This lovely old farmhouse is immersed in the vineyards and olive groves in the volcanic hill region south of Rome. It is an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful countryside, sip wine by the panoramic pool or just relax with a snack under the shady portico. The Castelli region is relatively unspoilt by tourism and offers a glimpse of the 'real' Italy. The nearest little town, Lanuvio,(just 5 minutes by car) has pre-Roman origins, and offers breathtaking views over the Pontine Marshes, to the Mediterranean sea beyond, and to the snow capped mountains of the Appenines. Here you can buy all necessary provisions from delightful quaint shops, including excellent breads cooked in wood-fired ovens. There are also many restaurants within easy reach offering a wide variety of Italian cuisine, and, of course, pizzas! La Bougainville is ideally placed for visits to Rome. The railway station is only one mile from here with direct connections into Rome's central station, Termini. From there you can take public transport to all the historic sites of the Eternal City. Trains run hourly and tickets are very cheap. Then, when you have had your fill of ruins, you know you can return to the peace of La Bougainville, and the cool of the pool, and the garden.

The fame of Rome, and all it holds, is well-known to most people. Visits to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, St. Peters etc. are a must. Be more adventurous and wander round the narrow roads of Trastevere, famous for its many restaurants,drop in on the church of St. Clements with its 3 tiers of history or visit the newly excavated Palace of Nero. Take an archeological bus tour along the Ancient Appian Way or delve down into the catacombs. But when you have 'done' the city of Rome, look further afield. Just 15 minutes from La Bougainville is the volcanic lake of Albano. The Pope has his summer palace there at Castelgandolfo and, in the summer, you can receive his blessing in the inner courtyard on a Sunday morning. Then take out a pedalo and bathe in the deep waters of the lake. Take a trip to Rome's old port, Ostia Antica - a greener version of Pompei. Drive up to Tivoli and visit the immense grounds of Hadrian's Villa or see the myriad of fountains at Villa d'Este. Take a winding trip through the countryside to Sermoneta, a wonderful little fortress town, with a fascinating castle where concerts are held in the keep in the summer. Climb up to the ramparts and gaze down over the plain towards the sea. On your way to Sermoneta, visit the Oasis of Ninfa - beautiful gardens where trees and flowers from all overthe world, nestle against the mountainside and rushing streams gurgle through the undergrowth. Brush up your recent history and make a visit to Anzio, scene of the World War II landings. Visit the beautiful war cemeteries, or simply wander along the port, or take a deck chair and umbrella and sit on the beach. If you are feeling adventurous, take a ferry to the rocky island of Ponza, Rome's answer to Capri. If you are seeking gorgeous beaches, drive a little further south to the sand dunes of Sabaudia, under the shadow of Monte Circeo - a huge rocky isthmus which juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. Kilometres of beach and clean sea await you, with the odd bar and restaurant to restore you when needed. A little further on, easily reached by the motorway, is Monte Cassino with its huge monastery, rebuilt after the famous battle in 1943. Take yourself into the mountains of the Abruzzi - an hour's drive - and visit the original monastery of Saint Benedict - carved out of the rock face, high up among the wooded mountains.

One thinks of Italy as sun, bathing and heat. But there is much to be gained by visiting in seasons other than the summer. On Good Friday the Via Crucis is performed near the Colosseum, outlined with flaming torches, and on Easter Sunday, the Pope gives his blessing in St.Peter's Square. In May the wild strawberry festival is held in the little town of Nemi overlooking its deep volcanic lake. In June Genzano holds its 'Infiorata', where pictures made of flower petals over the road up to St. Mary on the Hill. September brings the grape harvest. The vines are weighed down by long bunches of grapes and the tractors bring the loads of fruit to the presses. October brings crystal clear days when the clacking of olive shakers mixes with the hum of olive presses to produce the thick green virgin oil. As winter approaches, we light the fires in our homes. In November All Saints and All souls merge into a festival of chrysanthemums to celebrate the beloved. Gregorian chants in the suggestive surroundings of the Pantheon, herald the night of Saint Sylvester (New Year's Eve) and an explosion of fireworks welcomes the New Year. An Epiphany fair is held in Piazza Navona. February brings Carnival where, in the medieval towns of the Castelli hills, there are parades of colourful floats. And so another spring approaches.