'La Capanna', Converted Barn at Contrada Lazzaretto, Ortona Foro, Abruzzo, Italy

Built in a traditional style where an old barn once stood, with a roof of old pantiles over wooden beams, a decorative cornice of old bricks and brick surrounds of windows and door. Set well apart from the main house in a garden of olive and fruit trees, on a hill which overlooks the sea, amid vineyards and olive groves, in a rural hamlet now being developed as a holiday area because it is near to the beach. Sleeps 4 to 6 people: 2 double bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room, which also has 3 wicker armchairs and an open fireplace. In the kitchen there are a sink, draining rack, gas hob, cooker hood, electric oven, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. The bathroom has a bath, shower, washbasin, toilet and bidet. The house has central heating for the winter months and excellent insulation that keeps things cool in summer and warm in winter. Outside, there is a sheltered seating area, in the shade of a great oak tree, a barbeque (shared with the main house) and secure parking.

If you book, we will provide you with a comprehensive set of notes supplying information about the house, our favourite local shops and restaurants, and a list of places we like to visit. On arrival you will find some essential food, mineral water and a bottle of wine so you don't have to go shopping immediately. If we are in residence, you can ask us for any help or advice you may need. When we are not there, a friend (whose phone number we will let you have) stands in for us.