The house alone, with its modern-medieval look, is worth the stay. But there’s so much more. Everything is nearby. Small grocers are a few minutes away, the Super U grocer is a 10 minute walk, wineries are walking & biking distance, dozens of restaurants, bakeries, & boutique shops waiting to be found in maze of cobblestone. Of course, the ruins of the old pope’s chateau is just behind the home. The climb is beautiful, and the vista at the top priceless with views of the Alps (that you can also see from the home’s top-floor room by the way). You can also park your car here at the pope’s castle parking lot if the closer, lower lot is full. Do not try parking a minibus in the home’s courtyard space. Trust me, you will have the challenge of a lifetime getting it out of the alley. Besides, the courtyard is a charming gathering space where we barbecued using the gas grill and spent evenings unwinding watching the kids play. It’s a very kid-friendly home thanks to the owner and his mother & brother, who are around if you need help. We were provided with a crib, baby monitors, & high chair for the little one and board games and the plunge pool for the grade schoolers. Can’t thank them enough for their thoughtfulness. While mountains, beaches, & Roman ruins are within a hour of the home, which we easily visited, we found ourselves perfectly content to explore this lovely hamlet, it’s winding roads, it’s historic landmarks. I’m smitten with this place and this home.
