Ascoli Piceno Hotels

Villa Fortezza: Unforgettable

Salvatore waited at the gate. Who knows how long he had tarried, his patience finally rewarded by the arrival of his two guests.
Yet we knew for how long, for we had travelled on back roads, main roads and even an autostrada just looking for the place that surely was less than 3 kms from the centre of town.
Past churches, ancient towers and even a university; we had even climbed through a forest towards the mountains and yet, as it transpired, this was indeed where the turn off was, the middle of the forest of mature pine trees.
After seeking a local's advice and showing him our map, for no-one else had heard of Villa Fortezza, we discerned that we were less than 4oo metres from said turn.
With frayed nerves we ascende through the trees amd, within moments of our arrival, all thoughts of dismay were banished from our minds; for here in isolated splendour was the villa of our dreams.
Panoramic views over the town and beyond to the surrounding hills brought smiles to our faces as the evening lights glistened in the cool autumn air.
Two long mosquito nets gathered near the top and made narrow hung from the trees lit by blue and red lights.
Salvatore ushered us into his villa and our smiles became wider with wonder as we gaped at this architectural feast of 100 fish shapes hanging beneath his staircase, of artistic sculptures (by his girlfriend who was responsible for the decor), ultra modern furniture, picture windows that slide into the walls and artifacts beyound count.
Did I mention how artistic it was? You could seriously walk into this home 100 times and still note something new on each occasion. There is so much modern art it beggars description. The word "plethora" seems inadequate and so much is indescribable but nonetheless impressive.
Next morning in the garden we note the 25 assorted candles on a tree stump, the indians paddling a canoe when the wind blows a weather vane, the two crushed metal cubes (one with a candleabra prominent), the garish rock and other tree stump on which are painted people's faces and the ancient tower next door, once a part of the fort (fortezza).
Indeed, while we partake of a seemingly endless breakfast with the sun's warming rays streaming through yet another picture window and, who else but Edith Piaf providing a musical background, we realise this is not a B&B - NON - it is an experience; one we will treasure for the rest of our lives.

Unique Quality: Breakfasts were great and the ambience looking out the window across the garden to the old tower in the morning was wonderful.