Location: Sulmona, Abruzzo, Italy, Europe (We Are 2 1/2 Hours East from Rome Airport)
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + Convertible Bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Giamia Villa, built originally in 1885 by my great great grandfather (Cesidio) for one of his sons (Pasquale) who had six sons of his own (Raffaele, Giulio, Costa, Modesto, Damiano (my grandfather) and Armando). I was born in a very small part of this house in 1949. As time passed the house fell in disrepair and was abandoned for thirty years. In 2006, returning to Italy after 39 years and seeing it in the condition that it was in I decided to buy it. I had to pay a percentage of the value to 21 different owners. In the last three years we have completed the renovations and have now a premier tourist rental property.
From the extra large balconies (400 sq. ft.) we have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, lush green river valley below and well cultivated lands in the vicinity. Sounds of water rushing and birds singing is the norm throughout the day and at night you could see the milky way and all its stars due to the clear atmosphere that is delightful to breathe in.
Thanks for the assistance -The penthouse unit -is 650 sq. ft, ceramic flooring in the kitchen and dining room, parquet flooring in the bedroom, cathedral wood ceiling heavy exposed wood joists, wood trim throughout, extra large shower.
We have other apartments available, please contact us for details.
Keywords: Apartment
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Clothes Dryer
- Washing Machine
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- Queen
- Entertainment
- TV
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Water View
- Mountain View
- Suitability
- Minimum Age Limit For Renters
- Children Welcome
- Handicapped Accessible (May Have Limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Pets Not Allowed
- Non Smoking Only
- Activities
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Shopping
- Water Skiing
- Golf
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Cinemas
- Live Theater
- Shelling
- Sight Seeing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Horse drawn carriage trips for 4 along a river valley
Rate Details (In Euros)
Penthouse Suite .. Jan-Feb ......... €385/week Penthouse Suite .. Mar, Apr & Oct .. €430/week Penthouse Suite .. Jun-Aug ......... €475/week Penthouse Suite .. May & Sep ....... €455/week Penthouse Suite .. Nov-Dec ......... €415/week
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2006
Immigrated to Canada in the late 1950's with my parents as a nine year old boy, grew up in Toronto where I had my schooling, got married and started my career. Moved out west to Calgary, Alberta in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in 1977. Started a new career in Real Estate Developer and Property managing that is still ongoing. In 1997 returned to Italy after 39 years, memories of my birthplace, its peaceful tranquility, and sense of home led me to invest in my home village (Campo di Fano) with a population of 300 relatives of mine. I invite you to come and share my piece of paradise.
Why the Owner Chose Sulmona
I Thank the good Lord for giving me the opportunity to do a feel good project from my heart. Peaceful setting surrounded by Olive groves, vineyards, mountains and rivers, it was the place of my birth and I felt that I had to somehow set my roots here again in a village where we are all related and you are welcomed with open arms.
The Unique Benefits of this Apartment
I have purchased over 60 Acres of land that we are now clearing and planting a vineyard, assorted fruit trees from peaches to kiwi fruit. Wide varieties of rose bushes and countless of other flowering plants, bushes and shrubs. Most of all socializing with the many relatives that I am surrounded with in our village. Come and be part of this setting with me.
Property Photos
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- Main Front road elevation
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- Penthouse Suite Kitchen
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- Penthouse Suite Living Room
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- Penthouse suite bedroom
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- West view showing pond and main road and house
Traveler Reviews (13)
Springtime 2012 visit from S Ont
Guest: GregDi
(St Thomas, ON Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/28/12
Review Submitted: 05/08/12
Excellant value. Mike is a proud owner of this old family property. He welcomed us heartily and introduced us to some of the locals. The rest of the week we were greeted as one of the family throughout the village. GiaMia is a clean, spacious well-planned, home away from home. Amazing views. Close driving distance to Sulmona's amenities and central to numerous historic villages within an hour's drive. Pescara's big sandy beach less than an hour away, Rome 1.5 hours to the west by amazing, scenic highway. Our room was laid out as a North American would feel comfortable. Large rooms with a great washroom including a big walk-in shower. Kitchen was just right size (full sized 'fridge) for us to prepare a couple of meals when we weren't drawn to Sulmona's fare. Forget Tuscany, come to Abruzzo! We look forward to our return.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Authentic Italy
Guest: cathy
(Saskatoon Sask. Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11
Review Submitted: 10/31/11
We had a wonderful week at Giamia in October 2011. Six of us were travelling together to do some hiking in the area and we found our stay at Mike’s place ideal. He was an amazing host and resource for us. Shortly after we arrived he gave us a tour of Sulmona to get an overview of the town. It also included a stop at the local supermarket and supper at a restaurant serving the local lamb specialty. The restaurant became a dance floor after our meal and we couldn’t think of a better way to start our week at Campo di Fano. We thoroughly enjoyed cooking for ourselves and appreciated his offer for us to use the basil, parsley and garlic in the garden. He went over and above to customize our authentic Italian experience in a region that has not experienced a great deal of tourism. He made great recommendations of places for us to go where we would find some good hiking in the national parks. We happily accepted his offer to take us to a local farm in the village where we spent several hours with the farmer answering our questions as Mike translated. He also made arrangements for us to talk to a high school teacher to get a perspective of the education system and the situation for young people in the country. It was a real off the beaten track Italian experience that would suit a more adventurous tourist looking for an alternative touristic experience to the throngs that visit more popular northern Italian cities. It was very enlightening for us to be able to discuss the Italian immigration experience to Canada through his life experiences. A car would be essential for exploration in the area although it is only 5 km to the city. A bus stopped outside the door but we didn’t use it. As he said “you come as guests but leave as friends” was exactly our experience.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
No place like home.
Guest: Roger B.
(Bristol, CT USA)
Date of Stay: 09/12/11
Review Submitted: 10/08/11
I woulk like to publically thank Mike for helping me to understand the customs and traditions of Italy, and also for sharing his knowledge of Sulmona and the surrounding area. Without Mike it migh have taken me months and still possibly never achieved the degree of success in researching my family's past and present. Mike's attention to detail, knowledge, experiece and sensitivity to people's comfort can be seen and felt within minutes of meeting Mike and seeing how he has transformed and opened hid home (GiaMia) to his guest. GiaMia is an Italian Villa that is designed for the travelers that want a comfortable base to come back to at the end of a beautiful day of adventure in the mountains, white sandy beaches and mountain top cities, and feel at home. Each of the eight apartments is comfortable and private yet convenient to central Aburzzo. Once you get settled in you realize you are getting much more than you are paying for. Mike"s philosophy is to make friends, not euros. Mike has put a lot of time and attention into making the time in Italy, and with him, someting to remember and tell about for years and years. I've been back for over a month and have not stopped thinking and talking about my stay at GiaMia. I have plans on going back in 2012 with many family members for a family reunion, and I will schedule my trip around the availability of GiaMia. Mike and GiaMia are a bonus to the beautiful country and people of Italy. I highly recommend both of them to anyone thinking of traveling in Italy. With a GPS you can be at GiaMia in less than two hours from the Rome Airport with traffic free and scenery full driving, and less than one hour from the Pescaara Airport.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
GIAMIA Villas
Guest: Tony
(Toronto, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 09/08/11
Review Submitted: 09/27/11
This was the first time that we rented the GIAMIA villas and the apartment was exactly as depicted in the photos. The apartment was clean and very comfortable and really felt like a home away from home. It is closely situated to the towns of Pratola and Sulmona. Mike is a very considerate host and took the time to introduce us to the surrounding area of shops, restaurants, etc. The villa is nestled amongst the local flavour of the Abruzzo region of Italy. It provides an opportunity to be immersed in the Italian culture with the locals and without all the traps that you would find in the touristy areas. The townspeople are genuine and most helpful. Slightly further afield, we would recommend the town of Scanno with some unique shopping and a host of restaurants. As well, L’Aquila is approximately one hour away and it is worth seeing the unimaginable destruction of the city centre caused by the earthquake of 2009. It is impossible not to be moved by what these people have and are still experiencing. Mike has devoted a tremendous amount of work and time to make the family homestead an attractive location and the work continues to make it even better. This is definitely a place to highly consider if you are inclined to share in the local warmth and hospitality which is abundant in the hills of Abruzzo.
Recommended for:Age 55+.
Our 2nd Stay at GiaMia
Guest: Chris
(Las Vegas, NV)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11
Review Submitted: 08/29/11
For the second time in a year, we were in Italy so I could do research for a book and for articles I'm writing. Since my grandparents are from Pettorano, a small village about 15 min. from GiaMia, and since we enjoyed our stay there last year, we decided to stay at GiaMia again. As I mentioned in my first review, the flat was roomy, the appliances were in great shape and the bed was comfortable. and we liked having a terrace from which we could look over the river and valley behind the property while enjoying wine and cheese. There are a washer and dryer for use by tenants, and the rentals have flatscreen TVs. GiaMia is within walking distance of Campo di Fano, a small village. Its location makes it perfect to explore the area. We love Sulmona (the largest town in the area) which is about 5 min away by car. You can get to other interesting towns (Pacentro, Scanno, Pescocostanza, Pescara, etc.) relatively easily. While Mike (the owner) wasn't there when we arrived, he arranged for a relative to greet us and let us in. When he did arrive, he was as amiable as last year. We did take advantage of local markets in Sulmona (Wed and Sat) and Pratola Peligna (Friday) and cooked our meals all but one night. Try the porchetta sandwiches which you can get from vendors at the markets. We also enjoyed daily cappuccino and brioche at Caffe Anunziata in Sulmona. And, at night, we took part in the paseggiata and then enjoyed gelato or latte while we watched the locals walk and talk. Grazie mille, Mike.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Gia Mia Rental Property
Guest: Roberto
(Toronto,Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/29/11
Me and my family were very fortunate to visit Italy for 2 weeks last week of July through first week of August, of the many pleasant surprises and georgeous views that comes with a vacation to Italy many of them are right off your personal terrace at the Gia Mia Villas, a large terrace balcony overlooking endless rolling Mountain Side is one of the more beautiful ways to wake up in the morning and end your night before sleeping in a very generous sized room, that is extremly clean and new. Fully equipped with a kitchenette and living area along with bedroom the size of the unit exceeded my expectations. Located in the small town of Campo De Fano gave us the vacation in the perspective of the majority if Italian residents that form this country. Closest city of significant population Sumona is a 5 min drive away a beautiful town full of culture and beauty, we were fortunate to visit during the time of the Medeival Festival which takes place is the breathtaking arena located in the Piazza of Sumona. Many of cafes and gelato shops along with shopping and churches and the world famous confetti is this towns specialty. Sumona also has a train station which makes day trips convenient to travel, we visited Pescara beach 4 times during our stay a 1hr picturess train ride takes you to the door step of one of my new favorite beaches. A very large Piazza with trendy shopping and beautiful strip of beach lined with Italian restaurants and cafes highly recommended for a day trip. The location of this property is great for many of day trips to many beautiful towns, our host Mike and Olga were very accomodating and made us feel at home Mike knows the area attractions very well and his recommendations never steered us wrong on our next daily adventure as we explored the many beautiful attractions that this region has to offer, also highly recommend a day trip to Scanno Lake and Pescocostanzo. All in all a excellent experience that wouldnt of been so pleasant and comfortable without what we called home for 2 weeks GiaMia. We look forward to our next visit!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.
italian comfort @ canadian quality
Guest: Claudio
(Sabina County, Italy)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11
Review Submitted: 08/28/11
Many thanks to Mike for the lovely week we spent in the hearth of Abruzzo ! He takes a big care of his guests. A set of elegant flats are available, very easy to reach through the motorway and only a few miles beyond the exit. Nice balcony with panoramic view of surrounding mountains, wide shower place, comfortable beds, etc. Very quiet, true country place, it takes only 10 min by car to reach the town Sulmona, where you can appreciate its friendly people, culture, art and many facilities (shops, hospital, "confetti" 's factories). Our son enjoyed swimming in a pool with a slide in the next village, and could ride a donkey in another village very close. These so lovely animals are bred there and visitors can feed them. My wife liked very much the natural environment near the local river Sagittario. Its water is crystal clear and you can see the stones in the bottom. In the country-side you can meet wild animals (we've seen a fox) and herbs (thyme, lemon balm, agrimony, so useful against infections and for a good digestion ). My wife picked plenty of leaves and made them dry for a tisane. I appreciated the typical products of the region, which are particularly tasty (red figs, yellow peaches, blue grapes, almonds, red garlic of Sulmona, salami of L‘Aquila, special cakes made with waffle iron). Also one of the best bread types of the valley is baked in the same village of the house, Campo di Fano. I could also attend to art shows and concerts with international artists. We recommend you a holiday in Mike's villa !
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing.
Loved it!!
Guest: SteveMant
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/24/11
Review Submitted: 08/25/11
Me and my wife had made Giamia our final stop for our month long Euro Trip Honeymoon. We loved everything about the property. It was very safe, the rooms were very comfortable and clean, and the scenery was breathtaking from your own private balcony as you overlook the mountains. Giamia was also very close to Sulmona (5 minute drive), close to the train station (5 minute drive), short and cheap train ride to the beaches in Pescara. Mike, the owner of the property, was very helpful with helping us fulfil all of our needs. He let us know where and when to go to the markets, and actually brought us into the main town to show us around. Overall it was a perfect ending to our trip. We were able to go at our own pace and felt like we were at home. Each unit has its own kitchen which was fully equiped. TV and couch were in the family room (living room). We will definately return to Giamia the next time that we are in Italy as it truely gives you a relaxing life style like the Italians have.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Where hearts come to rest ...
Guest: Marty
(Croton on Hudson, NY USA)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11
Review Submitted: 08/23/11
If you are seeking a truly ‘unique’ holiday adventure … a chance to experience one of the most beautiful regions of Italy … along with the rare opportunity to live each sunny day more like a ‘resident’ than a ‘turista’ … then I urge you to book GiaMia apartments in Abruzzo for at least a week or two of your next Italian vacation. The apartments themselves are brand spanking new with large terraces that have amazing views of lush valleys and breathtaking mountains. Each is equipped with a full modern kitchen, comfy beds, and bathrooms with large, incredibly delightful ‘power showers’ that are guaranteed to massage away any tension that could possibly remain in your body after a few days exploring Sulmona and environs. (Take home several boxes of Confetti…the sugar coated Almonds that are a specialty of this town ... it's a real treat!) The gentleman who built GiaMia is usually on hand to make sure everything is to your liking. Although he spent most of his life growing up in Canada…his love for his birthplace and the lifestyle of Abruzzo brought him ‘home’ and his desire to share this experience with others led him to the creation of GiaMia. And aren’t we the lucky ones? My wife and I have been fortunate over the years to have traveled throughout much of Italy. We have visited the mountains of Alto Adige, the lakes of Como and Garda, the lemon scented Amalfi Coast and Capri, and so many of the famous cities, sights and country sides that make Italy…well, … Italy. However, my wife is fond of saying that ‘our hearts came to rest’ when we came to the Abruzzo and discovered Sulmona and the little villages in the ‘campania’, such as Campo di Fano, that dot this unspoiled landscape. Prior to GiaMia, about the only way one could experience the special magic of this type of lifestyle, was to have family in the region. Well, now you do! Treat yourself to a part of the Italian experience that you won’t find on any of the tours. Enjoy the great local food and wine, the warmth and genuine hospitality of the locals, and the feeling that you would stay in this place a lot longer if you could. And enjoy it all from the incredible comfort of your own beautiful apartment in GiaMia. We did…and we can’t wait to return!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Charming studio in rural Italy - Charmant appartement dans la campagne italienne
Guest: Chantal
(Montréal, Québec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11
Review Submitted: 07/17/11
My son was singing in an opera program in Sulmona and we didn't want to spend a whole week in a hotel room. We were lucky to find this jewel: a beautiful villa ideally located near Sulmona (5 minutes drive to this lovely town). Mike, the owner, bought back his birth house and renovated it. Our appartment had a large bedroom, a full kitchen and a huge living room, with large windows and a terrace from wich we could see the magnificent mountains. Furthermore, Mike helped us to discover this lovely area and even introduced us to his neighbours. We made new friends there! - Notre fils chantait dans un programme d'opéra à Sulmona, et nous ne voulions pas passer la semaine dans une chambre d'hôtel. Nous avons eu la chance de trouver ce petit bijou: une belle grande maison située à 5 minutes en voiture de la charmante ville de Sulmona. Mike, le propriétaire, a racheté la maison où il est né et l'a rénovée pour y aménager des appartements-studios. Le nôtre avait une grande chambre, une cuisine toute équipée ainsi qu'un immense salon. Les grandes fenêtres et la terrasse offraient une vue incomparable sur les montagnes environnantes. De plus, Mike nous a fait découvrir les environs et même présenté des voisins. En plus de découvrir un joli coin de pays, on s'est fait de nouveaux amis!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #285416
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