La Vecchia Scuola

This exceptionally comfortable and welcoming stone and brick home dating from approximately the turn of the twentieth century is suitable either for families or up to four couples.

Ground Floor: The main entrance to La Vecchia Scuola leads into the living room (soggiorno) with fireplace (imported from Australia!) and inviting Italian designed leather couches, together with an entertainment unit containing a brand new television with satellite service, DVD and sound system. A library of recent and favourite dvd movies and music cds is constantly updated by the owners.

Adjacent is the spacious kitchen/dining area, complete with a magnificent granite and wooden island bench containing cook top, large oven, dishwasher and microwave together with sufficient crockery, cutlery, glassware etc to entertain on a grand scale. The impressive chestnut dining table was designed and made by a local artisan (along with the beds, built-in wardrobes, and other furniture) and can extend to seat 12.

Also on the ground floor is a bathroom and separate laundry, the latter fully equipped with brand new washing machine, dryer, iron, vacuum and laundry tub.

Upper Floor: moving upstairs via the stunning atrium foyer, the spacious main bedroom with soaring ceiling and imposing beams was actually a former schoolhouse. It now houses a magnificent hand-made matrimonial bed, another comfortable Italian leather couch and beautiful wooden built-in wardrobes. Adjacent is the ensuite bathroom of similarly generous proportions, with a large shower, full bath and double basins.

The second and third bedrooms each contain two single beds which can be combined to use as a double bed (depending on requirements), bedside tables and a chair and small table. There is a full bathroom adjacent with shower and bath. Each of the bedrooms provides glorious views over the picturesque countryside.

Cassetta: Sleeps 2
The "little house", formerly stables, has been set up so that it may be used completely independently if required. The living area has a comfortable sofa which effortlessly converts to an exceptionally inviting double bed, two chests of drawers which double as bedside tables, a small table and two chairs and a large wardrobe. An AM/FM radio with IPod playback capability has been provided.

Leading off from the bedroom/living area is a small, self-contained kitchen, complete with small cook top, refrigerator and its own washing machine. There is also a separate bathroom with shower.

Outdoors
Beautifully designed and maintained gardens lead down from the entrance gates, past the house and pool to the hedged surroundings. There is a sun-drenched terrace on the south side and at the rear of the house is a spacious loggia (covered terrace) from which the view across the valley to the towers of Regnano and Paterno is simply stunning.

Eating outdoors in either location is a delightful experience, with glorious vistas wherever one looks. A solid teak outdoor dining table and seating has been provided to enable this al fresco dining. When one hears the bells chiming in the distance from the little church towers positioned on the other side of the valley, it is a truly memorable experience.

The grounds include flowers, fragrant hedges, a herb garden and the beginnings of an orchard. The silver-leaved branches of numerous olive trees are metres from the garden. The classically shaped (10 metres x 5 metres) glamorous black pool is meticulously maintained, and solid teak sun lounges, deck chairs, umbrellas etc are all provided, giving the place the air of a luxury resort - albeit an extremely peaceful one!

Rental Rates

(All rates quoted in Euro)

• July & August Euro 2200 per week
• May, June & September Euro 1750 per week
• Other months -  please enquire with the owner
• Price includes: water, electricity and linen (unless stated otherwise).
• Please note: Gas is an additional cost. It is charged according to usage, the meter being read before and after the rental period. In winter this can be a significant cost when heating is required. It is, however, worth noting that the Jetmaster fireplace is very efficient, and this can offset some of the heating costs. Firewood is supplied.
• A security deposit of € 350 will be requested on arrival and will be refunded within seven days of departure, subject to any damage or additional expenses incurred

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Location

La Vecchia Scuola is uniquely placed within easy striking distance of the two extremes, the mountains and the sea. Opportunities abound to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic or for the nature-lovers, hiking, mountain-biking and horse riding in the nearby Sibillini National Park.

The villa is situated 10 - 15 minutes from several exquisite hill towns: San Ginesio (recently named one of Italy's most beautiful hill towns), Colmurano and Urbisaglia being just three of them. Each of these is surrounded by ancient stone walls, and each has more than one beautiful church to wander through.  

For those with cultural interests, there are numerous picturesque hilltop villages within close proximity where one can while away the hours wandering the narrow streets or visiting the many churches and museums. A number of significant works of art are located in the region such as the magnificent Crivelli Madonna and Child in Monte San Martino.

Those with culinary interests will delight in the many inexpensive local restaurants. These provide a welcoming atmosphere and use fresh often home grown produce to produce delicious local dishes. A list of recommended restaurants is provided in the house book.

Le Marche also caters for the wine buffs with the wine producing regions of Matelica, Jesi and Mount Conero all within an hour's drive of the house. Here one can enjoy tasting the white verdicchios and the full flavoured reds crafted from montepulciano and sangiovese grapes. Also try the house wines in the local restaurants - you will surely be pleasantly surprised!