Comments on: Abruzzo Holiday Rental – Gran Sasso Mountains

By: Leor Barnett

Leor Barnett — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:49:23 +0000

We arrived at the sweet village of Bascianella during the late hours of Tue night so it was only the following morning that we could actually appreciate what we had driven through to get there. The scenery just took our breath away… (Probably because we were so high up and the oxygen levels weren’t great).

We thoroughly enjoyed the windy hilly routes we took to get to various places most days, surrounded by mountainous peaks in the distance, cliffs and valleys to the side of us and the silence and calmness that it all projected. It made a lovely change and felt like a real adventure.

Not being able to speak the Italian language was not a problem at all. The combination of an Italian phrase book, (which was provided amongst other interesting books and leaflets on Abruzzo in the house) and the friendliness and approachability of the local people, made it extremely easy for us to get around.

Being a vegetarian myself, I found no difficulty at all in satisfying my regularly cravings for food. There was always plenty on the menu for me to choose from and the waiters were always very helpful and friendly. Sometimes they even insisted on leaving it up to them in the choice of meal to prepare, which I was always happy to do. One really good option and a recommendation for vegetarians though is Polenta.

Coming back to the house after a busy fulfilling day was just what was needed. The feeling of homeliness and comfort was so welcoming. The thoughtful interior design of the place with its rustic feel, the soft dimness of the spot lights and the rounded features of the walls combined, gave a sense of warmth, completeness and calmness. It was a lovely experience.

We would recommend such a holiday to anyone who is looking for a rural Italy experience without being totally cut off from the world.

By: Robert Hall

Robert Hall — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:27:29 +0000

We spent nearly a week at Cassetta Lucciola in early August, when the setting in the foothills of the Gran Sasso national park provides a very welcome retreat from the heat and bustle of the beach or the big city. The views from the terrace at breakfast time are breathtaking, a wonderful way to start the day, especially as it happened to be our honeymoon. In fact the day can start relatively early as you have to listen out for the tooting of the approaching produce van, be it bread, cheese or fish. This really is a very small community so catching these mobile shops is a must, and adds to the charm of the whole experience. It also provides an opportunity to rub shoulders with the permanent residents who seem to appreciate the effort to join in. It does mean at least a basic grasp of italian is quite important. Not keeping yourself apart can pay other dividends. This is a genuine farming community made up of smallholdings, and we often saw vegetable produce on offer by people’s doors. We were even given a guided tour of one plot, and as many fat tomatoes and peppers as we could carry. The old couple opposite the house are also very welcoming, although more than a smattering of the language might be required to sustain the conversation. But the locals were never intrusive, so we felt perfectly comfortable the whole time. The days were, in any case, pretty full with jaunts into the surrounding region. Would definitely go again. In fact, can’t wait.

By: Kishi

Kishi — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:04:19 +0000

I stayed at Cassetta Lucciola last winter on a short visit. It was a quick (a couple of hours) and comfortable coach ride away from Rome. Sharp crystal air and the stark snowy mountains were breathtaking. Local kids playing outside, an old lady baking bread, a charming medieval church round the corner … we just slipped into the life in the village. Once inside it was warm and quiet, sitting by the fire sipping some local wine, time passed slowly and gently. A wonderful break from the city. Definitely going back there in the summer.

By: Den

Den — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:18:36 +0000

Last Christmas my mum and I stayed at Cassetta Lucciola and it was wonderful. The house was very lovely and cozy with rustic yet modern decor. The surrounding scenery was stunning. I had seen pictures but I had no idea just how beautiful it was until I got to experience it on my visit. We drove around half an hour to a small cheese shop, which sold a vast range of stinky cheeses and the best tasting cheese I have ever had! Dinner was also a great treat. One night we ate at a very exclusive restaurant run by a local Italian chef who served us a 6 course meal to die for! The people were really friendly, especially our neighbours and I can’t wait to go back there… next time I’ll be visiting the beach!

By: Pamela Stuart

Pamela Stuart — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:47:19 +0000

I have rented Casetta Lucciola twice,once during May and again in December. I found it to be an enchanting and charming cottage, very cosy and comfortable. It is in a superb setting with glorious views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. If you have as much fun staying there as I did, it will certainly be a holiday to remember for you too. The differing seasons bring beautiful breath taking views and everyday is a new adventure discovering the life in Abruzzo.