Ofena, Gem in the mountains

Ofena is known as the ‘Oven of Abruzzo’ as it has its own micro climate and is protected by the surrounding mountains. It is a village of approximately 650 people in the province of L’Aquila, sitting at 531 metres above sea level and entirely within the Gran Sasso e Monti Della Laga National Park, it is also close to the Maiella National Park and the numerous hikes and places of interest in the region. The larger towns of Capestrano and Bussi Sul Tirino are only 8 km (10 min drive) away, Popoli and the Autostrada access 15 mins, approx. 45 mins to Pescara and the beautiful Adriatic beaches. The Regional Capital and historic city of L’Aquila is 40 mins away whilst the home of confetti and the Roman poet Ovid, Sulmona is a 25 min drive. There are multiple ski fields within 1 hour’s drive. Ofena is an ideal base to explore this fascinating region so a car is essential. There is an international airport at Pescara, also main line rail access from all major cities to Pescara Central Train Station with rental car agencies right next door.
The house is a self-catering, three-storey townhouse with private garden located in the historical centre of the village, a few hundred metres from the Comune, Piazza San Carlo and Aufinium bar & restaurant. There is both on-street parking and a large lockable garage on the ground floor. There’s a Post Office, Pharmacy, Hairdresser and small Supermarket for the essentials in the village while the closest large supermarkets are in Capestrano and Bussi. There are 2 excellent vineyards Cataldi Madonna and Gentilli located in Ofena which are open to the general public. There are numerous excellent restaurants in the surrounding local areas, the local specialities are river shrimps, trout, saffron, lentils and arrosticini.
The house boasts a large terrace leading from bedroom 1 with spectacular views and all-day sun. The new large modern kitchen is equipped with everything you might need and is a joy to use. The large lounge has a Juliet balcony and contains a pellet burner stove which vents upstairs to the bedrooms for the cooler weather. The 3 bedrooms are all large, light and airy with two double beds and 1 sofa bed in the room that leads to the courtyard and terrace garden. There are hiking trails heading up from Ofena into the mountains with spectacular views and the surrounding areas boast numerous fascinating old castles, hermitages countless scenic hikes, the fascinating Wolf Centre, lakes, beautiful beaches and kayaking on the Tirino River. When you return from exploring you can strike up the BBQ on the terrace and enjoy the peace and ambiance in the garden or stroll to the bar/restaurant and meet some of the friendly locals.

KEY INFO
• Car essential
• Secure Parking
• Private garden
• Beautiful views of the National Park
• Suitable for children, (please be aware the stair steps are tall and could be challenging for small children) please see photos
• No pets allowed
• No smoking
• 7 nights minimum stay
• Check in and check out times flexible, to be arranged prior to arrival via my multilingual Property Manager

BED & BATHROOMS
• Bedroom 1: Double / Queen Bed
• Bedroom 2: Double / Queen Bed
• Bedroom 3: Double sofa/divan bed
• Beds in other rooms: Sofa/divan bed in lounge
• Large family bathroom with shower 1st floor
• Bathroom with bathtub 2nd floor

AMENITIES

• Secure garage and on-street parking
• Garden
• Balcony/Terrace
• BBQ/Outdoor setting/Umbrella
• Terrace furniture
• Retractable washing line
• Internet access
• Linen and towels provided
• Central heating (vented pellet burner)
• 40-inch LCD Television
• DVD player
• CD player
• Selection of books (English) and maps/guides of the region
• Washing machine and dryer
• Large, fully equipped kitchen
• Dishwasher
• Electric fans
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Hairdryers x 2
• Hiking backpacks x 2 and hiking sticks x 3 sets
• Collapsible trolley for ease of transporting luggage upstairs