Capranica - Deliverance or Deliverance!

We arrived at our B&B about a kilometre out of town. Right at the deserted factory, up the dirt track, passed the enormous piles of rubbish in individual plastic bags.
The gate was closed, an intercom button at the side almost covered in weeds. The gate began to open so we hesitantly, walked in. Three cars were randomly parked in the dirt. One may have been derelict, they were all past their prime. A young man walked from the house and greeted us. He was obviously a little uncomfortable. He gave an order to a teenage girl who disappeared around the house.
A dishevelled older man hovered in the background.
What were we in for!
The property looked like it had been decaying for twenty years.
Once a proud country residence, now clinging to a memory. Down crumbling steps a large swimming pool had a hose running. It would be full in about a week. Statues of gods surrounded the pool, moss covering the marble.

Our room was up a narrow staircase, our packs just filling the available gap.

The room was Spartan but airy, towels threadbare, air conditioner without a controller, duress button near the door.

After ✋ ing over our passports we collapsed on the bed (our usual, exhausted, practice).

We had originally arranged to eat dinner here as the walk back to town seemed somewhat daunting.

Now I had visions of being drugged by the deranged father or handed food that would send us to a bad place.

Instead being Deliverance the movie, it turned out to be deliverence the reality.

We emerged after our hot refreshing showers to the offer of beers on a courtyard overlooking the pool. The young man (son) had disappeared and our host was the father who spoke French happily with Clare.

Dinner was a home cooked feast.

The daughter and father cooked in a large outdoor clubhouse. We were offere beer or wine and asked to sit to a plate of Bruschetta and a plate of soft white cheese and sliced tomatoes ( both delicious). A basket of bread was also on the table.

Next came a large bowl of pasta.

Spaghetti with basil and hazelnut pesto. Was this "prima", we had eaten to much with a set menu at the festival the night before, so we were cautious. Yes, secondi arrived in the form of grilled pork steak and green salad. Next came a bowl of 🍑 and coffee. All delicious - Wow!!

Our host was clearly delighted to help us. Breakfast was plentiful and personal, the bill was a very pleasant surprise, and then he drove us to a great spot directly on the route. We parted with handshakes and photos. Happy all round.

Still smiling