Rent a Southern Italian Piece of Paradise, Un Pezzo di Paradiso
Available Spring 2024 / Autumn 2024 / Winter 2025 / Spring 2025 / Autumn 2025
Would you like to wake up to spectacular sunrises reflected in the Ionian sea, smelling the freshest air in Europe tinged with citrus and herbs while perched on a pristine mountainside in a charming little house in Calabria? Feel the sun on your face with mild temperatures, step away from the hustle of life while meandering through the orchard and picking fruits. Ponder the majesty of centuries-old olive trees, climb the cork-screw roads to sky-high medieval villages and sacred sites, or be at the serene Ionian seaside along the Bay of Sibari in fifteen minutes. Savor the local and traditionally prepared flavors in a trattoria, pasticceria, panetteria, agriturismo, or fattoria where the glorious food cannot possibly get any fresher. Immerse yourself in an area of Italy that is not flashy nor catering to tourists (except for some northern Italians and other Europeans during high summer) ; it is absolutely authentic, old-world, and rustic - simply beautiful. Perfect for an artist / writer retreat.
Working on becoming a fluent Italian speaker? Then this is the place for you; virtually no English is spoken, although you may encounter young people who can communicate in Inglese with the rudimentary bits they have learned in school. The area is rich in archeological history, continually revealing Ancient Greek and even Neolithic finds, with sites to visit and impressive museums. The property is located in the province of Cosenza (region of Calabria) within the stunning Pollino National Park; hiking, biking and foraging are all easily available. All amenities are within a short distance away; some things within a 5 minute drive, however, you will be in the serene countryside, part of a breathtaking scene. From June through September, a wonderful local attraction is the Grotta delle Ninfe, The Cave of the Nymphs, open to the public for a nominal fee. This ancient thermal pool, a 5 minute drive from the house, whose site is mentioned in The Odyssey (I kid you not) has been visited for literally thousands of years for its healing waters. The sulphur water gushes from a crack in the mountain at a steady warm temperature, and the complex includes pools, a system of tubs full of mud with which people coat themselves, letting it dry in the sun to draw toxins from the skin, a row of waterfall showers (which creates a wonderful, natural massage and rinses off the mud), a café, panini truck, and spa products that incorporate the unique healing properties of the local fango (mud) and acqua.
The property includes a lovely two-story, recently renovated stone house with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms (both have shower stalls, with plans to convert one to a soaking tub), living room, eat-in kitchen, terrazzo with a spectacular view of the mountains, valley and sea, and a private grove of various mature fruit, nut and olive trees (as well as grapes, prickly pears, artichokes, rosemary, capers etc.) in full production. Truly live off the land with incredible local producers all around you.
The casa is comfortably furnished and rustic with wooden beams and antique accents. The leather sofa includes two reclining chairs. The master suite is spacious with a queen and a double bed, so perfect for a couple with a child or two. The panorama from the bedroom window is stunning, day or night. There’s a double bed in the downstairs bedroom which has an attached, low-ceiling storage area. The kitchen includes a propane stove and oven with a tank (a bombola), as well as a fireplace for roasting meat in the Calabrese style or just for a cozy vibe. The stone terrazzo is wonderful for meals, laundry drying, or sunbathing. There is an outdoor sink, counter top, hose and small two-burner portable stove top to prepare meals al fresco. Large patio umbrella, outdoor table with four chairs, 2 beach chairs, linens and towels.
The house is heated/ cooled with two mini-split type units. Very effective. Space heaters provided if needed. The temperature in this area hardly ever dips below freezing. Any occasional snow in the mountains melts right away. I have sunbathed on the deck in November, January and April (and of course in the summer).
Several supermarket choices between 10-20 minutes away.
Washing machine for laundry, no clothes dryer - Italians hang their wash.
Electric supply is regulated, so using too many appliances at once will blow the circuit (i.e. both heaters, the washing machine and the hot water heater/ shower). Mindful use is required but becomes second nature.
Amazing destinations within a reasonable drive: Napoli, Capri and other islands three hours, Sicily 4 hours (driving and car ferry), Puglia two hours, Tropea 3+ hours, Matera 2+hours. Trains are relatively consistent and nearby.
Keep in mind:
Some working knowledge of Italian would be necessary to navigate your daily life since this is not an English speaking area.
You will definitely need a rental car (or Vespa) for this location. Driving in Italy is on the same side of the road and car as America, but obviously not every rule / law is the same. Studying the EU road sign system ahead of time and abiding by the speed limits are key. Tickets are usually done by camera and are pricey, and they will find you by mail once you return home.
You will be renting in a neighborhood of lovely, kind people who are a treasure to me; therefore it is expected that you consider the neighbors and respect them in your daily decisions. You’ll have your privacy, but understand that you are part of a community.
Rent up to three months at a time, see dates below (depending on your visa and international travel allowances). It is incumbent upon the renter to abide by immigration and labor laws and in no way is the homeowner responsible.
Currently there is no wifi hooked up. I use my cell phone hot-spot to connect my laptop to the internet - Airalo is a great company to get an eSim package for your smartphone. Very inexpensive and reliable. Or pop an Italian simcard into your phone. About 25 euro per month. There is basic TV reception, all in Italian, of course.
Available dates, long term or short-term within these timeframes. See prices below: April 2 - June 30, 2024 September 2 - November 26, 2024 January 2- April 2, 2025
May 1-June 30, 2024
Cost:
*500 USD security fee, refundable upon inspection. 100 USD per night at a three night minimum.
600 USD per week (7 nights). 2000 USD per month (30 nights).
Includes water use and trash removal. Electric bill (which includes hot water heater, lights, and heat/ AC) is additional if stay is longer than one week. Estimated cost is $80 per week or $3-350 per month for typical usage (less during times of year when no heat or AC is needed). Three references must be provided. The expectation is that you leave the house and property in the same condition as you found it. Maximum 5 persons. For more details and more specific location, contact Stephanie at wildestdreamstraveldesign@gmail.com
Stay tuned for details on Summer 2024 tours! Small group, bespoke women’s retreats:
(10 day excursions) July 2024: Naples. Amalfi Coast, and Sardinia
August 2024: Calabria, Sicily, and Greek Islands
Remember: “We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
Please share with interested folks in your circles!