The house
Cà Gioiosa was bought in 2001 as a very run down property and initially as our home to be.
During the extensive renovation work we decided to extend the existing accommodation and make a first floor apartment to rent out on a weekly basis. As the location is so pretty we were confident that it would be appreciated by those looking for a bit of peace and quiet and contact with relatively unspoilt nature.
The access to the house is along a private road that is partially a track (no tarmac) but then that is part of the "rural living" experience! It isn't necessary to have a 4x4, any kind of car will be fine including a Ferrari!
The house is built on the side of a hill and has a wonderful terrace where you can sit and admire the views (sipping a glass of Prosecco of course!). There is a barbecue and a pizza oven for your al fresco dining.
A gazebo and a pergola will protect you from the midday sun and there is a small pool for refreshing dips but not for olympic swimmers as it is 4x5m and 1.2m deep.
At the lower part of the property, below the vineyard there is a small private pond/lake where you can try your hand at catching a fish or two but the herons might beat you to it!
There is an abundance of deer in the area and they can be seen most days in the garden.
Bedroom 1 - LAVANDA
Decorated in pale blues and purple, this is a double room with a 160x200 bed ( no footboard for the taller guests!) There is a pretty view over the hills. The room has airconditioning (not included in the rental price) and an en-suite shower room complete with basin, toilet and bidet. An extra bed can be added if necessary.
Bedroom 2 - TULIPANO
This is a smaller double room, with a red colour scheme and with a 160x200cms bed. There is no space for an extra bed. Yet again a pretty view over the hills. Air conditioning and an en-suite shower room.
Bedroom 3 - GIRASOLE
This room is yellow and green and could be considered a family room as it has twin single beds and also a small double bed settee for extra guests. As usual there is air conditioning and an en-suite shower room. This time the view is towards the little cool pool and the terrace.
We provide all bed linen and towels and a good selection of toiletries. There are hairdryers and radio alarm clocks in the rooms. All the beds have bedside lamps for reading.
The Lounge/Kitchen area
Most of your time will be spent outside but you do have a well equipped living area inside too.
The small kitchen has a dishwasher, a microwave oven, an electric pizza oven, an electric kettle, a coffee maker, a toaster and enough pots and pans etc. for an army of cooks. The washing machine is in Fiona's house but you are welcome to use it. There is an iron and an ironing board.
In the sitting area there is table seating for 8, 2 settees, satellite TV, DVD, a CD player, guide books, reading books and various board games.
Outside but on the 1st floor is a terrace with a table and six chairs.
On the main terrace downstairs there are several sitting areas along with sun loungers and parasols.
Eating Out
Although Cà Gioiosa seems to be in the middle of nowhere it is only an impression! There is a restaurant within walking distance (500mts) Locanda La Tagliolina which serves excellent food and is open from Wednesday to Sunday at lunch and at dinner.
A little further down the road (2kms) there is Corte d'Aibo an agriturismo or farm restaurant.
Highly recommended to gourmet travellers this is a true eating experience and a chance to taste some excellent organic house wines. Open in the evenings on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The local towns of Bazzano and Monteveglio both have several very good establishments for traditional food, you will be spoilt for choice. Only 4kms from Cà Gioiosa on the way to Bazzano is Pizzeria Ajò... pizzas don't come any better!
Eating In
There are two reasonably sized supermarkets in Bazzano, one being Carrefour and the other COOP.
You can buy fruit and vegetables directly from the farms: Fiona will point you in the right direction.
There is a weekly street market for local produce on Saturday mornings in Bazzano.
Before I forget, if you are "into" the Italian cooking experience we can organize an afternoons cookery course for you here at the house with a true Italian cook: let us know as soon as possible so as not to be disappointed.
