Agriturisimo Refuionare

We left Guardia on June 11 and drove across Italy to the Adriatic coast to stay in an Agriturisimo that had been recommended to us. We were told it would be hard to find, and it was, despite looking easy on Google maps! The GPS did not do well, but got us close. Several inquiries and the kindness of strangers who jumped in their cars and said, via Google translate, "follow me", we arrived. The Agriturisimo was in a beautiful location, with very comfortable accommodations. The old farm had been renovated by Bepe, a fine woodworker, and Brunetta, an architect, and their skills were evident everywhere.

A view showing we were quite high on a hill above the sea.

This is the lawn in front of the dining area with seats on formations completely covered with mosaic tile and fabric-covered art installations.

Diane checking out the seating and taking a closer look at the mosaics.

There are four guest rooms, all looking out to sea and facing east for good early morning sun.  More fabric-covered art installations.....

 A great place to lie in the sun.

The beach restaurant, Ristorante Cavalluccio was just below where we stayed, but down a very steep and winding road. We did not eat there, but the location was beautiful.

Another restaurant placed on an old-style fishing structure, known as Trabuccos. We were told that the long booms above the sea that you can see in the photo, used to have fishing nets attached that would be lowered into the sea to catch fish on incoming tides.  No longer in use, these were common along this section of the Adriatic.

The dining room which is open to the morning breeze.

There was unusual artwork everywhere, this being one example.  "Rosetta" the chicken sitting on her nest, with the "eggs" in a basket on the shelf below.  Very quirky, but lovely, bringing a bright and playful touch to the dining room.

 " Violetta" the flying chicken graced the breakfast table each morning.

Yet more fabric artwork that covered this armchair in our room! He has something to do with the name of our room.  Not exactly sure of the translation, but maybe he was a shepherd, notice the sheep and baby lamb?!

Saying farewell to our hosts, Bepe and Brunetta, we were fortunate to meet Lucio, the artist responsible for all of the artwork in and around Rifugiomare.  It is all quite remarkable with a light-hearted spirit.

This short stop on our journey was quite lovely and restful.  It is certainly a place we would like to revisit and stay for a longer time. This part of Italy, Abruzzo, looks to have many interesting towns and national parks that we would love to explore.

Next stop, Parma.