Casa Dolce Aria has a large living/dining room, a fully fitted kitchen, a master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite shower room, a second bedroom with king-size bed, a third bedroom with two single beds and a family bathroom. The mezzanine above the living room has a double bed.

Outside there is a covered barbecue and eating area, a pizza oven, laundry room, terraces with views over the valley, swimming pool and the pool house with its own living room and terrace. The villa is furnished with a mix of the antique and the modern and there is a selection of books, DVDs and games to provide home entertainment. There is a large oven, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer and electric kettle. Bed linen and towels are provided.


The Grounds: The house is on a hillside, and the grounds of the house descend in a series of terraces. The top level has car parking space, a tree shaded lawn and a covered paved area with a barbecue and table and chairs. Close by is the pizza oven, although that is for people who know how to use it. A flight of steps leads down to another terrace and the swimming pool, with sun loungers for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Close by is the pool house, which has its own terrace and a furnished living room that can be used for changing or relaxing. The lowest part of the garden is wooded.

Although the top level of the grounds is fenced, there are some terraced sections that are not. We would therefore advise parents that small children need to be supervised when out of the house.

The Village: Montasola is a small community but it has a pharmacy, post office, restaurant, bar, and kids' playground all within walking distance. The nearest shop which is well equipped for daily needs is 10 minutes drive away. The bar in the upper village of Montasola is in a park and is a good place to enjoy a drink or ice-cream.

For many people part of the enjoyment of a holiday in Italy is eating out and sampling both the local and wider Italian cuisine. The local restaurant is within easy walking distance of Casa Dolce Aria and specialises in dishes from both Sabina and Sardinia. It also does take-away pizzas.

Sabina is famous for its olive oil, and you can buy oil from the co-operative in the village.

The Area: The hills and woods of the area are criss-crossed with paths, so it is a great area for walking. Some of the mountain paths can be traversed on horseback or mountain bike as well as by foot. There are riding centres within a few miles of the casa. Most of the towns and villages in the district are small, but all have interesting buildings and things to see. Hilltop villages are everywhere, usually dominated by a church spire or ancient tower. The valleys are green, traversed by streams and rivers most of which eventually flow into the Tevere. There are a number of lakes across the district and rivers and lakes can be fished for trout and other freshwater fish.

And finally, there is Rome, just over an hour away by car or train, with its world famous buildings and attractions.