There's always a concern that a holiday rental won't live up to the photos you see online, that it's too good to be true. Have no fear as Casa del Colle is amazing. Everything you possibly need for a villa holiday: big fluffy towels, pool towels, comfortable beds with ample pillows, in the kitchen there's any utensil you could possibly use (including very sharp knives!), loads of cutlery and crockery. Games, pool table, tv/Netflix and a cracking sound system!

The views are spectacular. There were a few storms when we were there, and it was amazing watching from the safety of a balcony. We also got a meteor shower one night!
Also got to see a fantastic firework display- all the way from Cheiti!

The pool and surrounding area is great. Plenty of space and sunloungers, and the jacuzzi and shower kept everyone happy.

Steve was a great host, kept us up to date with everything, answered any questions we had prior to arriving. There were a few problems while we were there- wasps' nests, and the electrics in the pool went- but these were fixed and sorted the next day. Our whole party had a great time, and would highly recommend to friends and family.

If you only do one trip out, it has to be up to the Gran Sasso and Santo Stefano. We had lunch at one of the butchers on the plain, good value and delicious, with a breathtaking view

The house with its surrounding countryside and small hillside towns offers a superb holiday destination

The newly built house is very generously- luxuriously - equipped in a modern style with spacious accommodation and a pool

There are awesome views all around

If you can drag yourself away from the house then the lovely and historic town of Penne is on the doorstep- picturesque and amazingly devoid of other tourists - try the delicious ice cream / espresso / wine
Plenty of similarly attactive towns nearby too

Try supper on a wooden framed trabocco ( formerly used for fishing) sitting out over the sea and worth the drive to get there

Try one of the many local vineyards - some with an international reputation

The owners may be able to arrange a hugely enjoyable meal in a local farmhouse where you can make / eat pasta , drink local wine, and discover an unexpected interest in the rich variety of local olive oil

Swifts , swallows , house martins , bees and butterflies add to the atmosphere and there’s a lake and nature reserve at Penne

And a personal favourite is a visit to the Campo Imperatore ( apparently aka Little Tibet ) which offers huge vistas , silence interrupted only by the ringing of cowbells and - in June certainly - a carpet of wild flowers

A real gem and in a week we only touched the surface of what’s on offer

There are no words to describe our week at Casa del Colle! First, the villa is amazing with fantastic 360 degree views impossible to capture on camera. The rooms are extremely large and incredibly comfortable. A well stocked kitchen even invited us to cook on a few occasions. The welcome pack provides excellent pasta sauce, olive oil, pasta, wine and more to help for the beginning of the week. There were eight of us and there was so much room we never felt on top of each other. We even made a fire in the fireplace for the nights when it was a little chilly.
But the best part of the whole vacation was Steve and the night we spent at the Ferrante farmhouse making pasta. Steve picked us up and brought us to their farm where we were introduced to the family and were given a tour. After that we began making our dinner with instruction from Filomena and Teresa as the other members of the family arrived. With the sommelier, the wine was flowing, and with the men of the family, the grill was heating and we were all part of preparing the meal. It was a feast to say the least! Steve translated the whole evening and even though there was a language barrier, everyone could feel the love coming through. By the time the arrosticini was grilled, we were friends. It was a night to remember.
Another highlight was dinner at Cignale. Massimo and his wife cooked a seven(?- too many to remember) course meal in his beautiful restaurant on the hill. Each course was five stars. Their English was excellent and we had so much fun talking to all. The price was beyond reasonable. Don't miss it!
Steve also came with us to a wine tasting at Marchesi de Cordona- We visited many hill towns- Penne is charming and don't miss the Campo. I could have stayed forever!
Steve- thank you so much for making our trip a week that none of us will ever forget!!

A nice and luxurious house with the most amazing views, big enough for 12 people (we were 8). Stephen and Marion are the perfect hosts, always willing to help with advice and reservations.
We spent a week with kids, 7-11 years, and they especially loved the room with billiard and football game. The swimming pool was slightly cold (first week of october) but we still swam a lot, especially the kids.
You will need a car. The closest restaurant is a 15-20 minutes walk down the hill, but it is a little tough to walk up again...
The closest road to the house was closed for reparation when we stayed. We hade to drive a small dirt road, which took some extra time.
The beaches are very nice and we spent some days there. We had sun and 20-25 degrees in both air and water in the first week of october. Most beach restaurants were closed, or just open in week ends.
Don't miss to take a trip up the Gran Sasso and visit one of the barbecue restaurants there! The views are impossible to describe. The mountain village of Santo Stefano is a fantastic place (find the small, small square with a café selling home made ice cream).
We can also strongly recommend a wine tour at Marchesi de Cordano. The tour is free and the wines are excellent. The enthustiastic guide, Francesca, speaks good english
Atri is worth a visit, with a beautiful square full of cafés. The closest village, Penne, is also very nice.