Between the Alps and the Adriatic sea are what
the locals call the 'Pre
Alpi'. These are also known as 'Colline', or little hills and
are, as yet,
relatively undiscovered by tourists. The area is fertile offering
good
conditions for grapes and wild mushrooms. Understandably, the
food and
wines are outstanding.
'Al Cristo' is a country house built about
30 years ago, set among
vines. It is situated about 40 miles north of Venice where the
first hills
rise above the river Piave, beyond which are the Dolomites. The
house is on
the edge of a small village, the nearest shops being about a mile
away,
then, a little further the enchanting village of Follina.
'Al Cristo' has 4 double bedrooms (one double
bed, two with twin beds,
a double bed-settee in the downstairs study), plus extra folding
bed.
There is a big living/dining/kitchen, two bathrooms (1 with bath,
the other
with shower), two terraces, garden/vineyard, basement with barbecue.
All
modern cons: washing machine, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, food
processor,
gas cooker, telephone, satellite radio dish (you can get BBC),
cot, push
chair and childrens' paddling pool. Bed linen and towels are provided.
There is central heating so the house can be used all year. It
is a well-
used family home with our books and belongings scattered around.
Nearby there is a lake for swimming. The pretty,
rural location
means that a car is essential and can be rented at Venice airport
if you do
not drive to Italy. The house is on a road - not a busy one except
on
Sundays when the locals come into the country for a good lunch
- and we
have had small children in the house ever since it was built without
any
problems. There is a big basement where children can play, and
also the
bigger terrace.
The house is about half an hour's drive from
a station from where
there are frequent fast trains into Venice (about an hour) and
a free car
park. You can easily drive into the Dolomites for mountain walking
and
skiing. The local food and wines are outstandingly good - it is
one of the
big wine producing areas of Italy, and there are many excellent,
reasonably
priced restaurants.
When you arrive the house will be spotlessly clean through the
good
services of Adriana Toffolin, the beds made and there will be
some basic
food in the house. When you go, please leave everything in good
order
and she will do the washing and cleaning to prepare for the next
guests.
There are plenty of guide books in the house, so feel free to use them.