Agriturismo Cascina Serra

The view from this place, almost at the top of a hill, is remarkable, and the stay became one of our best memories from the trip. The rooms are spacious, the bed comfortable, and everything was clean. We could also use a lounge downstairs. The other guests hardly disturbed us: we barely heard them outside and heard nothing at night. Getting there from Cossano Belbo is the tricky part. The hillside road is so narrow that when a car comes the other way, one driver has to find a place to pull over, sometimes up to 200 yards away. We left by the road toward Mango. It is hardly wider, but straighter and less unnerving. Being tucked away has its rewards. We felt well away from the crowds, and Christiana, who runs the place, made us a delicious dinner for 25 euros, with a very good wine they make. The bonnet dessert was as good as any we could hope for in a restaurant. Christiana's kind husband offered us the wine, and breakfast was generous, as is often the case in Italy. She speaks very little English or French, but we managed with a little Italian. She is chatty and has a great sense of humour. Two very friendly dogs will greet you and act as if you're their best friend. There was no mosquito netting. Instead, the room had an electric device that heated an insecticide patch. We didn't smell it and didn't get bitten. Also, they don't take credit cards, so bring cash. We'd happily come back.