Altrocanto
Altrocanto is the result of Thomas and Marco's passion for hospitality. It was thanks to the encouragement of their friends that they decided to turn this passion into a profession. Farindola, Thomas' hometown, located in a still little-known area of Abruzzo, inspired and pushed them to invest in this adventure.
The building, dating back to the early 1900s, is located just outside the historic center of the town. In the past, it was a furnace, but in the 1920s Thomas' grandparents transformed it into a home. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and terracotta were chosen for the restoration of this abandoned dwelling, and the plaster and paints are free of chemical solvents. The electricity is produced by photovoltaic panels and the boiler works with biomass. Rainwater is collected for garden irrigation.
Guests of Altrocanto will not simply find themselves in an accommodation facility, but in a welcoming and well-kept home. The furnishings have been carefully chosen to create a "family" atmosphere that is not standardized.
The five rooms at Altrocanto are very bright and furnished with light wood and white furniture. In addition to the delightful garden, guests can enjoy various reading corners and a room with a fireplace. Furthermore, there is a rich library, Wi-Fi connection, and unlimited tea and coffee available.
Thomas and Marco, exhausted from the hectic city life that seemed to offer many opportunities but drained their energy, have decided to search for a peaceful place where they could have control over their time and work. Their friends had always praised them for their ability to welcome people and make them feel at ease, suggesting they should exploit this skill professionally.
Initially, they considered the Tuscan Maremma, near the Argentario promontory, Marco's birthplace, which already had a strong tourist vocation. However, in the end, they chose Abruzzo, Thomas' region of origin, a still relatively unknown place but with a strong personality and great potential, where they decided to invest, even though it might seem a bit crazy.
Childhood memories of Thomas' great-grandmother and her cooking, along with the memory of a fresh and tranquil landscape, led them to Thomas' grandmother's family house, located just outside the old village of Farindola, but which was in a semi-abandoned state.
From there, a long process of planning, renovating, and decorating began in 2007 and satisfactorily concluded in 2012, although they continue to make small touch-ups and additions. This work led to the creation of Altrocanto.
Rather than simply considering it a business, Thomas and Marco see Altrocanto as a lifestyle choice, more than just an accommodation facility. They think of it as a welcoming and comfortable home where they can genuinely host their guests.
Altrocanto offers a place for relaxation, nature, culture, and local gastronomy. The 5 rooms, each different from the other but equipped with parquet flooring, private bathrooms, and a selection of books, are eclectically furnished and focus on recycling and reusing.
Local sourcing is a focal point of the experience offered by Altrocanto. Only seasonal products from small local producers are used, along with local flours, oil, and preferably organic wines.
The establishment is also environmentally conscious, utilizing solar and photovoltaic energy, a biomass boiler, and recycling inert materials and organic waste for compost production.
Altrocanto is a charming bed & breakfast located in Farindola, at an altitude of 530 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Abruzzo hinterland, about fifty kilometers from Pescara. Surrounded by the enchanting Gran Sasso Monti della Laga National Park, Altrocanto is situated at the beginning of the Valle d'Angri, along the Tavo river valley. The surrounding nature is rich and varied, with lush forests, waterfalls, plateaus, and pastures that create an enchanting backdrop for ancient villages, hermitages, caves, and sanctuaries. Just nine kilometers away, in Rigopiano, there are numerous ideal trails for hiking or cycling. Don't forget to visit the picturesque Sanctuary of San Gabriele, the picturesque Loreto Aprutino, the renowned Castelli, famous for its artistic ceramics, the majestic Castel del Monte, as well as the fascinating towns of Calascio and Santo Stefano in Sessanio.
