Ours seems like a story straight out of a novel, one of those family romances where a lovely family takes the car and decides to take a lovely vacation at the autumn solstice, when the sun is still warm and enveloping and the evenings are cool and pleasant. I felt like I was living in one of those novels: we arrive in Recoaro Terme along a road that winds through the hills, past giant trees, vast meadows, and a cool breeze blowing through the branches.
We park conveniently in front of the house in a free, private covered parking lot where we can drop off our bags, hiking boots, bike helmets, windbreakers, and our groceries, along with a few delicacies from Vicenza and an excellent Prosecco to ease the tension of returning to work. We've brought everything we need to spend these days immersed in nature and relaxation; all around us is silence, greenery, and the scent of resin and the forest. We're certainly far from the hustle and bustle, but civilization isn't that far away. Recoaro Terme and the Lessinia National Park are ready to be explored, but first we want to see the house!
Exterior, day: our first impression
The house is surrounded by a lush garden, full of plants, shade, and perhaps even a few flowers. At this time of year, the leaves are already changing color, and you can admire the first foliage in the Veneto region. Children can run, play, collect leaves, and chase insects: as soon as they get out of the car, they're already having fun in complete safety.
The atmosphere is rustic, simple yet refined. Natural materials like wood and stone are highlighted by earthy tones, a sincere, unvarnished detail that lends a homely feel to the whole. It's not a luxury hotel, no, that's not what we were looking for. We wanted something genuine, authentic, and homely, and I think we've found it.
We grab our bags and head out onto the huge, welcoming patio, where we meet our guests to check in. At first glance, we're already won over: once we've completed the formalities and received our documents, we can finally step inside and enjoy this comfortable atmosphere.
Interior, early afternoon: a coffee before setting off on an adventure
We leave our bags in the room: there are two bedrooms and an extra bed if needed. We immediately find our double room, spacious and with a bed all made up and smelling fresh to welcome us. We take a look at the kids' room and leave their backpacks, water bottles, and hiking boots there; there's plenty of space for everything, and we already know they'll make good use of it. Both bedrooms are bright and, of course, overlook the greenery: we can see the garden and the mountains from our windows, not the buildings like at home. We can smell the air, and we can open the window without any disturbing noises, except for the birds singing. A real breath of fresh air.
Now we're in the mood for some refreshments and a coffee. I go to get the groceries and find myself in a truly complete living area: a comfortable sofa, chairs, and a dining table, a home-like atmosphere surrounds me. I love cooking special things for my family, so the kitchen is a priority, and I immediately find it huge and well-equipped: a large gas stove with a coffee maker already set up and ready for us, an oven and microwave, as well as pots and pans, essential utensils—everything needed for a sumptuous dinner and a hearty breakfast before heading off on our excursions. And next to the kitchen is a table where the kids can draw while I prepare something for them.
We have everything: a TV, a washing machine, a bathtub, a hairdryer, and plenty of towels for everyone. Everything is meticulously cared for, clean, and smells great. The best thing about this house? The balcony, a modest one with a barbecue, ready to be enjoyed and loved. In fact, we drink our coffee from here, gazing at the view and finally relaxing while our children play freely in the garden.
Recoaro Terme: a hidden treasure
Recoaro Terme was once famous for its spa tourism , and this legacy can still be felt today among the town's buildings. We chose Recoaro Terme because we needed a break: school was starting again, the summer and its frenzy were drawing to a close, and we needed a peaceful haven just minutes from Vicenza . This town in the Piccole Dolomiti was just what we were looking for, but we never imagined that in this green corner we'd find a place to call home.
We immediately decided to visit the capital of spa tourism , which now lies in a rather evocative state of semi-abandoned state. One can still imagine the splendor of this marvelous spa town, with its Roman frescoes, ruined buildings now being reclaimed by nature, and the thermal baths nestled in a splendid park filled with centuries-old trees. In the evening, we prepared a delicious dinner and then went to bed early because in the morning we set off on our first hike along the Sentiero dei Grandi Alberi (Sentiero of the Large Trees).
We admired the foliage, strolled among the ancient trees, and let off steam. Nature completely regenerates us. As soon as we got home, we enjoyed being together; almost like in a book, we lived our little adventure, popped the prosecco, watched a movie, and fell asleep naturally, without alarms or anything to do.
There's no shortage of trails to explore here: theHeroes' Trail, the historic Great War trail , and even the famous Ponte Avis, the Tibetan suspension bridge. On Sunday, we ventured along another of the many trails, then had lunch at a mountain refuge and sampled the famous gnocchi with fioretta, a typical dish of Recoaro Terme.
End: Homecoming
At the end of the weekend, we returned home feeling refreshed: we were so fortunate to be able to stay in such an idyllic place and have an apartment all to ourselves; we felt right at home. We breathed in the clean air, heard only the wind and the birds singing, and I still remember the children playing in the meadow and the starry sky.
I'd like to return, perhaps in winter, with snow or frost, to have the same experience all over again: relaxation, nature, affection, simplicity.
