Travelling Back in Time

The Story of our House
In the early 1900s,  Luigi and Nunziata D'Ascanio started their family in the small village of Roccacasale, Italy, on the side of Monte Morrone in the region of Abruzzo.   In 1903, their son, Antonio was born, the oldest of four children. In 1914, Luigi immigrated to America, leaving his wife and sons to build 'the biggest house they could' with the money he would send home.  His sons and their families along with their mother all lived in the house together. 

Eventually, Antonio and his wife Angela had 9 children and with no work and no money he decided to immigrate to Canada in 1959.  Michele (Antonio's brother) and his family remained on the third floor and until this day Michele's son, Vittorio and his wife, live there.  Antonio had sold his portion of the house.  The new owners, Fernanda D'Ascanio (no relations) along with her father and brother took over the first and second floors.  They opened their home to travellers and used the first floor as an Evangelical church.  After her death, the house was inherited by her two nieces from which we bought the house. 

This house has now become La Rocca Mia House B&B which was purchased in 2014,  and after 2 years of renovations, it opened its doors in 2016 as a unique Bed and Breakfast.  The structure of the house and garden has stayed the same but some modern touches have been added. 

Anthony D'Ascanio wanted to see the house that his grandfather had built over almost a century ago. Numerous stories of the town of Roccacasale were told by his father, Pasquale, and aunts and uncles who were born here. His cousin, Christina, eventually wrote these stories in a book. That book somehow got into my hands.  I contacted Christina (thanks to Facebook) to let her know that her family heritage was in good hands.

And then... In 2019, we were thrilled to have Anthony D'Ascanio and his wife Antonietta as our guests here at La Rocca Mia House.  It was an emotional time for them.  While they were here, we had a small gathering at the B&B with local friends, to welcome them home.  His brother Gino and his wife will be coming in July 2020, we look forward to meeting them.

Anthony describes his visit to La Rocca Mia House. 

Part of the charm of Abruzzo are the traditions of the past.

Come to La Rocca Mia House B&B and discover the old world charm of the village of Roccacasale and experience the heart of authentic, unspoiled Italy.

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