La Toretta is a country house nestled in a tranquil secluded location inside the Calanchi di Atri Nature Reserve, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with an outstanding panoramic view of the Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Majella mountain ranges to the south and west. The property has been completely rebuilt from an old ruin to modern standards in 2011, utilising reclaimed materials where possible and retaining the general layout and many of the original features, including the iconic Toretta. The build is to a very high specification, which includes an earthquake proof foundation, 40mm thick breathable walls and a multilayer ventilated roof. All rooms have bespoke chestnut wood double glazed windows with fly screens and chestnut shutters. The doors are made from solid chestnut wood. Downstairs, the shutters are on the inside and traditional security ironwork on the outside; upstairs, the shutters are on the outside. The roof is covered in reclaimed cotta tiles and includes a traditional chimney. The accommodation measures approximately 240 sqm and comprises:
GROUND FLOOR : A double door opens to a spacious entrance hall with arched brick ceiling and marble tiled floor facing a wide staircase with under-stair cupboard housing the boiler, a sitting room and rear hallway to the right and an open plan kitchen / dining room to the left. The sitting room is finished with modern Spanish terracotta tiles with marble tozzetti and has a traditional working fireplace and a window to the front. It has a vaulted ceiling made from steel girders supporting reclaimed bricks. The kitchen / dining room has a triple outlook, with windows to the front, side and rear of the house. It also has patio doors opening out to the logia with its stunning expansive views across to the mountains. The floor is finished with Spanish terracotta tiles and the ceiling is the traditional vaulted type. The artisan painted wooden kitchen is fitted with marble counter tops and includes a central island, a gas stove with extractor hood and multiple storage options. The hallway to the right is tall and spacious and is lit by a vellum window in the wooden beamed ceiling. It leads to the downstairs shower room and the utility room. The shower room contains high quality sanitary units and has a window to the rear. The utility room houses the large water tank, solar heating controls and has a deep sink. There is also a door opening to the rear and another door to the large integral garage. The garage has been designed to the same standard as the rest of the house and lends itself for conversion into an additional room if desired. It has a small window to the side and double wooden doors opening to the front of the house. From the front hall a beautiful oak and marble staircase with artisan wrought iron banisters lead to the first floor. The stairs are designed to incorporate a central lift if required in the future. Midway up the stairs is a window to the rear and the ceiling is a beautiful chestnut wood beam and plank structure.
FIRST FLOOR - The stairs open out into a wide hall accessing four bedrooms (one with an ensuite shower room), a bathroom, a staircase to a further bedroom in the top of the tower and patio doors onto a roof terrace. The flooring in all these rooms is solid oak. The ceilings are dominated by a massive chestnut beam running the length of the house with thinner chestnut beams supporting reclaimed pianelle tiles. In all the bedrooms ceilings there is a central fan to assist air circulation and create a comfortable environment on the hottest summer days. The master bedroom has a door to an en-suite shower room, patio doors to the rear of the house onto the roof terrace and a window to the side of the house overlooking the valley. The shower room has a window to the front and contains high quality ceramics (sink, toilet and bidet) and fittings and a thermostatic shower. The floor and walls are partially clad in ceramic tiles. There are two further double bedrooms with windows to the front and a single bedroom with a window to the rear. The family bathroom has a window to the front and contains high quality ceramics (sink, toilet and bidet) and fittings plus a bath tub with shower attachment. The walls are partially tiled in cream coloured marble.
SECOND FLOOR - The stairway to the second floor bedroom is a ladder style structure with solid oak steps. It is situated at the top of the tower and is a perfectly square dual aspect room with two circular windows and a beautiful symmetric beamed ceiling.
OUTSIDE - A travertine terrace surrounding the house with pebble driveway and lawns to the front and rear. The terrace widens and is partially covered by an arched loggia with brick voltini, from which view across the valley to the mountains can be enjoyed.
The driveway provides ample space for parking several cars. The grounds extend to approximately 2 hectares and include an olive grove of around 100 trees, some ancient and others about 20 years old. There is also a mixed fruit orchard including, apple, cherry, plum, pear, fig, grape etc.
SERVICES - Water and power are provided from the grid, although there is also an external well which is linked to a garden irrigation system. Heating and hot water is through a solar-thermal system. The heating is by an underfloor arrangement with individual thermostatic controls for the downstairs and for each bedroom. Hot water is also provided by the solar-thermal system supplemented by a gas condensate boiler. Heating and hot water works except for the coldest winter days when there is little sunshine. A buried LPG tank is situated to the front of the property but usage is very low. Plumbing has also been included to allow for the addition of a swimming pool.
Sewerage is based on a modern septic tank system.
LOCATION - La Toretta is located about 3km from historic town of Atri, yet is completely immersed in nature. It is in an elevated position, high enough to mitigate high summer temperatures yet still sheltered from cold northerly winds.
Atri is a typical small market hill town with pre-Roman origins, full of history, culture and art in which an authentic Italian lifestyle can be enjoyed. It hosts numerous festivals throughout the year centred in its cathedral piazza and contains numerous excellent restaurants, bars, and shops selling local delicacies.
The property is just a few minutes from the charming seaside resort of Pineto on the Adriatic coast. Its beautiful, sandy beach, with prestigious Blue Flag status, is shaded by luxuriant pine groves that give their name to the town. To the south is the Cerrano Tower which was an important fortress built in the 1500s as a defence against marauding Turkish pirates. Today, it houses a Marine Biology Laboratory. For activities there is the coastal path which can be used for walking, cycling and jogging.Take advantage of the many shops, restaurants, pizzerias, ice cream parlours, bars and cafès.
The mountains, surrounding the house, provide amazing views and represented in Abruzzo's National Parks and Nature Reserves is 75% of all Europe's flora and fauna which can be visited and enjoyed by all. The parks and mountains are crisscrossed with paths, of all difficulties, which can be covered on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. Mountaineering is a major sport with sheer rock faces and many high peaks to tackle. There are two accomplished rock-climbing centres which teach both classic and free-climbing techniques. Wonderful trekking is possible all year round, thanks to the many expert mountain guides and four nature trekking schools which help enthusiasts explore, respect and appreciate the mountains. There are also easy rambling options which are suitable for beginners, families, children and the elderly. The mountains also provide an excellent base for hang gliding and paragliding whilst the splendid watercourses and lakes are available for canoeing, rafting and windsurfing. The mountains of Abruzzo enjoy snowfall each year, sometimes receiving more than the Alps. Its resorts offer enthusiasts first class skiing, at a fraction of the cost, of popular Alpine destinations. The high peaks and vast plateaux provide excellent facilities for both alpine and cross-country skiing.
ATRI - TERAMO PROVINCE
The beautiful town of Atri is located 450 metres above sea level and has a population of 10,772. It has pre-Roman origins and is one of the oldest cities in Italy. Some believe that is even gave its name to the Adriatic Sea. The town of Atri is also considered to be one of the most important historical, cultural and artistic centres in Abruzzo with many architectural gems, ancient churches and museums to investigate.
For food and wine lovers Atri boasts excellent restaurants, bars and cafés where you can enjoy good local food and wine. There is a market each Monday which is great for buying local produce and delicacies including Pan Ducale (nut bread), Pecorino Cheese and Licorice Liquore.
The town has fantastic views to the snow-capped Gran Sasso range of mountains and, with its proximity to the coast, it is an excellent place to live.
DRIVING DISTANCES/TRAVEL TIMES (subject to traffic)
Abruzzo International Airport - 45 km/39 min
Ancona/Le Marche Airport - 150 km/1 hr 31 min
Rome Fiumicino Airport - 222 km/2 hr 27 min
Rome Ciampino Airport - 195 km/2 hr 14 min
Adriatic Coast at Pineto - 11 km/14 min
Skiing (Nordic) at Voltigno - 50 km/1 hr 10 min
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