a place with a stunning view that makes up for quite a bit the 'rural aspects' of the house and its amenities. it probably greatly depends on the level of comfort you are accustomed to, but we find a hookup for the shower hose no unnecessary luxury. it's a 5 euro part that makes a shower so much more pleasant. Also, an electric kettle is so much nicer that boiling water for tea in a 5 liter saucepan, on an 1970s electric stovetop. Again, only 15 euros will generally do the trick to acquire one. If a little grimey equates to rural, than this place is certainly that. if authentic means light bulbs are out and candles are all burnt up, then this is the real McCoy. If local means not a single word of english is spoken, then this is local. All that said, this is a once in a lifetime experience in the sense that the location is breathtakingly beautiful, unique, historic and so peaceful. The dead bolt on the outside of your door (what on earth has happened here in the past?) can't even take away from that.