Near Amandola , Marche , Italy

Comfortable secluded villa in stunning scenery, sleeping 12 to 14 guests, with floodlit pool (12x6m)

This thoughtfully restored holiday rental villa boasts stunning views over the Marche countryside and the Sibillini mountains, as far as neighbouring Umbria.

Views from the covered portico, outdoor patio and first floor terrace are truly breath-taking, with most of the Sibillini mountain chain in full view - including Monte Priora and Monte Sibilla from which the villa takes its name - with the medieval hilltop town of Amandola nestled invitingly below.

The separate converted barn to the side of the main property has a separate double ensuite bedroom and living room/kitchen, which can be rented with the main property and is ideal for family members looking for a little extra privacy.

There is great walking from your doorstep and a large lawned garden bordered by woodland below provides ample space to enjoy the stunning vistas. By the lake in the bottom of the valley, just a five minute drive, are two wonderful restaurants providing wood oven cooked pizza in the evening and a range of pasta, meat and vegetarian dishes for lunch and dinner. The nearest bar and chemist are also close by the lake in the hamlet of Val Tenna.

The towns of Amandola, Comunanza and Monte San Martino are all just a ten minute drive away. Amandola has a very pretty market square full of life, lovely cafes, boutiques and restaurants and is seen by many as the gateway to the spellbindingly beautiful Monti Sibillini National Park. Comunanza and Amandola have bustling markets once a week and both have an ample selection of good eateries.

Nature lovers, walkers, mountainbikers, paragliders, mountaineers, skiers or simply lovers of the great outdoors will be spoilt. And the owner of the property has an intimate knowledge of the local mountains and is happy to suggest routes and accompany walkers as well as arrange for fine feasts at various local restaurants at the end of a good day's walk.

But you can enjoy all this from your table at some of the many osterias and agriturismos that are common throughout the area, and provide not only wonderful cuisine at affordable prices but have stunning views from their windows and balconies.

In the summer months fairs, festas and festivals are in constant competition around the local towns, so just look out for the street signs that criss cross the roads in each town and village, announcing their special culinary delights and when to savour them.

There are many museums and galleries in the area and with famous painters such as Rafael and Crivelli in prominence. And evening summer markets abound.