Casa Maria - Mountain Sports Base, Pievepelago, Italy

High up in the Apennines, this 2nd-floor apartment for 6, makes a great base for alpine adventures at any time of year. The region is known for cross-country and Nordic skiing in the winter months and for hiking in the summer. So the apartment would be ideal for friends or family looking for an active break.

The duplex apartment is accessed via an external staircase that leads to a balcony, offering panoramic views. The open-plan living space, with a corner fireplace, is furnished with cosy wooden furniture -a dining table for 6, a dresser, a flat screen TV and a fitted kitchen. The kitchen is well-equipped with a cooker hob, oven, fridge, freezer and Moka coffee machine.

An attractive wooden staircase leads up to the second bedroom.

Sleeping
Bedroom 1: The airy master bedroom has a double bed, a wardrobe and glass doors leading to the balcony
Bedroom 2: Tucked under the wooden eaves, this charming bedroom has 4 single beds.

Bathroom
The separate bathroom on the main floor, has a shower, basin, bidet and WC

Additional
• Free Wifi • Balcony • Fireplace • Central heating • Air conditioning • Washing machine • Books library • Hair dryer • Fire extinguisher • Free public parking, a car is essential • Check-in from 4.00pm, check out by 10.00am • €500 security deposit for groups under 21 • Pets not permitted • Close to skiing

Location
The apartment is in the charming town of Pievepelago in the unspoiled landscape of the Apennines, which divide Tuscany and Emilio-Romagna. The area is known for its beautiful forests, lakes and hiking routes.

There are approximately 12km slopes and ski trails of Sant’Annepelago (13 minutes) and Abetone’s ski slopes (approximately 20 minutes) offer around 50km of slopes that suit all levels and are generally open from December to March.

Pievepelago hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating local produce, including the blueberry festival in August and the chestnut festival in November. There is also a popular reenactment festival Roccapelago, featuring Medieval warriors and music.

For self-catering, Pievepelago’s weekly market (Monday morning) is the best place to pick up local ingredients. There are also smaller supermarkets and grocery stores in the town.

The closest international airports are at Bologna (1 hour 50 minutes); Florence (1 hour 55 minutes) and Pisa (2 hours 10 minutes).