Rental basis: Entire house or apartment
Number of bedrooms: 1; Number of other rooms with beds: 0
Number of bathrooms: 1
Casa Terracotta; is set in the peaceful town of Masanti is a small un-spoilt mountain village, approximately 800 meters above sea level, with 24 friendly residents. The village nestles in the heart of the idyllic Apennine Mountains situated on the slopes of Monte Pelpi in the Ceno river valley. Masanti has beautiful views of the Ceno Valley, an abundance of wildlife, excellent walking, and has a famous source of natural fresh mineral water which is bottled by Norda in its plant nearby. Masanti is 96 kilometres west of the beautiful city of Parma in the region of Emilia Romagna, Northern Italy.

The scenery in this area is stunning, with high peaks and passes, steep valleys, forests, tiny stone villages clinging to the sides of the hills, and exciting hair-pin-bend roads taking you from one amazing view to the next. The Ligurian border is just a 20 minute drive and Tuscany about 60 minutes away.

The local shop, Post Office and 2 friendly bars, which also offer good meals, are just a 5 minute drive away at Ponteceno. Also within a 10 minute drive you will find a very good restaurant, Oppici, at Monte Vaca' or a little further away in the imposing fortress town of Bardi, the Due Spade (two Swords). Both have very good reviews on TripAdvisor.

The nearest town, 12 kilometres away, is picturesque Bedonia, situated amongst some of the highest peaks in the Apennine Range; it offers a wide selection of shops and restaurants, sport facilities and bus service to Borgo Val Di Taro train station, the coast and Parma.

The area is also renowned for its Porcini or Cep mushrooms and truffles: Masanti is on the La Strada del Fungo Porcino di Borgotaro. These delicious fungi are served in the many good restaurants in the area situated along the world famous Le strade dei vini e dei sapori.

Casa Terracotta is an ideal base for exploring the region if you are looking to purchase a new home in Italy. The area could be the perfect choice as it is relatively unknown to non-Italians and as such is cost effective, unspoilt and offers excellent value in a wide range of properties. Your English hosts, one of whom is fluent in Italian and the local dialect, have good local knowledge and can help with the bureaucratic processes of house buying or renovating your property.