Olive Grove Farm
is situated on approximately the same latitude as Rome, but on the Adriatic Sea, just outside the sleepy village of Serramonacesca, Olive Grove Farm is a 200 year old stone farmhouse set in nearly 5 acres (of mainly olive trees) that has been lovingly restored to a high specification and has astounding views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. A large 12 m swimming pool (2m at deep end) with large log cabin (Poolhouse) is adjacent to the main house.
Olive Grove Farm
Olive Grove Farm, just 25 min. from the sandy beaches of Pescara, and 40 min. from the bottom of the chair lift (2700 m high, so plenty of snow for a long ski season), this charming old farm house offers both good skiing in the winter and wonderful swimming in the Adriatic in the summer from the many safe, sandy beaches - but offers tranquillity at all times! The house is approached through a tree lined drive, with a small river at the bottom (safe for children to paddle and even has the odd trout!). It has over 200 olive trees in the surrounding grounds. Most of the hot water comes from solar heating, even in the winter.
The farmhouse will easily sleep six but there is a sofa bed (in main bedroom) and 3 extra temporary beds if needed. There is also the Poolhouse! Although this was originally built for the "swimmers" it has two single beds, a shower, washbasin and toilet and so could be used as an extension of the house for a large or second family. The farmhouse consists of 3 large double bedrooms (2 with washbasins), two bathrooms, a fully equipped very large Kitchen/Diner, a large lounge with a romantic log fire and an "Open" room for eating (generally summer only!) with some beautiful Italian antique furniture. There is an enormous veranda (12m x 6m) on the first floor facing south allowing maximum effect of the wonderful view. A large permanent Gazebo is on one corner to shield the sun - perfect place for lunch or an evening barbeque. There is also a wood stove in the hall that keeps the house warm in the winter and with one metre thick walls the house is cool in the summer.
There is a separate, self-contained Log Cabin on the extremity of our land. This is sometimes available for renting with the house for a larger party (sleeps 2-4), although access is only by a steps (I.e. car has to be parked 50m away. (It is sometimes used by the owner for upkeep and repairs although complete privacy is assured at all times).
Serramonacesca is a tiny, tranquil village found in the province of Pescara in the Abruzzo Region. The village is located on the crest of a 900 foot hill which drops down a steep ridge to the Alento and Vallone Rivers. Serramonacesca is noted for the 9th century Benedictine Abbey of San Liberatore a Maiella, one of the most important medieval churches in Italy. There are many quint sleepy non touristy villages in the vicinity. People often , when referring to Italy speak of Tuscany, but Abruzzo has probably more to offer in terms of landscapes/views/ interesting villages and certainly mountains with many reaching 2700metres. Visit the wondrous mountains and valleys of Serramonacesca.
The farmhouse is situated just seven min. walk from the village (part tarmac, part stone) and is approached through two white iron gates, up a 100 metre drive surrounded by 200 olive trees and there are also some almond, fig, apple and pear trees. To the left of the house we have a large, 12 metre solar heated swimming pool (2m deep) that has a fully equipped (shower, changing facilities etc) log cabin. At night the pool can be lit by underwater lights and around the pool, which gives a whole new experience.