Fattoria Santo Ianni

A Farmhouse in the Hills with Views of the Sea

Located down a private country road, on land with an olive grove, woods and a garden, this original stone farmhouse has been renovated as a rural holiday retreat within easy reach of the Adriatic Sea.

Consisting of two buildings around a central terrace, the south-facing stone property offers vast views of the surrounding valleys, with a medieval village in sight and the sea beyond that. The home stands on the edge of Montefreddo Mountain with the fields of Abruzzo and Molise below.

The back garden features a long, lean lap pool encircled by mountains with views of the glinting olive grove. A simple outdoor dining space comes with big country views and a second patio extends along the crest of a hill, offering magnificent views from on high.

Layout

The main stone structure houses a large kitchen and living room and two bedrooms joined by a bathroom. The second building is a sleep space, for a total of four bedrooms (three double rooms, one bedroom with two singles).

Stone floors and whitewashed walls have freshened up the original rural retreat, and the house’s two bathrooms combine ancient exposed stones and weathered doors with modern fixtures and sleek floors.

Around

Located in the hills of Abruzzo with the Adriatic Sea beckoning in the distance, this property offers a rural retreat into an authentic, relatively untouched region of Italy. The local Monnola Valley is one of the largest lowland forests in Italy, an area famed for its many bird species, rushing rivers, regional forests and roads dotted with rural farmhouses, fountains, and small stone villages. The village of Palmoli sits on an isolated hill that towers over the Treste River, clinging to the steep slope and surrounded by the Maiella and Gran Sasso mountains. A crenellated castle and fortress tower dominate the village’s main square, parts of the castle dating from 1095. The town’s Santa Maria delle Grazie church dates from the 14th century, and the village has been inhabited by farming families for many generations.

A car is recommended for exploring an area that offers slow country living, mountain and hilltop town exploring, wildlife sightings and visits to the beach. Beachside towns along the Adriatic (Vasto, San Salvo and Termoli) are 30 to 45 minutes away. Gastro tourists can enjoy agroturismo tastings and dining—meals and local products made by regional farmers in simple, farm-style settings.

Location

Palmoli, Abruzzo, Italy. Nearest airports: Abruzzo (40km), Rome (150km)

Best time to visit

April to October