With stunning views of the Taro Valley and Apennine mountains Casa Pastano is a beautifully restored Italian farmhouse. Set in a tranquil and secluded location, just walking distance from the charming small village of Tornolo, the property is surrounded by extensive grounds combining gardens, natural woodland, ancient fruit and nut trees with an abundance of wild flowers. The apartment covers the full top floor of the property with truly stunning 360 degree views which include the nearby Compiano castle. All rooms are fully-furnished in traditional Italian style. The spacious living area is divided into a comfortable sitting room with sofas, coffee table, television, dvd and music system, free wifi and a pleasant dining area which opens on to the large sun terrace. There are two spacious family bedrooms and an adjacent bathroom with shower. The kitchen is fully-equipped and includes cooker, hob and oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher etc. The utility area provides a washing machine, iron, ironing board and clothes airing facilities. Bathroom and kitchen towels are provided, together with all bed linen, pillows and blankets. The apartment is cleaned at changeover, or extra on request.

Your hosts Hilary and Phil Timson bought Casa Pastano in Christmas 2001. They fell in love with the area after visiting for many years. Their daughter Carolyn married Stefano from Tornolo in nearby Compiano castle. We hope you’ll enjoy staying at Pastano as much as we and our family do!

Just a short drive away are the picturesque market towns of Bedonia and Borgotaro, situated amongst some of the highest peaks in the Apennines. One hour away is the beautiful city of Parma. The area surrounding Casa Pastano is a nature lover’s paradise, with abundant opportunities for foraging for porcini mushrooms to wild strawberries when in season. The area is perfect for photography, sketching and bird watching or studying the diverse plant and wild life. It is a favourite area for cycling, hiking, trout fishing, trail riding, gliding, and most specially for river swimming in the nearby River Taro, a popular bathing area which has a delightful beach bar in summer. The water is exceptional with fresh mineral water springs in nearby Tarsogno. Visitors can enjoy tours of the spectacular local castles, cheese factories, fortified towns and museums. A day out in Liguria at the stunning Cinque Terre visiting Sestri Levante or Portofino is just 1.5hrs away. Val Taro is also a gastronomic paradise with its International food fairs in the autumn and fine local produce from the Parma and Ligurian regions with many excellent local Osterias and Trattorias waiting to be discovered.