Casa del Falco is in most fabulous location: on a hillside overlooking Monte Camicia in the Appenine mountains, surrounded by olive groves, fields and meadows. It's something of a challenge to reach on 'white roads', which are quite steep and rutted (best not to arrive in the dark!) but well worth the effort. A great house, simply and stylishly furnished, with a fantastically equipped kitchen as well as a huge music collection. Waking up to the view, and having sundowners to the sound of cicadas, the smell of fresh herbs and then pitch black starry skies, were perhaps the most memorable aspects of the week. In fact, it was hard to decide whether to stay and soak it all up, or venture out and explore the area. However, there are great trips out into the mountains, especially to the Campo Imperatore, where there is nothing but the sound of sheeps' bells and a traditional farming lifestyle - and many mountain towns and villages (we discovered Atri and S. Maria in Piano for churches with impressive frescoes, Castel del Monte, Calascio for atmosphere and views). Local villages of Bisenti and Castiglione are welcoming and characterful, and the sea, though more developed, about 1/2 hour's drive away.
Thanks, Peter and Diana for a great and unforgettable stay in your house.