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Casal dei Fichi is a splendidly positioned farmhouse with six tastefully restored apartments in the picturesque hills of the central Marche.
"The accommodation was excellent. We can't fault it".
"Exceeded all expectations! The place is a gem and its hosts are true professionals".
Bob and Ian, the extremely hospitable owners of this carefully restored farmhouse, have done rather more than find their ‘place in the sun’ among the hill towns and valleys of this lovely Marchigiano backwater. Creating six stylish one bedroom apartments has been a labour of love as they wanted to make sure these had all the comforts and facilities that you might expect at home. So, luxurious bathrooms, fully fitted kitchens with granite work surfaces, brand new ovens, dishwashers and more are the order of the day. The apartments have large living rooms with beamed ceilings and two comfortable sofas, some of which convert to double beds, and TV, DVD and stereo. The dark wood of the Indonesian beds and chests of drawers contrasts with the oak beams and colourful textiles and there is a light and open feel to the rooms, while the thick walls and window shutters keep the apartments pleasantly cool in July and August.
The pair organise pizza evenings in the summer, and we will be working with them on a variety of activity weekends, but they are also well attuned to the importance of privacy and time to be on your own on holiday when you want.
Bob was working on their pretty garden and orchard area when we visited, but was having to compete with the wonderful views of the fields and woodlands that are so typical of the geographical patterns in this area. Set below the farmhouse is a 15 metre pool that gets the sun all day, where the decked area makes the most of this landscape. There are plenty more sunny or shaded areas where you can sit peacefully, occasionally lifting your eyes from your book to gaze at the distant views. Each apartment also has its private outside space for dining and relaxation. .
Besides its location, equidistant from the Adriatic beaches and the striking Sibillini mountains, Casal dei Fichi has the great advantage of a characterful small town just two kilometres up the road, complete with piazza, a variety of local shops and a couple of bars. Hill towns rarely visited by tourists are within easy driving distance, as well as the better known towns of Macerata, Tolentino and Ascoli Piceno.
Casal dei Fichi offers Gourmet Olive Breaks, a fully inclusive four day break in the autumn which will give you an insight into the cultivation and production of the finest olive oils in the Marche region. The cost per person is £525.00 (£75.00 single supplement) which includes three nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, lunches and dinners in local restaurants, transfers, visits to markets, visit to an olive grove and a morning working with one of the Marche’s top chefs. 2011 dates are 4th - 7th November, and 11th - 14th November.
Rossini - sleeps 2+2
Large apartment with lounge which has two sofas (one converts to a double bed) and fireplace. Through the large french windows there are spectacular views over the countryside. Fully fitted separate kitchen. The bedroom has a queen size bed with access to the private garden. The bathroom has a large shower cubicle with power shower.
Raffaello - sleeps 2+2
Particularly spacious living area with vaulted roof and lovely views across the valley and the mountains. This open-plan lounge/kitchen diner with open fireplace has two sofas (one converts to a double bed), and fully equipped kitchen. The bedroom has a queen size bed and the en-suite bathroom has a large shower cubicle with power shower. Private garden shaded by fig tree. Except in high season, Raffaelo and Rossini can be combined to make a two bedroom apartment which is perfect for a larger family without having to pay the price of two apartments.
Bramante - sleeps 2+2
Living room with two sofas (one converts to a double bed) and fireplace with south facing views across the valley. Double (queen) bedroom has the same excellent views from the large window. Bathroom access from the living room works well for a party of four. A garden area to the side of the apartment provides a private sitting/dining space.
Ricci - sleeps 2
Accessed from the ground floor, the apartment's comfortable living room with two sofas has a working fireplace, and an archway leads through to the fully fitted kitchen /diner. A spiral staircase leads up from the dining area to the double (queen size) bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The apartment's front door opens onto its private garden with table, chairs and loungers, while an adjacent grassed area has a large walnut tree to provide further shade.
Leopardi - sleeps 2+2
Lounge with two comfortable sofas (one converts to a double bed), and yellow walls. The kitchen is fully fitted with granite worktops, full oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. Bedroom with queen size bed which leads out to a large private terrace with a great view across the pool, valley and hillside villages. Fully equipped bathroom.
Orsini - sleeps 2+1
Open plan lounge/diner with two sofas and sweeping south-westerly views of the Sibillini mountains. Fully equipped kitchen. This leads to a bathroom with large shower cubicle and power shower, as well as to the bedroom which has two large single beds with plenty of room for a cot if required. Stairs leads to Orsini’s own garden/sitting area with an uninterrupted view across the pool and valley.
Francavilla D'Ete 2km
Francavilla D'Ete 2km
Ancona 71km, Pescara 138km, Rimini 160km, Rome 277km, Bologna 284km
Macerata and Tolentino 25 minute drive, beaches 40 minute drive, Sibillini Mountains 45 minute drive and Ascoli Piceno is one hour away.
| Casal dei Fichi | Board Basis | Low season | Mid season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/01-27/04 27/10-21/12 |
28/04-29/06 01/09-26/10 |
30/06-31/08 22/12-04/01 |
||
| Raffaello | SC | £500.00 | £650.00 | £775.00 |
| Raffaello as 2 bedroom apartment | SC | £650.00 | £900.00 | N/A |
| All other apartments | SC | £425.00 | £625.00 | £700.00 |
Prices are per apartment per week based on 2 people sharing, or 4 people in Raffaello a 2 bedroom apartment. Additional people of sofa bed £25 per person per week. Arrival day is Saturday, but out of peak season, mid week arrivals may be possible, subject to availability.
Six luxury apartments with shared pool in the hills of the central Marche
Villa with private pool with lovely views over the Sibillini Mountains
A group of self catering houses located within the Sibillini Mountain National Park
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