THE FACTS ABOUT SEXTANTIO ALBERGO DIFFUSO

Italy

Sextantio is not the first semi-abandoned hamlet in Italy to convert its houses into guest accommodation, but it is easily the most striking. Santo Stefano di Sassanio is a remarkably intact mountain village, a warren of cobbled lanes and steps. Italian-Swedish entrepreneur Daniele Kihlgren began to buy up houses here in 2000, and now owns a third of the village. But Kihlgren is no crass hotel baron: he reckons that the best tribute to those who eked out a living here is to leave things exactly as they were. The accommodation currently consists of six rooms in the Renaissance Palazzo delle Logge; others will be ready by summer. With their unwieldy iron keys, smoke-blackened walls, uneven floors and low ceilings, these are not your average luxury suites. The only contemporary design details are the bathroom fittings, under-floor heating and remote-controlled lights. Breakfast includes home-made jams and freshly baked bread; another nice touch is the complimentary bottle of ratafia (a fruit-spiked liqueur) that awaits guests in their rooms. There's a restaurant and conference centre, and Kihlgren plans to add a spa and a range of craft workshops. WHEN TO GO In summer for the fresh mountain air; in winter for skiing. ROOM TO BOOK The top room in Palazzo delle Logge, with its bedroom bathtub. CONTACT Santo Stefano di Sassanio, Abruzzo, Italy (00 39 085 497 2324; www.sextantio.it). COST Doubles from 140 euros