Abruzzo is the place where Italians go on holiday and it is just the way they like it, off the tourist track and unchanged.It has a wealth of castles and medieval towns, 129 kilometres of sandy beaches, 21 ski areas and one third of the region is designated national and regional parks.

The Cavallone, at Villa Maieletta, sits in rolling hills with the dramatic backdrop of the Maiella Mountain range in the Maiella National Park. The Villa is on a quiet country lane close to the historic hill-top town of Palombaro, with unrivalled views of the Abruzzo landscape. It is the most easily accessed apartment at the Villa and benefits from a huge 80 square metre sun terrace which has superb panoramic views. After dark the terrace doubles as an outdoor observatory, providing a wonderful window on the night sky.

The bedroom environment is delightful, with the finest imported Indian 400 count cotton sheets, white goose down pillows, and embroidered damask bedspreads. An exotic bed canopy completes the scene. The bedroom looks out on a hundred year old olive tree and the elevated town of Palombaro, with the Maiella mountains as a backdrop.

The four piece bathroom comes complete with a spacious walk-in shower and Hallmark Christy towels.

A well-equipped modern kitchen, provides an adequate and roomy area for food preparation and eating. It is combined with a comfortable lounge and sitting area. We offer packed lunches and vegetarian evening meals, by arrangement.

Live the Italian life. Experience and enjoy the rhythms of rural Italy that surround us from the porchetta van and cafe culture to events celebrating the olive and grape harvests. The festa month of August has an array of unique activities that include a wild boar festival in Pennapiedimonte, Chilli Pepper weekend, the Beer Festival in Limiti (1km down the road) and musical events that extend into September in historic Lanciano. Enjoy one of our Shabby Chic workshops in Autumn or join us for an olive harvesting holiday in November, when you can pick your own olives and return home with the oil from the fruits of your labours. Retire to your apartment to relax and rest in a luxurious environment of classic Italian splendour. While away an hour or two in our leisure room; show off your skills on our antique American Pool table, enjoy our 42 inch TV, watch a DVD from our library and borrow your bedtime book from our paperback selection.

We're situated amidst great cycling, motorcycling and walking country, and offer guided road cycle tours, MTB rides along the historic WWII Gustav Line or Adriatic coast. Mountain bikes are available for the use of guests, and road cycles can be hired nearby. The Giro D'Italia frequently visits the area. Organised tours are also available by chauffer-driven classic car or motor cycle (including bike rental). The area has a significant place in military history, being close to the Gustav & Bernhardt lines, and the site of the Battle of Ortona. Evidence of the conflicts of the time can be found in the form of bullet holes in some of Palombaro's buildings.

On the 3rd weekend in June, the Maiella Fiat 500 rally comes our way, and 60 or so of these iconic Italian cars of the 1960s descend on the historic hill-top town of Casoli. Come on the first weekend in July and enjoy the annual Maiella mountain walk, a 5 hour trek across the peaks above us that's sponsored by local pasta makers, De Cecco. If music's your preference, the internationally-renowned Pescara Jazz festival every July is a short drive away.

Combine a holiday in our stunning location with on-site English language tuition from Kate and Stephen, who are experienced teachers and text book authors. If you're interested in buying a house in the area we can guide you on that as well, using the experiences we've gained and what we've learned.

At Villa Maieletta you can be in the mountains in the morning, on the beach in the afternoon, and dine in the countryside under the stars. The Villa is an ideal retreat for couples, those who love the outdoor life and aficionados of architecture and history. Perfect, too, for your honeymoon hideaway or a romantic short break.

Further details

Smokers are welcome provided that they smoke outside.

Further details outdoors

A range of outdoor furniture is provided on the sun terrace; there are enough tables and chairs for small or larger groups, loungers and Thai-style cushions, which offer many options. A gazebo, covered area and ancient olive tree present a choice of shade to go with the sunny spots. A utility room next to the apartments has washing machines, iron and ironing board. A clothes drying rail is provided for every apartment.An "agroturismo" restaurant, which serves food produced almost entirely on its own land, is only 3 minutes walk from the Villa. A swimming pool, five-a-side football and a tennis court are available there for the use of our guests .Owners, Kate and Stephen, live elsewhere in the grounds away from the apartments. They feel that living on site enables them to provide a complete holiday experience for guests, through their knowledge of the area and local events. They do their best to make guests feel at home, and to be a resource for advice and information, without being intrusive.