550£ 550	8080	100100	3 Nights
Low 2009	30 Oct 09	18 Dec 09	400£ 400	6060	7070	3 Nights
High 2009	18 Dec 09	8 Jan 10	700£ 700	0-	0-	1 Week
Low 2010	8 Jan 10	9 Apr 10	400£ 400	6060	7070	3 Nights
Mid 2010	9 Apr 10	25 Jun 10	550£ 550	8080	100100	3 Nights
High 2010	25 Jun 10	17 Sep 10	700£ 700	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid 20109	17 Sep 10	5 Nov 10	550£ 550	8080	100100	3 Nights
Low 2010	5 Nov 10	17 Dec 10	400£ 400	6060	7070	3 Nights
High 2010	17 Dec 10	7 Jan 11	700£ 700	0-	0-	1 Week

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Mid 2009	11 Sep 09	30 Oct 09	500£ 500	7575	8585	3 Nights
Low 2009	30 Oct 09	18 Dec 09	350£ 350	5050	6060	3 Nights
High 2009	18 Dec 09	8 Jan 10	650£ 650	0-	0-	1 Week
Low 2010	8 Jan 10	9 Apr 10	350£ 350	7575	8585	3 Nights
Mid 2010	9 Apr 10	25 Jun 10	500£ 500	7575	8585	3 Nights
High 2010	25 Jun 10	17 Sep 10	650£ 650	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid 2010	17 Sep 10	5 Nov 10	500£ 500	7575	8585	3 Nights
Low 2010	5 Nov 10	17 Dec 10	350£ 350	5050	6060	3 Nights
High 2010	17 Dec 10	7 Jan 11	650£ 650	0-	0-	1 Week

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Casa del Fiume is heated by electric wall heaters and wood burning stoves.

Water is heated by electricity also.

A heating supplement during cold weather will be charged based on actual consumption.

Final cleaning is charged at a reasonable Euro 50.

Payment by PayPal preferred.

Guestbook for Casa del Fiume

"The house is spacious, cool and beautiful. The garden idyllic. The Holland family are the perfect hosts. Thank you seems inadequate. Loved it all." E+E.M. and D.W, Scotland.

"Lovely house, fantastic views and thanks for your generous hospitality. We have all had a memorable stay" The J Family, Bucks.

"Loved the space of the house & gardens. Great views. Kids enjoyed the river, swing, hammocks and table tennis. Thanks for your hospitality we all had a fabulous holiday" The B Family. Surrey.

"This is a truly magical place to stay and we all loved every minute. Thank you for making us feel so totally at home here. We will be back again soon!" The M Family, Oxford.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/64772

Contact details for the advertiser of home 64772
Name:	Stewart Holland
Tel:	+39 0872 980210
Mobile:	+39 3663 932975
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Advertiser joined: Jul 2008