On top of the colourful hills of Ospedaletti on the Riviera of Flowers is Agriturismo Cà de Runde. In the local dialect it means "House of the Swallows". The air at this place is so pure that swallows circle high above the house and the nearby church all year round, even in the middle of winter. This spectacle immediately gives you a holiday feeling.
The stone house dates from 1816 and was completely renovated in 2005 by its owner, Giampiero D'Alonzo, with the characteristic elements well preserved. A 200 year old underground tunnel system still connects the various parts of the house and now also contains a wine cellar.
The house is divided into 4 comfortable apartments, each with one or two bedrooms, a dining room, a spacious kitchen and a bathroom. The apartments are built up with thick robust natural stone walls. This not only ensures an authentic atmosphere, but also coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter.
The house has a rich history and every apartment has its own characteristics. For example, the apartment La Galera refers to the bathroom which, due to its stretched shape, the stone walls and the typical low window, resembles an old prison cell and the apartment Romeo & Giulietta has an idyllic balcony.
The house is surrounded by several terraces and spacious pergolas, which provide cosiness but also privacy. The gardens are blooming all year round with beautiful bougainville, aloe vera, rosemary, grapes, lemons, pomegranates, fragrant tomatoes, aubergines, juicy passion fruit and figs in abundance.
Giampiero knows all the secrets of the garden and lets you taste unknown subtropical surprises. The gardens offer a delicious source of ingredients for composing your own supper. When the owner of the house cooks for his guests, you can count on tasty regional dishes. And who knows, maybe the homemade Limoncello and Nocino will be served at the end of the evening.
Thanks to the high location you have an impressive view over the hills, the sea and the town of Ospedaletti this contributes to the relaxed ambiance at Cà de Runde. Yet, this agriturismo has such a central location, that you can reach the blooming cities of Sanremo, Bordighera, Menton, Monaco and Nice in no-time. Or you can browse through one of the many borghi più belli, picturesque medieval villages, of which there are numerous in the area. Dolceacqua, Apricale and the old witch town of Triora are certainly worth a visit.
Cà de Runde is the perfect base for hikers and cyclers. The mountains and sea create a surprising and varied landscape, with beautiful views, breathtaking nature and a peaceful atmosphere. The Imperia region offers countless beautiful cycling and hiking trails. One of the gems is the challenging hiking trail from Ospedaletti to the Principality of Seborga, which starts just behind Cà de Runde and leads through Mediterranean forests and hills.
The favorable location of Ospedaletti, just behind the Alps and the Apennines that block the cool air from the north, ensures an extremely mild climate all year round. The winter offers colourful sunsets, rough seas, crystal clear days and deserted hiking trails. In the spring, the area lives up to its name, Riviera di Fiori, with an abundance of colourful and fragrant flowers. Autumn brings culinary surprises and numerous festive sagre. This region has so much to offer, also aside from the busy summer period.
Hike, cycle and enjoy Agriturismo Cà de Runde and book your stay today
Source: Ciao Tutti
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