John Bensalhia shows you round some fantastic properties to suit all requirements and prices in Abruzzo and Molise
Having reached retirement, you're considering a property somewhere in Italy. So what marks Abruzzo and Molise out from the crowd?
Many things. Abruzzo and Molise boast beautiful scenery. It's telling that two of the biggest large scale national parks are in the area - Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, both of which include stunning countryside to lose yourself in.
On top of this, Abruzzo and Molise provide amenities, facilities and locations for all seasons. The beaches are lengthy and unspoiled. The ski slopes are great for both beginners and stalwarts. You've also got your fair share of historical sights and natural hills and vineyards. The climate is more than acceptable, the crime rate's low... and here's another bit of good news. The property prices are very reasonable indeed. In the list below are many properties with very fair price tags. If your pension pot is full, you'll be getting plenty of value for your money, whether you want a holiday home or a permanent residence. So without further ado, let's look at some great examples!
Detached House in Lanciano, Chieti Province, Abruzzo
Price: € 140.000 ($ 148,540; £ 122,206)
Looking to get away from it all? Then this detached house in Lanciano may just be what you're looking for. The house is based in the hills that range from the slopes of Majella down to the sea. It's 50km from Pescara Airport, 50km from Chieti and 13km from Marina di San Vito.
The house itself is good value for money with plenty of space. It comprises three levels, so this is one for those who are either taking early retirement or still keep very active! Two entrances welcome you on the ground floor along with some top-notch rooms. The kitchen is fresh and spacious and includes a recently restored brick fireplace. If you're a fireplace fan, then there's also one in the living room. While there isn't a fireplace in the bathroom, it has been recently renovated to a very high standard. The under-stairs closet provides ample space for storage, too.
On the first floor are two bedrooms along with a bathroom and a couple of balconies which give way to some stunning views. Meanwhile, the second floor is an attic affair which comprises two rooms.
Outside, there's an exposed brick outbuilding that boasts an old wood stove that has been used for baking home-made pizza and bread. If you're looking to sample the old-fashioned charm of making bread and pizza yourself, this is a superb asset. There's also a garage and land space of around 2.140 sq m with olive trees of which about 900 sq m is building plot.
Country Home - Restored in Roccaspinalveti
Price: €44.000 ($46,684; £38,408)
Wake up every morning to marvel at the views of the valley and the mountains of Abruzzo from this wonderful house in Roccaspinalveti which is based in the province of Chieti.
The house is based on two floors and can be accessed by no less than five independent entrances. If you're entering via the basement, then you'll come through to a large hall, kitchen (again, with its own fireplace and also an old wood stove).
What else does this country-based home offer? There's a cellar that's ideal for storing some of the local wines, a hallway and a nice lounge that gives you some stunning views of your garden and also the mountains. In addition, there are some decent sized bedrooms and a couple of bathrooms, one of which has its own shower, the other with its own bathtub for a good old soak.
Villa in Montebello di Bertona: 3691 Montebello di Bertona
Price: €190.000 ($201,590; £165,851)
Finding a property in the Abruzzo region gives you a perfect passport to some peaceful and tranquil country life. This astounding villa not only provides some amazing views, it's also close to the National Park of the Gran Sasso.
At the moment, this property is used as a B&B, so what you do with it is up to you. Some people do actually choose to run a B&B or similar kind of lodgings in their retirement, so you may wish to keep the bed and breakfast tradition going. On the other hand, you may want it all for yourself!
And why not? There's plenty to enjoy as a private house, and there's much to do here. One of the big selling points is the lovely garden which is a very classy deal indeed. It's terraced to perfection with space for deckchairs. Swim your cares away or chill out in the swimming pool which features its own hydromassage bath.
This is another three floor deal, and the interior of the villa is stylishly finished with all mod cons such as satellite TV, double glazing and central heating. The open plan lounge is open and inviting and includes its own fireplace. Also included in the package is a kitchen/dining area, and three bedrooms, two of which have their own balcony. The top floor is a loft area and makes good use of space to give you another bedroom and bathroom.
Town/City Home, Torino di Sangro
Price: €145.000 ($153,845; £126,571)
With the Summer season only a few weeks away, what could be better than stepping from your front door to take a few steps to your local beach?
This beach in question is Le Morge in Torino di Sangro, and the apartment in question is a top-class base. The main essentials of a good apartment are all present and correct here: double living room, three good-sized bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and also a large terrace overlooking the sea which has a fireplace, laundry and storage room.
Even at other times of the year, the apartment is well placed and near to other facilities. It's a mere stroll to the town centre, and if you're looking to either brush up on your golf or make the most of skiing, then respective courses and slopes are within easy driving distance.
Renovated house with land, Schiavi di Abruzzo
Price: €220.000 ($233,420; £192,038)
With only 10 shy of 1000-strong inhabitants, Schiavi di Abruzzo is just the tonic for a quiet, pleasant retirement location. Bursting with history and character, the town is known for its finely crafted, uniquely decorated stone houses and for some beautiful panoramic views.
The three-storey property available here is an excellent getaway. It includes the usual bedrooms and bathrooms, and a basement floor which features a kitchen and boiler room. On top of this, there's the bookending land which includes fruit and olive trees as well as a 30 sqm garage which even includes its own bathroom.
Apartment in Sulmona 1
Price: €49.000 ($51,989; £42,772)
A key consideration when buying property abroad in retirement age is that of practicality. For elderly buyers, one of the most important decisions is accessibility. Too many flights of stairs can rule out a multi-level house or apartment.
So with that in mind, this Sulmona ground level apartment is an ideal choice. There are no stairs either to get into the property or inside which makes this property one to consider for elderly buyers. The apartment itself has been completely refurbished to a superb standard and includes living/kitchen area, bathroom and bedroom. If you want to get to the local amenities, again you're in luck as the property is a walk away from the main shops, restaurants and bars – as well as free parking facilities.
Price: €119.000 ($126,259; £103,875)
Here's another outstanding apartment in the heart of Sulmona – although this time, there's marble stairs leading to the purchase in question.
If you're OK with stairs, then this is a worthy investment. It's been renovated to a high degree of excellence and comes with a slew of extra features in addition to those all-important rooms (lounge, kitchen area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms). The extras include satellite dish, Custom Corian marble workshops, dimmer switches and much more!
This is another apartment that's near to all the main amenities as well as being close to the major rail and bus links. On top of that, the views from the apartment are quite something. Whether Winter or Summer, you'll either be kept warm (thanks to the gas central heating) or cool (aircon). Whatever the weather, this is a splendid apartment to live in and enjoy retirement.
Price: €420.000 ($445,620; £366,618)
While it's one of the more expensive properties in this list, if you've got the money it's well worth it!
Spanning a massive area of 210 square metres, the property includes plenty of living facilities including bedrooms, kitchen (with fireplace and antique stove), laundry room, bathrooms and a large terrace. The property has been newly built and also includes a garden area of more than 4000 square metres (which includes its own fountain).
Country Home, Fresagrandinaria
Price: €95.000 ($100,795; £82,926)
This sizeable country house in Fresagrandinaria offers much for those looking to sample retired life in Abruzzo.
A big draw of this property is the ample outside space. There's four hectares of land included with the property, and contains its fair share of trees, both walnut and olive. If you also want a bit of a challenge, then there's a stone cottage which requires renovation work.
The property itself includes plenty of rooms such as dining room, kitchen, bathroom and four bedrooms, two of which come with their very own balcony.
City Home, Molise: Casa Ponticello
Price: €24.000 ($25,464; £20,950)
Let's take a look at Molise. Here's a decent city home which is up for grabs at a very reasonable price. It should be pointed out that some restoration work is required – work needs to be done on the cellar and its garden area needs a good trim and sort out, but if you've got the stamina, then you'd be getting a very good bargain. The home boasts a big dining room (with fireplace), a bedroom, a bathroom and a terrace that looks on to some lovely views of the area.
