B&B De Contra, historic palazzo in the centre of Villetta Barrea
The B&B De Contra is in a historic palazzo in the centre of Villetta Barrea, in Abruzzo, in the heart of the national park. It has rooms with balconies, a shared lounge and a terrace with a view. I recommend it to people who love walking, wildlife and being welcomed by proper hosts.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Bed & Breakfast "De Contra".
Where the B&B De Contra is and how to get there
The B&B De Contra is in the centre of Villetta Barrea, a village in Abruzzo inside the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The address is Via Benedetto Virgilio and, according to guests, it sits on the main road, so it is easy to find.
One guest mentions the free parking nearby, which is handy. A few steps away is the riverside walk, where you may come across deer in the evening. I do not have precise travel times. The description only says that the ski resorts of Roccaraso and Rivisondoli are reachable by car, and that Pescara airport is the nearest one listed.
What the house and the rooms are like
Guests describe the B&B De Contra as a historic villa or palazzo that keeps the charm of another era, well restored and furnished with vintage touches. People talk about atmospheric staircases and period furniture.
The rooms are clean, practical and, for some guests, have panoramic views. The property description lists the following:
- a private balcony in all rooms;
- a private bathroom with bidet, toiletry set, hairdryer and bathrobes;
- free wifi;
- a welcoming shared lounge and a barbecue for guests.
The breakfast room is described as charming, with a terrace from which one guest saw deer. Another calls the terrace fabulous, with views over the rooftops of the old town and the green slopes beyond.
Breakfast and the welcome from Paolo and Federica
The real strength of the B&B De Contra in Villetta Barrea is the people. Many reviews name Paolo and Federica, the owners, who are described as young, well informed and always available. One guest says they were welcoming from the very first WhatsApp message.
Breakfast is generous, with cakes and jams made in-house. More than one guest loves Federica's cakes, and one mentions that alternatives exist for those on special diets, such as soya milk or lactose-free options. The description also covers continental, Italian and vegetarian choices.
Guests say the owners give useful tips on what to do in the area, and in a mountain village that counts for a lot.
What guests say
The Google rating is 4.8 from 45 reviews, a high score even if the number of reviews is modest. The praise keeps returning to the same themes:
- a warm welcome and attention to detail;
- spotless cleanliness and comfortable rooms;
- a central position, handy for the trails;
- a generous breakfast with homemade cakes;
- a quiet atmosphere, with the terrace and the view.
What strikes me is how consistent they are. When different people, in different months, mention the same things, that is a good sign.
What to know before booking
None of the reviews I have access to are negative, and that alone should be taken with some caution, since there are few opinions compared with a big hotel. So rather than a real flaw, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The B&B is in an old building and guests talk about staircases. I do not know whether there is a lift, and the description does not mention one, so if climbing stairs or carrying lots of luggage is a problem, ask first. The rooms, though practical, have the character of a historic house more than a modern hotel.
Finally, it is a small place in a village. If you are looking for nightlife or resort-style facilities, you will not find them here.
Who it suits and what to do in Villetta Barrea
I would pick the B&B De Contra for walkers, couples and anyone who wants to switch off from city noise for a few days. A couple who came from Rome describes it in exactly that way, as a small escape into nature.
Nearby, guests mention the big meadows where you can watch deer, the Camosciara with its waterfalls, horse riding and the Daini Visitor Centre at Passo Godi. In winter, the description points to ski outings and cycling routes.
If you like this area and are considering other stops in Abruzzo, take a look at the B&B A Casa di Nonna in Massa d'Albe, another idea in the same region. Or, if you prefer another town in the area, Antica Neviera House in Castel di Sangro and Residenza Dei Maestri in Roccaraso are both options.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
