A steep and winding semi dirt road takes you up to the villa. It is well worth the climb because the 360 degree views are amazing. The villa is very well laid out. Downstairs is open-plan, but divided into areas, making it a great communal space. The bedrooms upstairs are all well appointed, although lack of drawers and space for hanging long dresses could be a bit of an issue. Certainly not enough to make a fuss about.
The weather was a bit of a mixed bag when we visited, so we didn't make as much of the pool area as we would have liked, but on the plus side, it meant we got out and about and saw something of the area. Penne old town was worth a visit (and out the other side of Penne and right at the roundabout past the park is the nearest Lidl - probably best value for shopping if you're planning to cook). Sulmona was nice too, if a bit run down in places, but that's the same everywhere isn't it? If you have time to head towards Camp Imperatore, please do. We visited Farindola, which was on the way and the mountain views were superb.
Restaurants recommended to us by our hosts were excellent and only a 5 minute drive. Be warned - if you go to Da Margarite, don't eat for a couple of days beforehand - seriously!
To finish, Liz and Will made us very welcome and it was nice to chat to you Will on our last evening. Sorry we missed saying goodbye to you Liz because of our early start the next morning. Go and enjoy!