Altrocanto

Altrocanto is a B&B in Farindola, 530 metres above sea level in the hinterland of the Abruzzo region.  This is a magnificent area, right in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, at the mouth of the Valle d’Angri, overlooking the Tavo river valley; here nature is at its most luxuriant and diverse, boasting woods and waterfalls, plateaux and pastureland, where ancient villages, hermitages, caves and sanctuaries are scattered throughout the landscape.  Rigopiano, a mere 9 kilometres away, is the epicentre of many routes to explore on foot, horseback or bike; other places, certainly worth a visit, are Saint Gabriel Sanctuary, Loreto Aprutino, Castelli and its famous art pottery, Castel del Monte, Calascio and Santo Stefano in Sessanio.

Altrocanto is the brainchild of the proprietors, Thomas and Marco, whose friends encouraged them to indulge their passion for hospitality and become professional hosts; and Farindola, where Thomas’s origins lay, inspired and led to them investing in this area of Abruzzo that is still quite unknown.  In the early 20th century the building of Altrocanto was a furnace situated just outside the old town, which Thomas’s grandparents turned into their home in the 1920s.  After years of being unoccupied, its repair and restoration were carried out using natural materials for surfaces (wood, stone, fired earth tiles), and water-based plaster and paints; power is generated by photovoltaic panels, and heating by a biomass boiler, while rainwater is collected and used to water the garden.  Altrocanto is more like a comfortable home, cosily furnished with fine details and modern comforts, and not at all standardised: here guests feel truly welcome.

There are 5 rooms, full of light and furnished with natural light wood and white pieces.  A delightful garden, various reading areas and a sitting room warmed by a fireplace are there for the enjoyment of the visitors, who also have the use of a well-stocked library, Wi-Fi connection, and can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whenever they wish.