Fantastico!
Submitted: June 23, 2009
Stayed: June 2009
This is a fabulous place to stay .. one of the best we’ve found in 8 years of travelling to Italy.
The region of Abruzzo is wonderful with amazing scenery, loads of different places to visit from the remoteness of the Grand Saso mountains, rural towns, medieval towns & castles, busy shopping towns and the bustle of the Italian beaches. Something for everyone, and pretty much all within 1hrs drive… what more can you ask for?
We were here in June. The weather was perfect and we felt like we have the area to ourselves. Don’t expect loads or touristy stuff .. and make sure you have some basic Italian …. this is proper Italy .. just what we wanted!
Casa Cichella is a real gem of a property, definitely one of the best in the region. The stonework of the house is wonderful, the interior has been done beautifully and the outside space has been laid out perfectly sun terraces, shaded areas, olive grove, lawns and a gorgeous pool with views down the Fino valley and across to the neighbouring town.
The kitchen is the best we’ve ever had. If you like to do your own cooking this has everything you need from great workspace down to sharp knives. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into providing for guests every need. If you’re not a budding Antonio Carluccio then there are many places to eat & drink from the local town bar (stunning views from the piazza) to local restaurants & agroturismos. Good, typical Abbruzi food, everywhere.
Sharon & Steve are perfect hosts. They are there to welcome you, always there if you need them but giving you all the privacy you wish for. You’ll probably also get some visits from the ‘real owners’ … Whiskey & Soda, 2 “so cheeky they’re gorgeous” little dogs, just coming down to make sure you’re ok!
All of the info about the area is described in detail in their own guide at the house, the infamous ‘Blue Book’ .. this is a stunning piece of work … makes the Dorling & Kindersley books seem positively dull!
Steve & Sharon have really integrated into the local community, they know everything & everyone and therefore can make sure you get everything out of a holiday that you want. Having a holiday on a real working Olive farm makes you feel like you’re really becoming part of the real Italy as well.
We echo the sentiment of the other reviews for Casa Cichella .. in that we really shouldn’t be telling anyone how good this place is .. it should be kept a secret … reserved for just a few privileged lovers of ‘Real Italy’.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 5/6
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