Amandola, Fermo, Le Marche, Italy

In Italy the symbolism of the Gelso, or Mulberry tree, is quite rich. For centuries even the most humble contadino's well-being was ensured by the presence of a gelso on his land. That's because the silk trade depended on the leaves of the gelso. So, a gelso on your land, good things come to you. There's a very unique complex near Amandola, a restored main house, a restored cottage, building plot and a ruin to restore in the future, where there's a distinctive gelso tree, and lots more, and while Venetian silk merchants are not likely to show up at your door, your well-being in Le Marche will certainly be at its highest level at Villa Gelso!

Villa Gelso is a rare offering in today's market. It's hard to find a property with this kind of flexibility and upside, not to mention its views, privacy and the fact that it sleeps 12! You can enjoy the 200 sqm. main house today and use the restored cottage for overflow guests. Or, rent the cottage and live in the house, or vice versa. Then, if you have even bigger ambitions, you can restore the 150 sqm building plot that comes with the property. The property is currently fully and properly registered for use as a rental property.

The main house is an old stone house traditionally restored by the current owner. It's a simple, unpretentious house. The ground floor is open plan, with bright, airy spaces that create a welcoming atmosphere, including an open kitchen/dining room, nice living room with fireplace and a laundry and bathroom with shower. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms and one large family bath (a second bathroom on this floor is possible if desired). Each bedroom enjoys terrific views. There is also an attic, for storage.

Villa Gelso also encompasses a sizable cottage on the grounds. It has lovely stone work and a distinctly historic look. The ground floor has a living room, kitchen and bathroom. The first floor is composed of 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. This setup is ideal for extended families, teenagers, in-laws or two families vacationing together. Note that the other half of the cottage is to restore, allowing you to create an even more impressive space in the future. The total building is well over 200 sqm, with approximately half fully restored.

In addition to what's there to enjoy now, Villa Gelso also has a 150 sqm building plot (a new foundation is visible) that's off to one side of the plot. This can be restored to living space, or just left alone. The point is that this is a significant added value when one considers the asking price of Villa Gelso.

Moving outside at the complex, you will literally LIVE outside here...the good karma of the Gelso tree is in evidence here. The views are so amazing, in fact, you can be forgiven for missing the gelso tree when you arrive! These are BIG, SPECTACULAR views. It's a full-on panoramic view of the Sibillini Mountains, and if that weren't enough, the view is punctuated by the iconic Gran Sasso, the tallest peak in Central Italy. All around you'll enjoy the rolling Marche landscape, with olive groves and sunflower fields all visible, and Mediterranean herbs and fruit trees dotting the plot.

The plot at Villa Gelso is a hefty 4 hectares (10 acres). While the plot is truly private this plot size means you have a physical privacy buffer all around you. The plot has a direct southerly orientation so you'll have full-day sun transit. The setting is very natural. There are walking trails on the land and deer, foxes and other wildlife are not a rare sight at Villa Gelso. You can also reach some terrific hiking and cycling trails directly from the house. The pool area is an oasis of peace...the 10×5 pool has panoramic views...there's also a BBQ and terrace for al-fresco dining.

While the above may lead you to believe you're way off the beaten track, you're not! Access to Villa Gelso is easy. And, the location is ideal. You are in between two great towns that everybody loves - active/vibrant Sarnano and elegant/classic Amandola. All manner of shopping and services is within easy reach, in under 10 minutes in either direction. Plus, from Casa Gelso, you're close to lots of desirable hill-towns as well as impressive historical and cultural provincial capitals such as Macerata and Ascoli Piceno, with their cathedrals, markets opera, festivals, restaurants, impressive piazzas and art museums. For the lover of Italian fashion, Marche is home to a number of designer outlet stores and is the world's capital for high-end shoes, a weakness for which you'll develop if you don't already suffer from it! Visit the Abbey of Fiastra Nature Reserve, the Roman ruins of Urbs Salvia, the 14th century frescoes in Tolentino, the incredible Frassasi Caves, wine-makers and vineyards, lakes and mountains, beaches and genuine local Italian food, Marche style! It's all here for you!

So, know that your well-being in Le Marche starts when you enter the complex and see the Gelso tree and think about its rich symbolism...it only gets better from there, at Villa Gelso!