Are you looking for a romantic, relaxing experience in traditional, rural Italy? This lovely old stone house is ideally located for exploring the stunning Le Marche Region, from a ramble or ski in the Sibillini Mountains to a trip to the Adriatic Coast & everything in between. With picturesque hilltop towns, villages and festivals to discover, museums and churches to visit, myths and legend, history and tradition - there's something for everyone in this delightful area.

Our recently restored farmhouse is set in a peaceful valley surrounded by nature, with views of the hill-top villages and Le Marche countryside. Your well appointed apartment is situated upstairs in our 17th century farmhouse which combines modern conveniences with rustic charm & has been renovated using traditional local materials - cotto flooring, wooden shutters and beams accompany all the modern day necessities.

With its own private entrance via the covered loggia and an area for al fresco dining, you enter the cosy living room with comfy armchairs and sofa, satellite TV, DVD, CD player, games cabinet and books for your entertainment.

The separate hand made, fully-equipped kitchen has oven/hob, fridge/freezer, microwave and dining for four. Your romantic master bedroom has a comfortable double bed and luxury bedding, beamed ceiling, dual aspect windows with views to Montefalcone, complimentary bathrobes, fluffy towels, hairdryer, coded safe and internal wooden shutters. A good night's sleep is assured, the only problem is getting out of bed in the morning! The single bedroom has a single bed with a sofa bed (if required), beamed ceiling and ample storage. A cot can be provided on request. Your bathroom has a shower, all the usual facilities and complimentary toiletries. Central heating and double glazing provide modern comforts throughout.

Outside there is a terrace for sitting in the sunshine and a large garden provides areas for relaxing. Set in 2.5 acres, there are both shady and sunny areas of the garden for you to enjoy for BBQing, swimming in the pool, relaxing on the hammocks or playing games. The owners live in the little house next door and can be reached whenever required. Smokers welcome - but please only smoke outside.

Extra luxuries such as bathrobes, toiletries and a welcome pack are provided to enhance your stay and if you require any further items the owners will do their very best to meet your needs. A weekly clean of the apartment and normal use of gas and electricity is included in the price. Sun loungers, Picnic hamper and blanket are available for your use.

NB There is no telephone in the apartment, but guests may use the owners' in an emergency.

The Area
Casa Nascosta nestles in a picturesque valley between Amandola (6 miles) & Comunanza (2 miles) in Le Marche, Italy and is perfectly situated to explore this beautiful untouched area. The attractive spa town of Sarnano is only 15 miles away and the apartment is ideally located for both the ski resorts at Sassotetto and the beaches of the Adriatic (both within a 40 minute drive). With the stunning Sibillini National Park to explore, flora & fauna aplenty there is year round hiking and mountain biking.

Other activities include canoeing, mule trekking, paragliding, quad biking, horse riding, fishing, swimming, tennis, visiting a winery or health spa and shopping in the many markets or designer factory outlets. You can walk direct from the house along quiet lanes - watch out for the golden eagles circling overhead!

The nearby town of Amandola has a delightful piazza, where you can sit outside over a coffee or ice cream and watch the local life go by before wandering up through the old town's cobbled streets to view the stunning Monte Sibillini. Visit the markets, shops & restaurants - the traditional cuisine is delicious and wine inexpensive. Look out for the many year round local festivals, from the Medieval Palio to sampling truffles and other delicacies to suit all tastes.

Opened in 1994, The Monti Sibillini National Park covers nearly 2 million acres with some of the highest mountains in the Appennines and offers walks of all levels to some of the most delightful yet least discovered areas in the whole of Italy.

There are day trips to discover the fascinating towns of Sarnano, Servigliano, Offida, Norcia, Assisi and Loreto (to name but a few) plus the varied beaches of the Adriatic, all just a short drive away. Museums & churches, art & history, nature & astronomy are all waiting for you to explore within easy reach.Welcome to Le Marche.

THE FOUR SEASONS OF LE MARCHE:
Our beautiful area is delightful in every season - why not try a different time of year for a change.

SPRING:
The magical carpets of spring flowers on the mountains of the Sibillini National Park are simply stunning. With wild orchids, narsissi, cyclamen and violets, they are a photographers delight. The mild temperatures makes exploring the mountains easier than in the heat of the summer. Great markets to visit and festivals all around - you will even find a Frog Racing Festival! Then there are all the Easter Celebrations to attend.

Any rain tends to come in brief shower and there is usually still snow on the mountain tops.The Spring blossom of almond, cherry and apple and fresh greens of the new tree growth are beautiful.

SUMMER:
The Summer months are warm and sunny, with very few rainy days. Usually the rain comes in a brief storm at the end of a hot day and it is fantastic to watch the lightening over the mountains and the unusual cloud formations. We find it a little cooler here than on the coast and certainly less humid, with a slight breeze from the Sibillini Mountains. Usual Summer temperatures in July and August range from 32oC - 42oC and the evenings are cooler and fresher.

Now it is festival time in Le Marche and events occur nearly every day. The Templer Festival in Castignano is stunning with plays, fire-eaters, musicians and market stalls around every corner. With the town converted to a scene from Medieval times, you graze on Medieval food and drink the delicious wine at many of the street stalls. Find out how paper was made, see pots being thrown and play the fun games of the times. The Sarnano Festival will amaze you as stiltwalkers dance on the old cobble streets amonst fireworks, music and light. It is just magical!

Not to be missed is the Quintana in Ascoli Piceno on the first Sunday in August. With a colourful mix of costumes, flag-throwers, drummers, horses, falcons and musicians, the procession which preceeds the jousting tournament is amazing. Starting in the main piazza and carring on through the streets of Ascoli, this festival which dates from the 9th Century is certainly worth a visit!

AUTUMN:
Again the ideal temperatures for hiking or cycling in the Sibillini Mountains. The ever-changing Autumn colours are simply amazing. Visit the Amandola Theatre Festival in September.

Then there is the grape harvest in September and a visit to our local winery is a must. With an interesting museum of old wine making equipment and vats you will be shown how the wine used to be produced and how it is produce
now. Then of course there is the free wine tasting - try the Vin Cotto - it's delicious!
November is the olive harvest and a visit to the local press in an interesting experience. Other Autumn festivals include: Apiro (near Cingoli) & Fermo - Sagra della polenta, Montecassiano - Sagra del pesce (fish), Cupramontana - grape festival in the heart of Verdicchio wine country in September, Piandimileto (near Urbino) - Mushroom fair, Lapedona (near Fermo) - Sagra del Vino Cotto (don't miss this one!), Arcevia - Sagra dell'uva (grape festival)

WINTER:
Snow falls and the crisp white descends all around. The roads are kept immaculate and even on our local lane, the snow plough clears the road several time a day if necessary. With skiing and snow-boarding nearby at Sassotetto and the new ski lodge, the runs are suitable for beginners & intermediates.

There is even a baby run (for children and the less adventurous adults!). Cross-country skiing is available on the lower levels. Our local Boxing Day Live Nativity must not be missed - complete with live animals, music, candle-light and costumes of the time - simply magical. Why not try truffle hunting - a speciality of the region or even wild boar hunting! Fantastic winter festivals with Vin Brulee (Similar to Gluhwein) to keep you warm.

So whatever the season, each has it's own, beautiful qualities and will be sure to delight you.

GUEST REVIEWS:
A wonderful Christmas! Sarah and Mark excellent hosts. Apartment so comfortable and cosy. Christmas Festivities in the area well worth a visit. Thanks so much for a wonderful break. GT December 2007

This has been a wonderful stay - the accommodation was beyond expectations, well stocked and the most comfortable bed. What a delightful area, so much to see, we will return to continue exploring. Well done to our charming host and hostess. Thank you very much. BF April 2008

A really excellent and comfortable stay. Sarah and Mark do everything to make it enjoyable. Lovely scenery and countryside. Recommend for a quiet but interesting area to stay, walk, cycle or car trips. GY April 2008

Fantastic house and gardens. The views were amazing. Sarah and Mark were wonderful hosts and thought of everything we might have needed. There is so much to do in the area, we will just have to come back soon (we can't wait). E&E June 2008

Best holiday ever. Fantastic place, beautiful area. Mark and Sarah are great hosts. We wanted for nothing. Many thanks - don't think we could find a more perfect place & can't wait to come back. L & K June 2008

Had planned to spend second week in Urbino area but liked it so much here we cancelled that idea after one day. Still can't wait to come back but will have to be nexy year rather than next week this time ....Unless? L & K (again!) June 2008

My first time in Italy & I could not have had a more fantastic place to stay or such wonderful hosts. The Hideaway gives every 'creature comfort' & the attention to detail gives a real home feeling to the place. Beautiful - bello setting overlooking Italian towns & countryside...I will return asap! Sad to leave my holiday 'Hideaway' but have happy holiday memories. Thank you. LC July 2008

Thank you very much for having us - you have been very good hosts, suggesting places to visit. Lovely place & very relaxing - an artists paradise. Great pool! Really liked the gardens, hammocks & gazebo seating. I will return hopefully soon. Thanks Mark for the bread & thank you both very much for making everything so comfortable & being welcoming & helpful. See you again. KT July 2008

Wow! How can words describe such a beautiful place!? You really have created a haven of peace and tranquility. Thank you for making our stay here so enjoyable. It has been the perfect end to our wonderful holiday in Italy. The room was just perfect and really thoughtfully finished. You have both been wonderful hosts and we have appreciated your help and generosity. We really enjoyed our evening out with you. Would love to come back soon. C & A August 2008

Mark & Sarah - Many thanks for the lovely time here - beautiful views, outings, food & being looked after - Fabulous! J & R August 2008

Thank you Mark & Sarah for creating such a fantastic holiday environment, great rooms, fabulous home baked food & great company. R & H August 2008

A fantastic stay in the apartment. Great company and surroundings. Pool is excellent and very refreshing. Hope to come back in the not too distant future. Cheers! Also great walking from Foce to the mountain lakes. R & A August 2008

Thank you Sarah & Mark for a great holiday and making us so welcome - especially the kids who love the squirrel, toad houses etc, plus all the little extras in the house which made them feel special. Added bonus was supplying us with a baby sitter for a night - whew! We had some wonderful adventures and will recommend you to lots of family and friends xxxx J & D & J & V September 2008

I returned to experience the lovely Autumnal colours. It's been a great 10 days with lovely sunshine and temperatures of 21oC - 24oC. (Autumn mist just 2 days). Visit to Smerillo for Chestnut Festival - well worth a visit but very busy - cars everywhere and lots of food! Really enjoyable stay again. Thank you Sarah and Mark. GY October 2008

Thank you so much for a wonderful 10 days - 8 full sunshine days. Wonderful scenery and very interesting festivals in local villages. Thank you also for your great charming hospitality, Mark and Sarah. This is my second visit and look forward to many more. BF October 2008

The International airport at Rome is only 2 1/2 hours drive away and makes an ideal 2 centre break. We can suggest accommodation in this fascinating city.

Flights to Ancona or Pescara (our nearest airports) from the U.K are daily and we can arrange to pick you up from the airport (for an extra charge), or have your rental car waiting for you when you land. Our next nearest airports are Rimini, Rome and Bologna (Forli), all served by Ryanair.

From Northern Europe there excellent rail links, including the fast overnight trains and car trains.

Our nearest port at Ancona has routes to Croatia and Greece. (Did you know Ancona was founded in around 390 BC. Its name is a modified translation of the Greek word for "elbow". Originally, the harbor to the east of the town was protected only by the promontory on the north, shaped like an elbow)!

Our rentals do not necessarily run from Saturday to Saturday - we will be flexible wherever possible to suit your needs, so please email us for availability.