We are so pleased to have discovered Il Gelso on our third holiday in Abruzzo. We spent a wonderful week in Casa Novavia in late July. The farmhouse is a perfect place for a small family, beautifully renovated, well-equipped and impeccably presented. It is peacefully situated among vineyards and olive groves at the end of a quiet lane and we were delighted to have lovely wines and fresh fruit from the estate. San Vito Chietino, just five minutes away by car and easily within walking distance, is a pleasant small town with a supermarket and various other shops and at least one good restaurant (we were happy to cook and eat at Casa Novavia most evenings). There are lots of excellent beaches within easy reach, ranging from quiet coves to full-on resorts, while the high tops and deep gorges of the Maiella beckon inland. We found great cafes in Ortona, Vasto and Lanciano for afternoon ice-creams or evening aperitivi, and our experience ‘a cena con I Bizantini’ in Crecchio was one we’ll never forget. We’ll certainly be returning to Il Gelso as a perfect base from which to enjoy this wonderful region.