This flat sits above a beautiful river gorge, near the town of Caramanico, looking up at the Majella massif. It has some of the most beautiful mountain views in Italy, and is an ideal base for walking holidays or just total peace and quiet. This apartment is one of two available in the house which is arranged over three floors and contains in total five bedrooms with a kitchen, living room and bathroom on each floor. Each flat can be rented separately or together with the rest of the house. The flats are light and airy in the summer thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that give on to balconies or terraces. It's also cosy and warm in the winter with working fireplaces on each floor. The house is approached through its wild flower garden where there is also a picnic table. There are also bikes and walking sticks for guests' use, as well as maps and extensive information about hiking trails. The ground floor also has a taverrna availabe for guests' use: a large common area with a large table and seating area that can accomodate up to 12. There's a kitchen as well at one end of the taverna where food can be prepared and served. The taverna is also ideal for workshops.

When I am not in Decontra, I work as a garden designer in London. My husband and I met in Italy in the '80s when we both worked in Milan. We always knew that once our children were grown, we would return to Italy. Because we both love walking in the mountains, Abruzzo, was a perfect choice.

The house is best suited for people who want a relaxing week in nature, whether walking in the mountains or reading on the terrace. May through July are the most stunning months because the high meadows are bursting with flowers. The autumn is also very beautiful as the beech begins to colour with the days still warm and cooler nights. About ten minutes from the house is Caramanico one of Italy's oldest spa towns. The spa has baths, steam, mud, massage and many other well-being treatments. There are also a very pretty, clean, well maintained public pool and a good tennis court. About 30 minutes from the house is Abruzzo's most famous wineries, Zaccagnini, credited with being the first vintner to internationally popularise the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo varietal. The sea is also close: Pineto, 45 minutes away, is a lovely family beach where you can rent chairs and an umbrella for the day and have a delicious seafood salad lunch...or slightly farther down the coast is the very picturesque Ripari di Giobbe (Jupiters Haven). Some of Italy's best skiing is about an hour away - a high plateau called the Cinque Miglie (often the snowiest in Italy) with 110 kilometers of piste.