This home is built into a castle wall (you can see a section of the original, circa-1100 stone wall in the exposed feature area in the den). The main floor has a combo living room/dining room/kitchen. Off that is the bathroom and the master bedroom with doors opening to a small balcony overlooking the town square (not noisy) and also giving a view far down the Adriatic coast. Upstairs there’s a bedroom, bathroom, den and outdoor terrace offering another “omigosh” view. Outdoor stairs from that terrace take you up to another, smaller terrace from which you can also see church bells immediately to the west or stretch your view to the eastern horizon far across the Adriatic. The home is in Silvi Paese, the old traditional town on the hill. 300 metres below on the Adriatic coast is Silvi Marina, a modern seaside resort area (excellent sand beaches and warm water). Laid out as a flat oval, the old town is a joyously walkable pastiche of compact dwellings, many built into the ancient stone wall that surrounded the castle. From the 250-metre-long main street, six- to eight-foot-wide laneways lead to dwellings and to a perimeter road. Scanning the coastline as you stroll along this road, you can see north and south to a vastly distant horizon. Landside, the view encompasses distant mountains and nearby rolling, verdant hills with lots of olive groves. Forget about glancing at your wristwatch – just listen to the lovely dongs (one at a quarter after; two at half past; three at a quarter to; and, on the hour, the corresponding number). All from the bell tower of the 12th century church just two doors away. It’s easy to become a belloholic here. While you won’t have to watch your watch, you will have to watch your waistline because there’s a gelato shop next door. Yummy! Our kids are all grown up, but we if I did have young children, we wouldn’t hesitate to bring them here. Italians love children and you’ll see lots of them – many live in the old town. Driving tips: all Italian males love Ferraris and on the road, many pretend they are driving one. Why else would so many pass while driving on your side of the line? They must figure a near miss signals great and daring expertise. I didn’t mind – makes for invigorating driving! The roads are in great condition, but signs can be confusing. Special tips: the owners know the area intimately and can give you wonderful ideas on how to make the most of your vacation, including short side trips to nearby ancient towns.