Rustico Esterina, Lavertezzo, Val Verzasca, Switzerland

In the popular Val Verzasca, this authentic stone farmhouse has been beautifully renovated and now makes an idyllic alpine retreat for up to 4 people. Set in its own garden, but in the middle of a small village, it combines the best of both worlds, being close to the amenities of Lavertezzo, but with direct access to the stunning mountain trails of the Val Verzasca.

The house’s attractive rustic exterior hides a contemporary, airy interior. The front door opens into a spacious living room, which has a large fireplace for chilly evenings, a corner sofa and a flat-screen TV. An archway leads directly into a newly fitted kitchen/dinner. The kitchen is equipped with a cooker hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and a Mokka coffee maker. There is a pine table with chairs for casual meals.

The private garden has outside seating where guests can sit and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. There are also sun loungers for pure relaxation.

Sleeping
Bedroom 1: Tucked under the eaves, the master bedroom is furnished with a double bed, laptop-friendly workspace, wardrobe and an en suite bathroom.
Bedroom 2: The second bedroom, which is on the lower ground floor, has two single beds, an open fireplace, a wardrobe and an en suite bathroom.

Bathrooms
Bathroom 1: The upstairs bathroom with a lovely pitched ceiling, has a full bath with a shower head, basin and WC.
Bathroom 2: The downstairs bathroom has a shower, basin and WC.

Additional
• Fireplace • Private garden • Outside table and chairs • Electric radiators • Wood burning stove • Satellite TV • Washing machine • Suitable for elderly guests • Pets possible • Private parking • car essential • Electric kettle • Hair dryer

Note: The village is reached via a narrow mountain road and caution is advised. Not suitable for parking sports cars or cars with a chassis that is too low.

Location
In the heart of the Val Verzasca, this lovely house is ideally situated for guests to explore a beautiful part of Ticino. The famous Ponte dei Salti over the Verzasca River is just a 15-minute walk. This is also a popular swimming spot, for people who are brave enough to take a dip in the refreshing water. For the very brave, try a day out, canyoning from the Ponte Bivio Corippo (5-minute drive).

For something more refined, the beautiful city of Locarno, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is 30 minutes away. The Thursday market in Piazza Grande combines a farmers market, where you can pick up the best local produce, with stalls selling regional crafts and second-hand clothes, books etc.

Bellinzona (40 minutes) is famous for its 3 medieval castles, which make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a great day trip. If you miss the Locarno market then Bellinzona’s weekly market (Saturday morning) is one of the best in the region.

The closest international airport is in Italy, Milan Malpensa is 1 hour 50 minutes away by car.