All the pictures are correct, the garden is beautiful, the fountain is actually turned on, the house is compact, cute and a 'real' house (because the hosts used to live in it themselves), so proper wardrobe and furniture. The house is actually located along a pilgrimage route (Via Francigena, you can basically hike part of it just leaving from the garden). The hosts really make you feel welcome! BEAUTIFUL view on the mountains, from 3 sides of the house and we spent many lazy days in the garden (between the hiking trips) and doing yoga on the grass (look up and you'll see an eagle!). To one side a 12th century tower, to the other a similar old church (which bells you will hear). Ask directions for the cheese farm store (Chez Duclos) in a nearby village, they can pack it so you can take it home (ask for ''sous vide''). Both speak fluent French and a mix of English and French will get you a long way. We had some nice talks with both of them. Fulvio is a professional landscape architect and it shows in the garden (which had an Edelweiss, or ''Stella Alpina'' in Italian). We came to the house in Gignod to relax from our urban environment and if that's what you're looking for: this house is great (haven't slept so well in months!). The house is fully isolated, which meant it was cool (if you close the wooden blinds in day time). It really felt like home and I think that was what made this house an absolute winner. It is connected to the main house, where Paola and Fulvio and Fulvio's parents live, which also gives it a nice and safe feeling to know they're closeby. Aosta is a short drive away, you can take the cable car up to Pila from Aoste(ski area, also mountainbike and hiking tracks), across the road a small groceries store, and if you drive to the right, the ''Due Campane'' restaurant, at a golf course, is a short drive away. Also love the fact that they have their own compost heap, so walking over to contribute our organic waste, really felt we were part of Valle d'Aosta life.. And the wardrobe has lights that go on automatically.. just a cool thing. And for washing, you can make use of the (Miele!) washing machine in the laundry room. It's not run super commercially, and that's why it is so attractive.
