HOUSEOFTHEMAGICIAN. (CasadelMago)

Transcription

1 HOUSEOFTHEMAGICIAN (CasadelMago) inthevilageofvilas.angelo VilaS.Angeloisacharmingvilage10minutesawayfrom L'Aquila.Ithas445friendlyinhabitants,acafe,an internetroom inthelocalcitycouncilwithfreeacces,acornershop,agiftshop,andlastbutnotleast,santino's restaurant.santino'smushroom andblacktruflesauceandhomemadepastaaresorenownedthatpeoplewil travelfrom afartodinethere. Description: Threebedroom house.oneofthebedroomsisaloftbedroom andtheotherisawalk-throughbedroom that couldbetransformedintoasecondlivingroom withasofabed.oneofthebedroomshascototilesand vaultedceilings.thepropertyhasasmal,privatecoveredterace.themasterbedroom hasaloftbedroom overhangingitandatraditionalwoodroof. Thepropertycomeswitha220squaremetercommunalgardentheheartofthevilageofVilaS.Angelo a large,tranquiloasisofgreenintheheartofthevilage. Size: Approx61squaremeters Price: 49,000euros

2 The Low Cost Italy project is a sustainable tourism project created with the backing of the local city councils involved to promote medieval villages that are still off the beaten track. These hidden gems offer visitors the same traditional lifestyles that their more famous Tuscan and Umbrian counterparts boast at a fraction of the cost. The villages in question are seeking to attract a steady inflow of tourists to kick-start the local services and breath life into the community. The beauty of the project is that thanks to the price tags of the properties involved, the benefits aren't limited to the locals. It's the perfect opportunity to find a charming studio or onebedroom house in a luscious Italian setting starting from 30,000 euros. The payment includes the property purchase, the restoration works, and furnishings and a passport to life in a magical retreat where foreign ownership and patronage are today starting to take off and where foreign buyers are welcomed into the communities open-armed. Buying in the villages also offers the possibility of a safe investment. While Italian rural properties are not prone to steep increases in value from year to year, they are historically immune to strong annual declines. As such, the buyer can protect himself from fluctuations in property prices by investing in a product that increases steadily in value from year to year. In addition, the very attractive prices of the properties make a sale if necessary easy. Thinking of buying a new car this year to treat the family? Think again. Buy an Italian home instead - at the same price. The villages that are currently being promoted are little hidden gems perched among the hills of Abruzzo, and hour and a half from the capital city of Italy, Rome, and its international airports and infinite sights. Also available are homes in its southern Italian Terre D'Irsina sustainable tourism project, perched on the border between the regions of Basilicata and Puglia. Both projects are perfect for those seeking a lifestyle revolving around Italian quality of life, relaxation, and beautiful rural locations. Little village restaurants offer three-course meals served with local wine from 13 euros (9 pounds) a head, or a plate of black truffles and porcini mushroom-garnished fresh pasta at 6 euros. A trip to the seaside is 45 minutes away, and both areas have ski slopes nearby to offer diversion to the visitor. Spending time in the area means retreating from the velocity and intensity of modern-day life.

3 The Borghi Nascosti villages offer close access to the coast (40 minutes' drive), the ski slopes (20 minutes' drive) as well as various lakes (15 minutes' drive). In addition, they are 10 minutes from the town of Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region, a thriving, bustling, vibrant 70,000-strong town which boast infinite fashion boutiques, wine shops, delicatessens, restaurants, and an open-air market every day. The portal town of Pescara, with its Ryanair-serviced airport is but an hour and twenty minutes away. Irsina, on the other hand, is easily accessible from Bari and Brindisi airport, respectively and hour and an hour and a half from the village. A major attraction is the Unesco-protected town of Matera, famous for its sassi landmarks and noted for being an attraction as a film location for directors such as Mel Gibson. The seaside is a mere 45-minutes' drive away. The village is a labyrinth of ancient palazzos, rustic ironwork, sun-kissed courtyards and marble stairways and engravings the perfect getaway for those seeking quiet, tranquillity and a magical retreat from the chaos of everyday life. Terre D'Irsina also has a local family mentorship program backed by the local city council that matches nonlocal families buying homes in the area with local families that share the same interests. Included in the price are all the home restoration works that are needed such as tiling, electricity, plumbing, and where possible the restoration of antique flooring and features. Structural works on the property are carried out where necessary. The outside of the property isn't rendered as part of the basic purchase price. The houses are furnished to permit immediate use of the property with beds, bedside tables, wardrobe, dining table, chairs, sofa, coffee table, full kitchen inclusive of fridge and cooker, and even bathroom mirrors. Buyers' sole responsibility during the pre-handover period is that of paying the government taxes and closing costs, which equate to approximately 10% of the purchase cost, and of connecting up electricity and water. In true low-cost style, marketing and advertising costs are kept to a minimum. As such, a lot of buyers purchase through word of mouth. Viewing weekends take place once a month, and a new batch of houses are ready to be shown on each new two-day visit. Once a property is selected, bilingual staff work alongside buyers every step of the way, acting as a buffer between them and Italian bureaucracy from the moment they put down a deposit, through the final contract signature at the local notary's office, the restoration works and the house delivery. Borghi Nascosti offers the 40-square meter "Casa del Cavallo" or the House of the Horse, at 35,000 euros. This very quaint two-bedroom house is accessible from a very short courtyard entrance. The property needs a complete overhaul, and its antique floors will be restored and the building structurally redone all inclusive in the price. The idea is to keep the old-style features like its antique vaulted, brick ceilings. In Terre D'Irsina the "Casa del Girasole" (House of the Sunflower) goes at 38,000 euros and offers the buyer a one-bedroom townhouse with a rooftop terrace. It is very centrally located in the village and looks out into a pretty courtyard where a number of recently restored houses are located.

4 30,000 euros. The Borghi Nascosti villages are a short drive from Italy's capital city - Rome and close to the renowned regions of Umbria and Tuscany. Here, homeowners can enjoy the traditional qualities of everyday Italian life, including the healthy and tasty Mediterranean diet, temperate weather, oft-blue skies, and warm and friendly locals. All the villages involved in the project are situated in enchanted locations along the valley and are famous for its artistic, historical and cultural heritage. Monasteries, the ruins of castles and natural parkland dot the visual horizon of visitors. Houses from This is a village an hour and 20 minutes north of Rome. Access from Rome and Pescara airport (1 hour and 20 minutes). Activities in the area include skiing, natural parks, lakes, and the coast, the regional headquarter of 5th and 6th of April 3rd and 4th of May 7th and 8th of June 5th and 6th of July 2nd and 3rd of August 13th and 14th of September 4th and 5th of October 15th and 16th of November On the border between the regions of Puglia and Basilicata The village is one hour from Bari (Ryanair-serviced) airport, and hour and a half from Brindisi (Ryanairserviced) airport, forty minutes from the beach, and twenty minutes from the bustling town of Matera (UNESCO protected mankind heritage and where Mel Gibson filmed his film the passion of Christ). Irsina is surrounded by idyllic countryside interspersed with rivers, lakes, fields, woods and archeological ruins. Houses from 30,000 euros. (No viewings for Terre D Irsina July and August) 26th and 27th of April 17th and 18th of May 14th and 15th of June 6th and 7th of September 11th and 12th of October 1st and 2nd of November

5 The "Low Cost Italy '' project is an innovative one that offers buyers houses in the sun and the Italian lifestyle at an extremely attractive price. It seeks to combine the attraction for foreign homebuyers of rural and uncontaminated locations steeped in tradition and history with the benefits the purchases will generate for the local, mainly agriculture-based, economies. For the potential acquirer, buying a property here means combining traditional Mediterranean hospitality, weather and holidays with an attractive pricing structure that over time will prove to be an excellent investment. The three villages and their surrounding areas offer infinite rural and cultural activities centred around the many local traditions, gastronomical delicacies and wines. Many points of interest in the three towns and their surrounding areas include traditional ceramics, a tradition of needle point and arts, and sports include skiing, paragliding, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing and hunting. For those seeking a more relaxed occupation, soaking in the nearby thermal baths or embarking on exciting culinary or wine discoveries are an attractive option. In fact, the aim of the Antico Borgo, Borghi Nascosti and Terre D'Irsina projects is to turn these enchanting historical villages into gateways for those seeking quiet, tranquillity and a magical retreat from the chaos of everyday life. The projects, designed by sustainable tourism operators in conjunction with local service providers, are committed to regenerating the local economies through the use of the local work force. All three villages permit the homebuyer ease of access: there are international airports within close proximity. The first question every potential investor asks himself is what to invest in. With some stock market investments and pension schemes not fairing very well, real estate is an attractive option. The second question is where to invest, particularly in light of spiralling real estate prices across the globe. Italy is a safe and delightful alternative, and guarantees at a very minimum a charming holiday home for life. Italian culture is based on traditions, on the family and on the life that revolves around the home. Being a property owner has dominated the priorities list of most Italians in the last century, also thanks to government-introduced home purchase incentives. Property ownership is taken very seriously in Italy. The market for second and holiday homes has expanded in recent years as investors have sought them out as an avenue for entertainment, holidaymaking, relaxing and travel. Investors buying a house in these three villages stand to benefit from all these aspects and will end up with a charming holiday home family and friends can enjoy for many years to come. In fact, the Italian peninsula has attracted foreigners ever since the eighteenth century, as James Joyce, Lord Byron and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe remind us. Each corner of the country offers delicacies for the intellect, the body and the soul to savour. The nation's artistic and cultural heritage is evident not only in museums but also in the streets and in every-day life. The outstanding architecture, the artistic heritage, the thermal baths, the enchanting seashores, the skiing resorts, and the gourmet food and wine are among the infinite attractions that entice many a visitor every day. Each region has its own specialties and characteristics, and while some are more well known than others, each is unique and has something very special to call its own.

6 Southern Italy still today remains a land virtually untouched by mass tourism with many of its delightful locations still to be discovered by holidaymakers. Italians in the second half of the 20th century, particularly from the 1960s on, developed a passion for seaside and mountain resorts and never thought to venture inland for holidays. The result has been that magical retreats like these three villages have been largely ignored. While mountain and thermal tourism has started to develop in recent years, rural tourism in Italy still has to be very much put on the map. There are some areas, for example Chianti in Tuscany (nicknamed Chiantishire by Italians) and parts of Umbria, where foreign ownership and patronage have made certain locations extremely fashionable. Non-Italian buyers kick started the process by selecting prime real estate in towns and villages which today have become very sought-after locations. Unsatisfactory plane, train and road connections are another reason why rural tourism in the South escaped the mainstream holiday-maker for many years. This is no longer the case; investors and vacationers are starting to look at Southern Italy with different eyes as a result of recent and noticeable improvements in all three (particularly in low-cost airlines that have turned what were once remote areas into easily accessible ones, even from abroad.)

7 The Borghi Nascosti" villages represent a chosen lifestyle revolving around Italian quality of life, relaxation, and beautiful rural locations. It is perfect for those that are looking for a retreat from the velocity and intensity of modern-day life. All this within an hour and twenty minutes from the capital city of Italy, Rome. The medieval hamlets representing "I Borghi Nascosti" are enchanted little gems perched along the hillsides of beautiful countryside in central Italy, where time has passed without changing the basic traditions, locations, habits and foods of the locals during the course of the centuries. The 'Borghi Nascosti" are the idea setting for those that view holiday time as a moment to slow fast-paced rhythms of life, and want to couple this with a one-stop shop, low-cost package that delivers a restructured house, furnished and ready for immediate use. Abruzzo is renowned as one of the greenest European regions with its four Natural parks. Wander round and view the artistic treasures, enjoy the culinary delights, participate in infinite activities such as horse riding and skiing, go on nature trails where you can see bears, wild boars, wolves, eagles, and the like. Enjoy the short distance between the mountains and the sea. Enjoy all four seasons in Abruzzo, the summer sea, the skiing in the colder months, the long, warm days in the spring, and the autumn walks around the hills and the lakes. The lakes in the area offer a range of sports and activities for all ages for example hiring boats, canoeing, rafting and fishing. Abruzzo is in central Italy and borders on the Adriatic Sea. It is situated between the regions of Lazio, Molise and Le Marche. Abruzzo has some of the Italian peninsula's highest mountains, with the Gran Sasso towering up to 2912 metres and the Majella some 2793 metres. It also has an infinite variety of lovely seaside locations, and numerous countryside areas.

8 Our suggested accommodation is in the province of L Aquila, a short drive from the regional capital (called L'Aquila too.) Depending on the length of your stay, we suggest you see as much as you can of the region and take in all the natural beauty, cultural heritage and activities it offers. Staying with us means enjoying a wide range of hospitality, starting from the Monastero Santo Spirito to the self-catering apartments we have on offer. Guests are welcomed and looked after with the sleepy warmth that characterizes Italian services. A vacation in Abruzzo means spending time away from home in a natural, genuine and serene atmosphere. The beauty of the environment, the rediscovery of ancient traditions, the many activities and the mouth-watering foods and wines are the principal ingredients of a well-known and appreciated hospitality. The villages are situated in the heart of the region of Abruzzo, which is renowned as a holiday location in Italy because its abundance of countryside and park land. More than a fifth of the land of the region is designated to protected park areas, including those encompassed by the Abruzzo National Park, the Gran Sasso, the Silente-Velina National Park and the Majella National Park. Buyers of homes here can benefit from lowcost airlines arriving at two airports all within less than an hour and a half's drive. In addition, there are ski slopes, beaches, a lake and historical sites nearby. The borgos (Italian medieval villages) are a short drive from Italy's capital city - Rome - and close to the renowned regions of Umbria and Tuscany. In the village, homeowners can enjoy the traditional qualities of everyday Italian life, including the healthy and tasty Mediterranean diet, temperate weather, oft-blue skies, and warm and friendly locals. All the villages are situated in enchanted locations along the valley that runs up to the regional headquarter of L'Aquila. The town of Abruzzo is also an important attraction, with its infinite number of delicatessens, restaurants, bars, boutiques, churches and museums, as well as an open air market every day. The borgos are protected by Mount Ocre, on whose feet they are mainly laid out. The villages are famous for their artistic, historical and cultural heritage. 5 minutes to the Stiffe caves (Grotte di Stiffe underground caves) 10 minutes from the town of Aquila, the regional headquarter of the region of Abbruzzo, a thriving, bustling, vibrant 70,000-strong town which boast infinite fashion boutiques, wine shops, delicatessens, restaurants, and an open-air market every day. 15 minutes to the lake (Lago San Demetrio) 20 minutes to the ski slopes ( and ( 40 minutes from the beach. Travel: 1.20 minutes to Rome (Ryanair-serviced airport) minutes to Pescara (Ryanair--serviced airport).

9 The houses we sell and rent in the villages we work with are selected first and foremost for the interest and the enthusiasm demonstrated by the locals in joining the sustainable tourism project we are involved with, but not less importantly because of their role and representation as important historical and cultural locations. All the villages in question enjoy spectacular views and are a stone s throw from the capital of Italy, Rome, and all its magnificent attractions. At the same time they allow the visitor and the homeowner to enjoy the beauty of spending time in a location where time has stood still, in all its beauty and simplicity. The houses we sell and rent are part of a sustainable tourism project aimed at introducing foreigners to the delights of Abruzzo. The prices are among the most attractive you will find in Italy, and the reason is two-fold. First and foremost, we want buyers and renters to benefit from their involvement in the project. Secondly, we want to encourage and attract as many visitors as possible to the delights of Abuzzo. The villages we sell and rent houses in are the following: Part of the local city council of Ocre, which has 1,059 inhabitants and is made up of the villages of San Panfilo, San Martino D Ocre, Valle and Cavaletto. The village is situated 13 kilometers from L'Aquila, and the website of the local city council is:. The village is situated in the national park of Sirente -'Velino. Its annual food festivity (the chestnut festivity) is held on the last Sunday in October. Historically the village had an important position in the medieval period through to the early years of the 1500s thanks to its strategic location in the valley. Of particular interest is a fortified castle village dating back to the XIV century. Another important historical element is the convent of San Angelo, built in the 1200s on an imposing hill overlooking the valley underneath. The convent contains an important fresco painting in its chapel cloisters dating back to the 1660s. The two villages of Villa 5. Angelo and Tussillo are part of the local city council of Villa S.Angelo. Of particular note in the village are the friendly locals and Santino's restaurant in the Villa S.Angelo central square. Santino s mushroom and black truffle sauce for fresh pasta are renowned with the locals, who will travel from afar in the area to dine there. The local city council offers its residents free internet access in the multimedia room (on the central square), and organizes a recreation centre for the village children in the summer. The two villages have 445 inhabitants and arelocated approximately 17 kilometers from L'Aquila. The village's heritage as one of the principal manufacturing centres of saffron is reflected in the important architecture. It is built on a hilly relief on the southern limit of the L'Aquila basin, close to the Aterno river. It is fan-shaped and in its centre there are seven nineteenth-century palazzos.

10 A valuable fifteenth-century processional cross is preserved in the thirteenth-century parish church devoted to S.Michele in the village. Festivities include the commemoration of the Madonna in May, a fish-food based festivity in July, and a local event that includes street food and music in August. A beautiful mountain village with a breathtaking view and very particular architecture. The village is contained in a medieval wall, and is characterized by typical stone portals which embellish the quaint palazzo. The beautiful church of S. Francesco d'assisi with its faked dating back to the 1500s and baroque decorations inside stands proud in the centre. A visitor to the village can make the trip to the sanctuary of San Pancrazio, just a few kilometers from the town. The village of Carapelle Calvisio has 107 inhabitants and is 32 kilometers from the town of L'Aquila. Festivities include that of San Pancrazio in May, and the festivity of the immigrant in August. The village of Fossa is thought to have been built on the ruins of the mythological town of Aveia. Fossa is first mentioned in the social chronacles of the time in the seventeenth century. It was constantly battling with the nearby-town of Ocre during those years over border issues. It was later a feud of the Italian aristocratic families Colonna and Barberini. Fossa is located in the Subequana valley, with its intensely panoramic views. The village has an important archaeological site in which a sixteenth century necropolis has been discovered. Of interest in the village for the tourist is the Chiesa dell Assunta church and the Palazzo Bonanni aristocratic home. Also worth mentioning is the church of S. Maria di Cryptas, built in the eighteenth century in Gothic style, garnished with an extraordinary cycle of frescos. The village is called the Stonehenge of Italy because of stone structures put in place by the ancient Vestini tribe between 1, BC. The Convent of Sant'Angelo d'ocre, a few minutes' drive from Fossa, is also a must for visitors. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1242, it is first viewed when driving around a corner of a hilly lane. Its sheer beauty simply takes the breath away. It is perched on top of a promontory and dominates the lower valley from this position, and its foundations melt away into the reddish-gold carved stone that supports it. Inside, it has a Romanesque cloister and a refectory with a stunning view of the valley. Its walls bear the frescos of local artists. It is the perfect place for a relaxing, quiet visit thanks to its panoramic hillside setting. Also well worth visiting is the beautiful Monastero di Santo Spirito d'ocre, a monastery dating back to the 200s that is now being redeveloped as a luxury events venue. Further up Mount Ocre still, perched on its tip, are the stunning ruins of the Ocre Castle containing an entire village and a 14th century church. Legend has it that Saint Massimo, the patron saint of nearby town Aquila, was killed here. The Castello D'Ocre was rebuilt after being destroyed by the Aquilani tribe in 1280 and today stands testament to the glory and riches of times gone by. It is also the perfect point from which to start a relaxing walk and soak in the history and the unbelievable view of the whole valley. Festivities include a local wine festival in July and a steak festivity in August.

11 A sleepy quiet village nestled in the hill which soaks up the warmth of the sun every day. This is for those that want to get away from all, but at the same time to be close to a bustling village like Sant'Eusanio Forconese and also to a larger, lively town like L'Aquila. The town of Sant'Eusanio Forconese has about 450 inhabitants, whilst the sleepy village of Casentino has about 40. Sant'Eusanio Forconese was in the past called "Cinque Ville", or "Five Villages" from the number of the villages on the territory. The village in the medieval times had an important castle. From 1663 it was a feud of the aristocratic Barberini family. Of particular note is the Church of Madonna del Castello, which was built from age-old material deriving from the ruins of the castle. Tradition has it that those that put their heads out of the little window in the crypt are protected from migraine headaches in the future. It is located about 18 kilometers from L'Aquila. Petogna is situated about 19 kilometres from L'Aquila. Barisciano dates back to the eleventh century, and in 1529 it was taken over by the town of L'Aquila after which it was a feud of various families in the area. The village still preserves many characteristics that are a testament to its medieval origins. Of note is a castle-enclosure that develops down the hillside along a series of terraced buildings. Two particularly distinguished buildings in the village are the church of 5. Flaviano and the church of 5. Maria of Valverde. Barisciano has 1,800 inhabitants. The festivities for which it is renowned include the feast of the potatoes in August, with its traditional donkey palio (race) and the festivity of Santa Caterina in November. Filetto is a little village with a bewutiful view of the Gran Sasso mountain. It allows easy access for ski lovers to the Fontecerreto ski lift, to the Campo Imperatore slopes and to the town of L'Aquila. The village has 1,100 inhabitants and is situated on a little hilltop besides which run the streams of Dendalo and Vienna. It is a village that dates back to the medieval times, when it was a feud of the Baron Gigliani. For your visit, we can suggest a typical local hotel so that you can enjoy the beauty and magic of living as the locals do. 5th and 6th of April 3rd and 4th of May 7th and 8th of June 5th and 6th of July 2nd and 3rd of August 13th and 14th of September 4th and 5th of October 15th and 16th of November