The Antico Fienile (Ancient Barn) is on the site of an old vineyard just below the historic hilltop town of Triora, famous throughout Italy for its witchcraft trials. It is about a 30 minute drive to the coast (Arma di Taggia) - and approx. 2 hours from Nice and Genoa airports.
The Antico Fienile is in a quiet location with good views of Triora, the surrounding wooded hills - and up the Argentina Valley to the high border between Italy and France. The property overlooks an ancient mule track that leads from Triora to the bridge at Loretto and then up the Argentina Valley, to the cliff-top village of Rialdo and the Maritime Alps beyond.
The path down from the road is definitely not suitable for wheeled suitcases and guests are advised to carry backpacks instead. It takes about 10 minutes if you are reasonably fit - and there is plenty of free parking on the roadside. The walk is picturesque, passing through an arch of the 14th c. Chiesa San Bernadino, with its remarkable doom paintings, and then offering distant views of the Argentina valley and the mountains.
For mountain bikers there is a secure shed where bikes can be locked away.
Please note that the Fienile is not suitable for young children because of the unfenced terraces, and we do not allow pets , or smoking indoors. Wheelchair access is not possible due to the configuration of the property.
Accommodation
Downstairs there is a shower room/toilet and a simple modern kitchen/dining room.
Includes: dining table and chairs; a good sized fridge freezer; a cooker with electric oven and 4 gas rings; sink with enclosed draining/storage cupboard above; a pellet burner, for out of season use; and a vacuum cleaner. There are attractive terracotta tiles throughout the downstairs space, and all of the windows are shuttered.
Upstairs there is a single good sized, high beamed room with a pine floor and ceiling. The room doubles as a sitting room/bedroom. There are three windows with fabulous views, one facing Triora and two facing the Argentina Valley and wooded hills.
The room is equipped with: two comfortable single beds; two bucket armchairs; an outsized angle poise reading light; a rack for hanging clothes and the storage of small items; a wooden chest for bedding; a wood burner (for out of season use); a library of maps and books relevant to the area; a folder of places to visit, and local history of the Fienile. The upstairs windows are shuttered.
Outside there is a private patio which is shaded by a kiwi-covered pergola, ideal for outdoor dining and drinks. The patio features: a large hardwood table and 6 chairs; a light within the pergola; a power point – and memorabilia from the days when it was surrounded by vineyards and hay meadows.
Facilities
There is a good G3 phone signal (WIND) in the property, and small rechargeable Bluetooth stereo.
The bars in the village have free Wifi.
Note that there is no washing machine or dishwasher, but there is a short washing line and an iron.
Triora and Molini
Triora has: a general store and a few other shops; a bakery whose bread is famous throughout Liguria; a delicatessen specialising in local cheese, meats, wines and preserves; three bars; a good restaurant which has outdoor dining in the summer months.
Triora is a fascinating maze. narrow lanes and tunnels, steeped in history. There are two museums: an anthropological museum and a new witchcraft museum. The churches in Triora contain interesting artworks - and whole area is rich in the traces of history, from cave dwelling to medieval times, the Kingdom of Genoa, the Napoleonic Wars, the First World War and the Italian Resistance of WWII. There are a number of popular festivals including the Fungi Festival and Halloween.
A mile’s walk below Triora is Molini di Triora (4 miles by car) where there is a characterful family restaurant which serves its own wine and local specialities. Molini also has a large but seasonal natural bathing pool, an ATM, bars, shops, a pharmacy and medical services.
Places to visit
Rialdo and the villages of the upper Argentina Valley
The Olive Oil Museum in Imperia - and the famed olive oil outlets of Badalucco
Montalto Ligure for its impressive location and church altarpiece
Hanbury Botanic Garden, just beyond Ventimiglia
The gardens and museums of San Remo and Bordighera
Activities
A mountain guide based in Triora offers canyoning, with all equipment supplied, mountaineering and guided treks
Mountain ebikes can be hired in Molini di Triora - and transport provided to the higher mountains
Hire bikes in Arma di Taggia, with 24k of easy, scenic cycling on the dedicated coastal paths
Go whale watching with Whalewatch Imperia
Explore the areas rich flora and fauna
Walk the network of old mule routes
Investigate the interesting local food culture with many seasonal sagra (food festivals)
Antico Fienile House rules
Check-in 16.00 / Check out 11.00
Max occupancy: 2
No smoking indoors
No children
No pets
Minimum booking: 7 days, starting any day of the week.
Booking notes
A deposit of 25% is required to confirm the booking.
Full payment is required 8 weeks prior to arrival.
A breakage deposit of £200 is also required 8 weeks prior to arrival.
The laundry charge and cost of the final preparatory cleaning is 50e, and this is payable locally when the keys are returned.
Cancellation Policy
100% for cancellations more than 60 days before the check-in date.
Deposit return
The deposit will be returned as soon as I hear of the satisfactory handover and the return of the keys. If additional cleaning is required or rubbish has to be removed then this will be charged, at cost to me, from the deposit.
