Cupramontana, Ancona, Le Marche, Italy

Le Marche, a rare Italian destination that's managed to retain its authenticity in an age where every travel track seems well-worn.

This house sits perched halfway up a valley, offering panoramic views across the hills. Originally built some 100 years ago as a farmhouse, the building has been renovated into a beautiful family holiday home. Original features, such as imposing wooden beams and huge stone brick walls, have been restored and tastefully accentuated - yet everything feels comfortable and contemporary. There is also a luxury pool that offers the perfect retreat for relaxation and enjoyment. The house also has 2 cantinas/garage and a barn which have not been developed and are currently used for olive equipment, sit on mower, tools for the land and storage. These outbuildings could easily be converted into extra accommodation to create more space for family and friends or to develop as a rental business.

The house is surrounded by both vineyards and olive groves. The land itself (approx. 7000sq Mt) includes around 200 olive trees, which yield wonderful organic olive oil. As is local tradition, the harvest, which takes place in late autumn or early winter, is a communal affair, when friends and family come together to work the land, share lunch and of course some wine. If this seems too daunting there is always someone willing to take on the harvest and share the oil. There is also a substantial orchard bearing figs, plums, pomegranates, cherries, almonds and walnuts amongst other traditional fruits. An area of land has been left uncultivated but could easily be turned into a small vineyard.

The region:
Recognised as the heart of the Verdicchio region, the house's location is steeped in winemaking tradition. San Michele is celebrated as the "grand cru" of this renowned winemaking territory and has a rich history dating back to the Camaldolite monks who cultivated the land in the year 1,000. The property sits alongside the prestigious La Marca di San Michele and Bonci vineyards. The nearby village of Cupramontana plays host to a myriad of annual festivals including the world-famous Festa dell'Uva (the second oldest wine festival in Italy) and the enchanting Infiorata Corpus Christi, where floral carpets adorn the town's streets and churches.

The wider Le Marche region offers a diverse landscape including stunning coastlines, picturesque hills, and awe-inspiring mountains. Visitors can discover the hidden gems of Monte Conero, the stunning Conero Rivera, the dramatic Furlo Gorge, and the majestic Sibillini Mountains - all offering endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Local cultural landmarks include Poggio Cupro (where the Holy Grail is rumoured to have been hidden), the serene Eremo dei Frati Bianchi, the Loretto Basilica, and the ancient towns of Jesi, Ancona, Rimini and Assisi.

Getting there:
The property is a 30 minute drive from Ancona International Airport and is also accessible from Bologna airport. Ancona provides regular sea ferries to Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, and direct fast trains to Rome, Venice and other major Italian cities.