Casa Marnacchia
Near Amandola, Marche, Italy
Idyllic country villa sleeping up to eight guests, with private infinity swimming pool (11x5m)
Tucked away in complete privacy and perched high on its own little hill with gorgeous views of the valley below is Casa Marnacchia.
On arrival along a white track which takes you through an avenue of oaks and walnuts, understated luxury greets you at this hidden Marche gem.
From the hand-crafted copper bath in the cottage annex made from an old vino cotto cauldron to the unique turquoise kitchen aga, from the comfy sofas, original paintings and generous king size beds to the infinity pool with stunning views, all is at its magical best at this highly sought after Italian holiday villa.
For those looking to relax and unwind or guests planning to celebrate a special event or anniversary, Casa Marnacchia and the surrounding villages and towns provide the perfect location. An Italian cook is also on hand to prepare you authentic local dishes at the villa on request.
Nature lovers are also spoilt, with this lovely country house ideally located for exploring the nearby Monti Sibillini National Park, a little trodden wildnerness of intoxicating beauty and one renowned for its rare flora and fauna, including wolves, the odd bear, chamoix, red and roe deer, an occasional eagle owl, and several nesting pairs of golden eagles.
Small groups of walkers and hikers enjoy the park in the spring and summer, and it is popular with local skiers and snow boarders in the winter. The ski resorts of Sassotetto, Frontignano and Bolognola di Pintura are ideal for beginners and you can be on the slopes in 35 minutes.
The local villages are unspoilt and charming, chief among them Amandola, just a ten minute drive away. The hilltop village of Monte San Martino, which can be seen from the villa along with the hamlet of Smerillo, are pretty and worth a visit and the spa town of Sarnano is a thriving little market town.
All the local towns have a range of amenities and shops, as well as excellent restaurants serving delicious local delicacies such as wild boar, the local lasagna vincisgrassi and white and black truffles.
The National Antiques Fair is held annually in the historic centre of Sarnano and sees the winding medieval streets of the town transformed into an antiques market, whilst in August the Medieval Festival - Palio del Serafino - is an unmissable event for tourists and locals alike.
A popular theatre festival takes place in Amandola in August and September, attracting visitors and artists from all over the world. And in December people flock to the town from far and wide to take advantage of the white and black truffle fairs held there.
Numerous other towns and villages offer a treasure trove of history and art waiting to be discovered. In the small church of San Martino in Monte San Martino you can see one of the few remaining intact poliptychs painted by the brothers Carlo and Vittore Crivelli.
And if you feel like a dip in the sea or visiting some fine fish restaurants, then the Adriatic coast with its numerous seaside resorts is only 45 minutes drive away.
The property itself is blessed with modern comforts in a thoroughly traditional and rustic setting. The kitchen is wonderfully supplied with a mix of traditional local crockery, pots and pans and wicker baskets. Pride of place goes to the large turquoise aga which is simple to use and has four traditional hobs and two ovens.
There is direct access from the kitchen onto the covered pergola, idealing for al fresco dining and relaxing in the shade. Beyond is the fragrant terraced garden, below which is the pool, complete with teak sun loungers, shower and outdoor pizza oven.
Three bedrooms are found in the main villa, one master bedroom with king bed and en suite bathroom and shower and two further double rooms, one large the other cosier in size and blessed with queen size beds and a shared bathroom with bath and shower.
The adjacent cottage is reached by external stairs and has a wonderful master bedroom with king bed (pictured above right) and an extremely original bathroom boasting a wonderful copper bath.
All the beds have custom-made mattresses of the highest quality for maximum comfort to encourage a wonderful night's sleep. For colder months there are also electric blankets provided for all the beds.
Outside, the beautiful terraced garden is planted with oleander, various lavendars and rosemary while wysteria and canadian vines adorn the pergola and wysteria the little cottage which overlooks the main villa.
Next to exquisite infinity pool is a mini outdoor kitchen complete with two hobs, a fridge, ample work surfaces and a fully working pizza oven, all ideal for preparing a meal down by the pool surrounded by one of the prettiest landscapes and most stunning views anywhere in Marche.
And for those opting to let others do the cooking why not take advantage of your very own Italian chef, available on request to come and cook delightful local dishes for you.
Alternatively just twenty minutes walk from the property is an agriturismo serving dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, many direct from the owner's small holding. Beware it's an easy walk to the restaurant but a steep walk back with a full tummy! Book the day before.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
- Satellite TV with BBC, CNN, Sky and cinema package
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, fridge, freezer, aga
- Washing machine
- Mature fragrant garden with stunning views
- Private infinity swimming pool and shower
- Outdoor Barbecue and min kitchen
- Cot provided
- Outdoor dining under a shady pergola
- Extensive film and book library and board games
- Wonderful walks from your door
- Italian cook available subject to availability and pricing
- Italian language lessons offered
*We also include a wine tasting and tour at the Umani Ronchi distillery. Click here for more details
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