Energy-Efficient Palazzo for Sale in Historic Furci, Abruzzo

An energy-efficient palazzo residence for sale in the historic centre of Furci, Abruzzo, completely restored and habitable. Nestled in the gentle Abruzzo hills and just 25 minutes from the splendid beaches of the Trabocchi Coast, this refined historic residence blends the charm of nineteenth-century architecture with the comfort and efficiency of modern technology.

The palazzo is part of an early 19th-century noble building in the historic centre. When we acquired its custodianship in 2016, it had not been lived in for 50 years. We undertook a light-touch yet deep and extensive restoration. Spread over three levels and totalling approximately 310 sqm, the rooms are spacious, bright, and rich in original details carefully preserved during the restoration: vaulted ceilings, antique fireplaces, original terracotta and ceramic floors, elegant decorative mouldings, and built-in wardrobes.

We completely renovated the electrical and plumbing systems, and the house features a 6 kW photovoltaic system with battery storage, double glazing, two wood-burning stoves, a 1,000-litre automatic water reserve tank, and fibre-optic internet up to 2.5 Gbps. The property has an A1 energy rating, which is very unusual for a building like this.

The house offers generous, versatile spaces: three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped main kitchen, a cosy living area, a library, a study, a separate service kitchen, a laundry room, and a charming cellar that can be used as a taverna. What makes it even more special are the two panoramic terraces, perfect for relaxing outdoors while admiring the historic centre and the mountains surrounding the village.

Furci is an authentic, lively village with all the essential services and a landscape that combines the green of the hills with the blue of the Adriatic. It is a place where you can still live at a human pace, enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside without sacrificing proximity to the sea, cities, and major routes. The centro storico is home to the shrine of Beato Angelo, celebrated with an annual festival on 13 September.

A rare property, ready to move into, capable of combining history, elegance, sustainability, and quality of life in one of Abruzzo’s most charming corners.

Property Highlights

• Historic residence, ready to move into
• 310 sqm, completely renovated
• Energy Class A1, with low energy consumption and low running costs (suitable for a green mortgage)
• Photovoltaic panels with battery storage
• Double-glazed thermal windows and two wood-burning stoves
• 2.5 Gbps fibre optic internet
• Two panoramic terraces, 15 minutes from the sea
• Ideal for a B&B or holiday home; see the rental history website

Where is the property?
Via Caselletta, 66050 Furci, in the province of Chieti, at around 500 m above sea level. Main light enters through the large windows on the south side of the property, and both terraces face south.

What is Furci like?
Furci is located 15 minutes from the coast and the A14 motorway connecting Bari to Bologna, while offering sweeping green views of the lower Vastese mountains. The village has the famous La Locanda del Brigante restaurant, a 5-minute walk away, with a pool and outdoor pool bar open throughout the summer months, along with a butcher, bread shop, pharmacy, weekly market, cafés and bars, a hairdresser, and frequent festivals throughout the year. The centro storico is home to the shrine of Beato Angelo, celebrated with an annual festival on 13 September.

Where do you do the shopping?
A minimarket is 200 m away, and there is a weekly market every Tuesday. The next village, Gissi (5 km), is comprehensively equipped with a large Tigre supermarket and lots of bars and restaurants. For Sunday shopping, Lidl and Conad in San Salvo are 15 km away. Vasto (30 km) is a large town with many shops, restaurants, bars and a lively centro storico.

Where is the nearest beach?
San Salvo Marina is 18 km away, around a 15-minute drive. Casalbordino Lido, a 25-minute drive, is a favourite with the locals for its beach and beach clubs, and the Trabocchi Coast is 25 minutes away.

Where can you eat out and buy wine?
La Locanda del Brigante is 150 m away and has an outdoor pool and bar. The nearest agriturismo is 3 km away, and many local wineries are around Pollutri and Casalbordino, about 15 km away.  Eating out locally is part of the fabric of the area, with so many experiences to explore. However, in addition to the local restaurant in Furci, "Ristorante N’Donio" in Gissi for traditional Abruzzese fare or the Michelin star seafood restaurant "Al Metro" in nearby San Salvo are highly recommended.

What about healthcare?
The nearest full hospital with A&E is San Pio Hospital in Vasto. Gissi medical centre, 5 km away, handles minor emergencies during the day. A pharmacy is in the village.

How do you get around?
The A14 motorway is approximately 18 km away, at the Vasto Sud/San Salvo or Vasto Nord/Casalbordino exits. Vasto/San Salvo station, 20 km away, has local trains, and Termoli, 30 km away, has Frecciarossa high-speed trains to Milan and Lecce. Pescara Airport is a 1-hour drive away, Naples is 2 hours away, Bari is 2.5 hours away, and Rome is 3 hours away.

What is there to do outdoors?
The Maiella National Park is 1 hour away; the ski slopes at Passo Lanciano and Capracotta are a 1.5-hour drive; Lake Scanno is 1.5 hours away; the Abruzzo Zoo is 1 hour away; and go-karting and tennis are 15 minutes away.

In the summer, Abruzzo is in full bloom. Its mountain osterie and trattorie are open for the season, while trekking, cycling and walking are popular sports. The coastline, glistening in cyan hues, has a palpable sense of enjoyment and relaxation during the summer months. In winter, hiking and cycling in the forests to find waterfalls or panoramic vistas are ingrained in Abruzzo life. The ski slopes offer views of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other. It's one of the few places you can enjoy both in one day.

Is there an international community?
Furci and the wider area has a large network of expats living locally: American, Australian, British, Belgian, Argentinian, Swiss, Swedish, German and more. A network is already in place to meet other expats and integrate with the extremely friendly and welcoming Italians.

Are there any tax incentives?
Furci has fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, which is one of the qualifying conditions for the 7% flat tax on foreign pension income for retirees who move their tax residence to eligible southern towns, including those in Abruzzo. Buyers should confirm their own eligibility with an Italian commercialista.

. Minimarket: 200 m
. Supermarket: Tigre, Gissi, 5 km
. Supermarkets open Sundays: Lidl and Conad, San Salvo, 15 km
. Weekly market: Furci, Tuesdays
. Bar or café: 50 m
. Restaurant: La Locanda del Brigante, 150 m, with outdoor pool and bar
. Agriturismo: 3 km
. Wineries: several around Pollutri and Casalbordino, approx. 15 km
. Beach: San Salvo Marina, 18 km, 15 minutes
. Hospital: San Pio Hospital, Vasto (full A&E); Gissi medical centre, 5 km, for minor emergencies during the day
. Motorway: A14, Vasto Sud/San Salvo or Vasto Nord/Casalbordino exits, approx. 18 km
. Train: Vasto/San Salvo, 20 km (regional); Termoli, 30 km (high-speed national)
. Airports: Pescara, 1 hour; Naples, 2 hours; Bari, 2.5 hours; Rome, 3 hours