Villa Carlo by cicconimichela

VILLA CARLO

detailed maps and information in the last pages

discover your new holiday home in a beautiful countryside

a travellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide of a hidden gem in central Italy

Hello there! We would like to introduce you to a description of the country Villa you are, or will be in. This guide is designed to help you familiarize with the features and characteristic of the place. The chapters are divided by function, some of them containing suggestions on what to do at the Villa, some going through each room and space, some, at the end, with practical information about electricity, household appliances and so on. If you are holding a physical copy of this book, you are welcome to take it home as souvenir. If you need extra information, feel free to contact us. In the next chapter we specify what is included in the experience at no extra cost, any specific need has to be discussed directly with the owner who will try to accommodate them when possible.

VILLA CARLO

You may have the universe if I may have Italy. Giuseppe Verdi

The Villa is located within a one hundred hectares large property where vineyards and olive trees are grown organically. This is in the very core of the non-touristy true Italy, home of industrious and welcoming people, full of restaurants and trattorie where the locals actually go. Here wine producers, as well as restaurateurs and hosts work above all for passion and tradition. The travellers will find themselves at ease here more than in other better-known and exploited areas, they will become explorers engaging in always new and stimulating experiences. The area is southern Marche region, close to the borders with Lazio, Umbria and Abruzzo, whose mountains you are able to see from the Villa’s portico. Those mountain chains are Catena del Gran Sasso (in Abruzzo), Monti della Laga (in Lazio) and Sibillini (in Umbria). Each of these chains is a National Park. Together the three parks creates a system of preserved and unspoilt nature of 3000 square kilometres within which many rare species such as wolves, bears, otters and eagles live. Mountain paths suitable for experts and beginners bring to the peaks, to the waterfalls and to the woods of this magical world rich of legends and myths. The Villa has a splendid, direct, view on those places that allows you to distinguish all the mountain chains and the valleys without obstacles between you and the fresh air of those uncontaminated landscapes. Besides these beautiful sights, this is the place where history of Middle Age Italy was made and castles, abbeys and cities are evidence of the importance of the area. The cities of Ascoli Piceno, Spoleto, Assisi, Perugia, Norcia, Amatrice, Fermo, Urbino and Ancona are a perfect example of that. Smaller towns in the neighbourhood of the Villa such as Offida, Ripatransone, and Acquaviva are also living remains of the past, to be visited and enjoyed in every aspect, gastronomy, architecture and culture. Speaking of culture, some of the most important personalities that influenced European culture came from central Italy. Just to quote a few whose footsteps you might want to retrace during your Italian holyday, the poet Giacomo Leopardi was born and lived in Recanati (Marche), the Renaissence painter Raffaello Sanzio came from Urbino (Marche), the preacher San Francesco came from Assisi (Umbria), the monk San Benedetto came from Norcia (Umbria). All of these places are very easy to reach in few hours from the Villa by car but if you’d rather stay close you will not be disappointed by the city of Ascoli Piceno, home of the XIII century heretic, astrologer and poet (and whispers say, magician) Cecco D’Ascoli. Central Italy is also the place of great international artistic and musical fe

The Location Central Italy stivals like Umbria Jazz and Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto as well as interesting cultural events and food festivals.

The Ventidio Basso, Ascoli Picenoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theatre, is located in the centre of a city with a history that dates back thousands of years.

The Serpente Aureo, Offidaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theatre, is one of the splendid venues within a short drive from the Villa.

The overwhelming strenght of the wine penetrates the man and veins spreads and distributes the heat. Lucrezio

The Grounds Some years ago, we have rebuilt an old country homestead inhabited by many families until 1960s and then completely abandoned. The process has been slow and respectful of the original arrangement, no new volumes was created and the work has been developed under local authoritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; control. The estate covers about 100 hectares (something less than 250 acres) on a hill that stretches for 1700 meters in length with a medium width of 600 meters. At the distance of 400 meters from the Villa there is a country house, a second house is 400 meters away from the first one. Those have a total of 14 upmarket apartments rented to north European guests, both have their own swimming pool. A country lane serves the houses and the Villa. It reaches the main road. The entire area is very quiet; isolation guarantees both privacy and safety. The only activities are cultivation of vineyards and olive harvest. The surrounding hills are very similar, with grapevine and olive trees. The crops in the area are grown with organic methods as the Marche Region has adopted for many years policies in favor of organic farming. The entire facility has a long-standing, well-tested management that is in

charge of maintaining the green areas and the lane as well. An excellent, quality conscious wine company, Ciù Ciù, cultivates the vineyards around the Villa. This company has been slowly growing in the past 50 years and it exports its superb wine all over the world. Ciù Ciù’s winery has always been situated on the hills across the valley.

Ideas Our Philosophy Well-being is a broad concept that involves both mind and body in a delicate equilibrium, essential to live life grasping the beauty inside and outside us. The search for happiness has been one of the fulcrums of philosophy. Leaving speculation on the subject aside, Romans cared a great deal about the wellness of the body, together with the mind, as part of a positive human experience. That is what the Latin motto mens sana in corpore sano means, a person needs an healthy body and a clear mind in order to live happily. A healthy body, in any shape and condition, is, above all, a body that is loved and it is just so much easier to relax body and mind in a hot tub. Everything looks better from there. The hot tub, inside the glass house that is also a solarium, has three different functions ranging from traditional whirlpool to shiatzu massage, it can hosts up to six people. The finnish sauna helps you to sweat, getting rid of toxins, purifying body and lightening the mind. The Villa has everything necessary to help you live the experience of simplicity and equilibrium in a natural environment enriched with all comforts. Live your holyday as Romans did, celebrating a vacation mentis (emptiness of the mind) to strengthen or begin the dialogue between brain and body.

A morning coffe on the terrace in front of the porch, with a view on the mountains

The Villa and well-being Flora and fauna of the grounds allow you to enjoy the basis of Mediterranean culture. Olive trees, grape, wheat, figs, vegetables and pot herbs were crucial to the development of agriculture and civilization in the peninsula. The Villa is in the middle of all that. Small rills and woods surround the hill. The sounds of nature are the undisputed master of the air. The only other sounds in the distance are those of agricultural machinery at work and of the sheepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bleating. The large patio and the sauna beneath, the ancient trees, the hammocks in the grove, the grape pergolas and the wooden gazebos make comfortable resting spots in the shades during summer. A glass house with solarium and hot tub encircled by trees let you be immersed in nature during winter. The pool has been built on an outstanding panoramic point that opens to the mountains. The herb and vegetable garden enrich, together with the many fruit trees, the experience of living in harmony with nature, eating what the ground produces. The innovations we introduced in order to make this experience easier to enjoy are not invasive and as eco-friendly as possible.. Modern and traditional entertaining sets are at disposal. The heating system works both through radiators and boiler, and through eight fireplaces. The 30,000 square meters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wide, fenced country garden surrounding the Villa offers easily practicable paths and challenging routes around the olive grove with both steep and mild vertical drop. Guests will have six mountain bikes at their disposal to make their muscles ache in the slopes, mostly fine vineyards, around the Villa. The external pool, surrounded by colorful flowers and trees, is heated in autumn and spring, it features a grand staircase and a six - seats underwater, travertine - tiled bench with whirlpool, great for toning up the muscles and relaxing the body. Guests can also benefit of the poolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterfall, a powerful water jet that helps loosen muscle knots. The Finnish sauna can be found next to the wine cellar in a cozy semi-basement, hugged by the earth on one side and open to a gazebo on the garden on the other side. It is part of the wellness program with its cleansing task. Being at a distance of twenty meters from the external swimming pool, the two work well together if one is looking for an abrupt change in temperature. Besides the sauna, the room has an armchair, a shower, a bathroom and a samovar to make herbal tea. Both sauna and the shower have chromo therapy function. Herbs growing in the garden, which have strong detox features can be made into herb tea in the large kitchen at ground floor of the Villa, equipped with

the necessary appliances. The water that runs into the Villa’s plumbing is potable and of excellent quality. It comes from the public aqueduct linked to the Sibillini Mountains. Near the Villa’s gates there are two large water tanks that guarantee supplying even in the event of an interruption of the public service. A twenty minute drive bring the Guests to the splendid beach of Grottammare, where they will have three beach umbrellas with sunbeds at their exclusive disposal and several bicycles to wander around the twenty km long bicycle path running along the seaside. Please follow the map on the left to get from the villa to the beach (chalet N 47). You can go to San Savino and then take the route to Ripatransone until you find Strada Provinciale 92, from there proceed towards the coast (to Grottammare) until you get to the highway gate you went through when arriving at the Villa.

Surpassing the highway gate (it will be on your left) go on towards the seaside of Grottammare. Your beach is very close to the Kursaal Building.

from the highway gate

The bathing establishment is a few meters behind you, the name is Chalet n. 43. Ask the owner about Villa Carlo’s umbrellas showing your card, your reserved umbrellas are n° 28, 29 and 30.

Pass the highway gate and proceed to a roundabout then take the second exit. Proceed straight through another roundabout and go through theunderpass. Proceed to another roundabout, take the second exit following the promenade. Go straight on the roundabout and keep going until the street turns left, you’ve arrived.

Beauty The household’s traditional rural furniture is paired with elements of the top of Italian and international design. In bedrooms and bathrooms you can find late nineteenth century’s drawers as well as early 1900’s furniture. Several Tolomeo lamps, icon of Italian contemporary design, by Artemide, are scattered around the house. Many beds were realized by local artisans following our design. The mattresses, among the best on the market, are made of seven layers of latex. In the living room, at ground floor, there is one of the best example of Italian design: Doge table designed by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina and Tulu chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama also for Cassina. Around the room the lighting is provided by Mega Tolomeo by Artemide, Toio lamp by Floss and many beautiful others. In the living room there also is a 1950s large pool table and a piano. Other decorations include carpets, several of which of great value such as a kilim made in the High Atlas in the late 1800 and a Berber one of the early 1900. Beautiful modern antique liberty armchairs and design armchairs by Marcel Breuer, quirky pieces of furniture and fine examples of antique create a unique original atmosphere. Paintings and prints by local and international artists hang from the walls. There is almost no light pollution in our grounds, the gardens have no lighting system except for the immediate vicinity of the house and the swimming pool, this way guests can see the night sky and enjoy the darkness. The arboreal species are indigenous. Concrete is not visible but for a minimum. The Villa’s orientation was originally meant, and then maintained so, to receive the best flow of sun and wind. Different areas are separated by function even if each space naturally flows into the other. The swimming pool is surrounded by a beautiful childproof wooden fenced. The gardens’ wide walks, the bright, open landscape, the unobstructed sun-beams create a magical atmosphere of peacefulness. The lawn was grown with rainwater, artificial structures were built accordingly with Organic Architecture’s principles and water recycling needs.

View on the swimming pool from the terrace and Moroccan mosaic table.

At the Villa you can be together, play, laugh, talk, feast. You can think alone or brainstorm with others. You can laze around and wander with your eyes to the hills and the sky. You can look at the swallows and hawks and dream a long excursion on the magnificent mountains that face you. You can read or play music. Or just listen. You can create, in the kitchen, on canvas, on pentagram, on a blank page, in your mind. You can do some gardening, take care of fruit trees, officinal plants, and turn all of them in cleansing beverages and concoction. You can walk around the hills and medieval villages, you can look for Romanic churches and abbeys, castles and Renaissance palaces. You can explore and find out a secret.

III

The structure

Vegetable Garden

Pergola Terrace Parking Main Building

Solarium

Barbeque Outbuildings

The Grounds

Olive Garden

Swimming Pool

Hammoks

Solarium Solarium Bathtub Bathtub

The Ground Floor

Kitchen Living Room Glass Table Fireplace and Sofa

Terrace

Bathroom

Bedroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

The First Floor

Bedroom Terrace

Bedroom

Living Room

Bathroom

The first map represents a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye view of the proximities of the Villa. The second map includes the first floor and the solarium interiors. The third map represents first floor and parts of roof. The above map is a design of the last floor while the one at the right is a representation of the sauna and wine cellar behind the main terrace.

The Second Floor

Terrace

Wine Cellar

Sauna

Pergola

The Sauna

The structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s details The Villa has three floors and two dependances with bedrooms and bathrooms next to the main structure. Every bedroom can accommodate two guests, two of the six bedrooms can have an extra bed. Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with either a bathtub or a shower, in the bathroom the guests can find hairdryer, two rolls of toilet paper, two soap bars, two shower caps. The bath towels, bathrobes and beach towels for every guest (except for infants who will not receive a bathrobe given the difficulty of finding one their size) will be left on each bed. There is an air conditioning system in each bedroom and two in the living room area, they can cool or heat the rooms.

Eating The kitchen, internal and open in the large living room, was designed to be functional and reliable. In particular, this means big stoves, two sinks, wide steel drawers and ten meters-long travertino and steel work surface. The equipment is of semi-professional quality. There are two fridges, one of which has high shelves that guarantee a larger than average storage space, there are two dishwashers, two ovens (one of which professional, hosting up to ten baking trays) and a microwave. We also have a deep fryer, two complete set of cutlery, cookware for any receipt and any number of guests, a professional set of knife, dishes and glasses for different kind of drinks. The bigger pots, according to ancient traditions, hang over the kitchen, the regular sized ones, as well as tablecloths and napkins are in the steel drawers under the work surface. Dishes, cups and water glasses are inside a late ‘800 country cabinet next to the kitchen. Small electric appliances are organized by their function: cooking, breakfast, beverages and detox area. You will find a complete kitchen aid system and a mixer. For your breakfast and beverages there are a toaster, a kettle, an American coffee machine, an Italian coffeepot, an Illy coffee machine and a second espresso machine, the last two can also make cappuccino. When you take ice from the ice machine below the main sink, why not use it in one of our cocktail shakers? We also have buckets to keep any sparkling wine cold wherever you need it. For your cocktail there is an automatic ice machine under the washbasin and two kind of shaker. If you’re interested in detox you can use a drying machine (to make your own dry fruit, for example) and a juice extractor. Next to the professional oven, you can find a small steel barrel containing our organic, extra virgin olive oil.

Ciù Ciù red, white and rosé wine is free for consumption during your stay. Following pages: details of the kitchen, cookware and appliances.

You can enjoy Villa Carlo in winter as well as in summer, the large living room on ground floor is heated by three fireplaces, and two different heating systems

Sleeping The Villa has six bedrooms, four of them in the main building, two in the outbuildings, each one has an en-suite bathroom. Extra blankets and pillows can be found in the first floor common wardrobe just next to the stairs. Bedrooms are provided with air conditioners.

The bedroom at ground floor has a double bed, a dressing table, a wardrobe, both made in the 1930s, a small table and a chair bed that we will open and prepare before your arrival if needed, alternatively it can also accommodate a cradle. This bedroom has a French window on the garden. You can find a large shower in the bathroom as well as washing machine and drier.

ground floor

The First Floor comprises two bedrooms, each with a large wardrobe in the common area, where you can find extra pillows and blankets. The master bedroom has a large double bed with a wooden structure and a first rate mattress. This room has a large wardrobe with drawers and dividers and a small fireplace, a beautiful, large, early 1900s mirror and a small living room area finish the dĂŠcor. The bedroom can easily accommodate a cradle or two. The bathrooms at first floor have beautiful cast iron bathtub on legs.and modern-antique furniture. The master bedroom bathroom, has a large drawer.

Next and on following pages: the master bedroom and its bathroom

Towels and beach towels can be found on top of the beds, grab yours and off to the swimming pool!

first floor

The second bedroom of the floor has two three-quarter beds (wider than a regular single bed) with excellent mattresses, a late 1800s dressing table with drawers and an armchair.

second floor

Outbuilding The two outside buildings are both double bedrooms, each one has a wrought iron double bed realized in Marrakesh and latex mattress, a drawer with shelves, a wrought iron mosaic table with chairs and a fireplace. The ensuite bathrooms have large showers with skylights. The two dependences are separated by a beautiful romantic patio covered by a jasmine plant. A short staircase leads to the Villa.

Living Room The Ground Floor comprises a large open living room area, suitable for parties. In the living room, there are a table for 14, a semi-professional kitchen, a TV area with sofa, a pool table, a relax area with a large sofa and armchairs, a chess table, a piano, a book case, other wooden tables and furniture for storage and three fireplaces.

In the picture the Doge table designed by Carlo Scarpa and Tulu chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama, both for Cassina. On the following pages: details of the living room with the piano, pool table, sofas and artwork.

Outdoor

Our grounds offer great natural beauty to contemplate - wait for the sunset! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a great variety of activities to enjoy. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold or hot there is always something for you, each time of the year has its own special perk. Come in spring to watch the flower blossom under a gentle sun, in summer, to have a pool party, in autumn, when grape is ready and you can taste new wine.

The 30 000 square meters wide country garden that surrounds the Villa can be divided into eight segments.

1_Parking & access to the Villa A fence and a gate limit the access to the Villa. Laurel bushes grow along the fence south of the gate and oleanders grow north to the gate. An ancient bush of roses welcomes the guests just outside the entrance. Walking in from the gate, in front of which the country lane to the villa ends, you will find the covered parking on your left. The parking is surrounded by laurel, broom and ligustrum. On the right side of the gate there are small oaks, trees and big bushes, they hide the water tank and the pumps building. A fig tree and different kinds of bushes grow around the gas tank and electricity poles. The entrance alleyway that stretches between the gate and the Villa ends on a stone step delimiting cars manoeuvring space. The real country garden starts from there.

2_ Villa’s entrance and patio A path in a meadow, surrounded by beautiful mulberries (blooming in spring) and a large cypress, leads you, through laurel bushes, to a small gravel garden next of which, you can see the painted façade of the Villa. A large mulberry and a towering fig tree (with succulent figs) shade the gravel garden, a space that articulates in three directions. This “junction” in fact leads to the southern patio, to the front door and to the first floor bedroom. On the opposite side of the gravel garden a grit path stretches along the northern side of the Villa, joining the entrance with the dependences and the country garden that starts on the west side of the building. Many doors and windows in the living room open to the northern grit path. A second way to the dependences is accessible from the entrance going on the right, before stepping on the stone step. It brings to the dependences’ jasmine covered patio through olive trees and grape pergolas. On the southern side of the meadow, just before the laurel bushes, following the brick base of the fig tree, a trail descends to citrus fruits and the green pergola area.

3_ Citrus and green pergola area

You can reach here either from the southern trail or from the two short staircases leading down the Villaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patio. This space, in front of the patio, stretches to the pool and includes many olive trees, a small orange trees garden protected by Fragola grape pergola, sour cherries trees and strong lemon trees. The green pergola is embellished with grapevine and jasmine, it protects the entrances of the wine cellar and Finnish sauna area from rain and scorching sun. The Fragola wine growing on the pergolas is very sweet and tasty; it can be eaten or made into jam or liqueur wine. Inside the sauna room, a second room contains the pool water heating system. Outside, on the right, there is one of the two staircases to the patio. Surpassing it and going through a wooden protection barrier (keeping unaccompanied young kids distant) you find yourself in the swimming pool area. Another large pergola shadows an

outdoor relax space with a wooden table and chairs. Above and around it canes, bougainvillea and grapevine. Opposite to the pergola you can see a beautiful flower and scents garden that follows the outline of the pool, growing on the terracing between the swimming pool and the higher part of the country garden, on the west side.

5_ Swimming pool area It sure is one of the social areas of the exterior. It intersects with the green pergola space and it is its continuation. The entire area has limited access, meaning that younger children cannot reach the pool on their own; this is made with natural and artificial hurdles. Coming from the green pergola there is a wooden fence, already mentioned, with a small door that adults will keep close or open. From the southern side, which opens to the olive garden, plants and fences stop the way to young climbers. Potted plants protect the top of the flowerbed covering the gentle slope on the north side of the swimming pool. Slopes and another fence with door protect the east side. The actual pool area comprises the lawn with pergola (east and west side), the one meter-long platform that runs around the pool (required by law for safety reasons) and the river stones walk on the north border, next to the flowerbed. Before the proceeding to the olive garden, the adult guest would meet a succulent flowerbed. The flowers growing on the north side of the pool among others includes lavender, daisy, roses and rosemary. The pool itself has sinuous shape that follows the landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curve. It ends in proximity to a secular olive tree. It is 12,5 meters long, has a width that goes from 4 to 5,5 meters, the maximum depth is of 1,4 meters, in the whirlpool zone, with its travertine benches, it is 1 meter deep. A waterfall in the pool can provide a strong back massage. Whirlpool and waterfall can be controlled with the luminescent power buttons on the edge of the pool, next each feature. The swimming pool has internal illumination. Lights can be powered from the general control panel of the system (see the chapter technological support). A timer regulates the external light of the pool area automatically turning them on during night time. They can be turned off at oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish. In the chapter about programmed maintenance and system management, you will find information about the poolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upkeep.

The swimming pool, the whirlpool, the fountain, when you are not at the beach, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t renounce to sunbathing and swimming! A week in the sunny Italian weather means relax, good food and a good tan.

Our bar by the pool, with running water and fridge.

6_West side green relax zone This area functionally integrates with the covered patio, with the adjoining terrace, with the pergolas and the pool as large outdoor area directly linked with the Villa. Three ancient olive trees, the glass house and the external BBQ are its main features. Under the majestic trees and the vine “roof ” there is a colourful boudoir, for relaxing in the constantly breathing breeze. The glass house stands over the pool and the west side of the exteriors. It is our Spa in autumn, winter and spring. Those lazy ones, who just want to enjoy a whirlpool massage in the six-seat bathtub, love it in summer too. The glass house is essential to the wellness circuit that we will describe afterwards. The barbecue excellently performs its task, with the help of the near woodshed and a drinking water sink. From the flagstone path that runs on the barbecue’ side you can descend, turning right, towards the two dependences, their olive, vine and fruit garden and the jasmine covered patio that joins them.

The glass hallway connects the outdoor livingroom with the glass house, you can go from your bedroom to the jacuzzi without having to step outside!

The Spa area and the glass hallway are surrounded by the garden. The shadow of ancient olive trees is a shelter from the sun in summer while the glass walls retain the heat in winter. This space can also be left open to the garden to enjoy the breeze from the confort of your sofa.

These new facilities integrate with the grounds and can be the starting point of a beautiful walk around the hill. The jacuzzy is just the place to enjoy the view on the mountains. If the guests require it, extra services such as massages can be arranged in advance.

Part of our brand new winter facilities, this romantic living room is half way between outdoor patio and cozy meditation room, is perfect for those who want an intimate contact with nature together with comfort and heating. The glass walls will allow you to admire the view (and maybe local fauna!) even in the depths of winter.

7_Country garden on the west side, secret wood, pergolas Proceeding west from the glass house, towards open countryside, you will find an intermediate zone that is directly integrated with the gardens previously described. This area is defined by two trails descending to the lower olive tree garden on the south side, by the fenced border of the property in the north, it ends on the west side with the rampart where the last pergola lies. This strip is a downhill country garden. On its north part there is a “secret garden” with holm, oaks, walnut tree, and many large bushy shrubs. There you can find the hidden corner with two hammocks. The southern side of the strip includes two, well shaded gazebos with panoramic view and table and chaise longue, in unobtrusive positions. The second of the two is situated in the western rampart. Flagstone paths conduce to all of these locations from the pool and the Villa. Around them, there are offshoots of the olive grove and many different fruit and ornamental trees. This is also the place where natural water recovery operates, through the depuration of rain and drain water. You can find the details in the appointed section. In the north-west corner, a small wooden building is the service laundry. 8_Exploration and well-being south and west to the villa, trails and woods The actual countryside starts beyond the area of the country garden; it is cultivated, productive and looked after, accessible but wilder than the neighbourhood of the Villa. This area follows the hill’ slope and extends on the south south-west side, bordering on the green pergola, pool and secret garden areas. It ends close to a wood of old oaks and the Badlands (calanchi) that surround the Villa’s hill. For guests’ safety, a large portion of the grounds is

fenced and where that was not possible, as it would have impeded the free movement of animals, we built alternative natural barriers to avoid dangerous approaches. It is still necessary to keep younger kids under adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control in this area. There are two distinct sections: the olive grove and an uncultivated terrain full of wild herbs where it is possible to exercise or birdwatching. You can access the grove comfortably from a beautiful trail, about a meter wide, dotted with young cypresses. It runs until the end of the field. It is a relaxing and easy walk that takes only few minutes and allows you to enter in the earth of the olive grove to have a look to all the other plants that grow there. You can go back up either following the trail or climbing on the wild side. Those who can cope have the option of following the steepest part of that side that also features ropes and ladders.

Beautiful and strenuous rambles are waiting for you beyond the fence, descending in the ditches and fairy tale woods under the hill. It is advised to be guided by someone who knows the places. After trekking, adventures over the border and the effort to climb back up, sauna, pool, Jacuzzi, idleness and a fresh drink will be your paradise on earth.

The 120 square meters wide patio that runs around the main building providing shade and space for three solid wood dining tables with coordinate chairs where we organized dinners for as much as 30 guests. On the southern side the 100 square meters wide terrace flies above the hills and offers a magnificent view on the mountains. This terrace is a direct prosecution of the dining area behind the patio and it has itself two large sofas and two large armchairs made in Marrakesh with wrought iron. Three wrought iron and mosaic coffee tables with chairs, also made in Marrakesh, make this place an outdoor living room, ideal for late afternoon drinks.

Wellness Psychophysical well-being can be lived in two ways: Passively and Actively. The passive wellness circuit is simply based on the use of what is at your disposal, with no further activity. The external pool with whirlpool and waterfall provide several benefit, hydro massage oxygenates all of the body’s areas with subsequent cell regeneration and plantar and dorsal massage. The waterfall in particular is good for neck and shoulders. Swimming itself activates muscles we do not often exercise in everyday life. Sunbathing enriches you with vitamins and has benefit on the nervous system. In the glass house the bathtub’s whirlpool has three different settings: oxygenation, invigoration, shiatzu. There you can also relax on the wooden massage bed for a psychophysical regeneration. Sauna helps you eliminate toxins and predisposes cell turnover. At the beach you will breath air that is rich in iodine and good to purify respiratory tract. Silence, beauty of shapes and colours, relaxed social life in the country garden and its many fascinating corners help a stressed out nervous system recover. The natural day/night rhythms and activities (like picking vegetables, wandering) help circadian rhythm go back to normal. Living the passive aspects of wellness at the Villa is already cleansing for body and mind. Some activities can reach out to the explorer hidden in all of us, explorer that in the end will always return to the peaceful idleness of the Villa. The step to the active wellness circuit is simple and determined by each one’s needs and dispositions. To the basic components of the passive wellness a few features can be add such as the natural, historical and gastronomic environment. Mountains with national parks, vineyards with their trails, bikers’ paths, are all within reach. Medieval cities, abbeys, museums and festival will make you want to move around even more. Cantine, trattorias and sagre are the expression of local wine and food culture. We provide guests with mountain bikes, city bikes by the beach, trails and paths in the gardens and grounds. You might also want to work in the vegetable and herb garden, we will not complain! Equipment to transform your harvest into food or beverages are at your disposal.

The glass building rises on the west side of the Villa. The structure has moving walls that can make it a semi open space in summer and let fresh air in. The temperature in this room is always warm due to the four glass walls and the skylights on the ceiling. The room comprises a sofa, a fireplace, two massage beds, a chest, two ancient barber chairs restored by the owner and a Jacuzzi fit for up to six people. the surroundings of the glass house create a natural livingroom in the shadows of three ancient olive trees where you will find colourful deckchairs and Moroccan examples of recycled furniture arts in the form of table and stools.

Welcome to the wine cellar! A warm atmosphere and three tanks of wine make this one of the most intriguing places of the Villa. Even in the hottest days the air here is fresh. Please help yourself with withe, red and rosĂ¨ wine produced by a local buisiness. They are literally on the next hill and they would be happy to let you have a free tasting of local products.

Wellness

Programmes

Below we provide some, a bit extreme, example of schedules, possible in spring, summer and autumn.

the overactive

It combines the discovery of the territory with exercising, relax and cleansing Saturday Check in and settlement in the house, familiarization with the Villa and the landscape; after-trip relax in the pool, by the whirlpool and waterfall; trip (15 minutes) to Offida to visit the city and have dinner in one of the typical restaurant; after-dinner digestive walk or music event, local market etcâ&#x20AC;Ś Sunday Departure at 7:30 to Forca di Presta, arrival at 9:00 (Mount Vettore â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sibillini); equipment: hiking boots, light jacket and a lot of water; 2 and a half hours long ascension to the top or towards Pilato Lake; break to rest and admire the wonderful view; 2 hours long descent; lunch at Forca di Presta retreat and return to the Villa by 17:30; sauna, swimming pool, relax and appetizers under the secular trees. Dinner prepared with gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vegetable and evening relax with family and friends. Possibly repetition of bath in Jacuzzi or swimming pool. Monday Morning at the beach and long walk by the seaside; bicycle trip to Cupra Marittima; return to the Villa and detox lunch. Afternoon rest under the trees and poolside; departure at 17 to Ascoli Piceno (30 minutes long drive), tour of the beautiful medieval city and dinner in Piazza del Popolo; return to the Villa and relax in the bathtub. Tuesday Morning at the Villa and stroll in the olive groove, bracing activities and picking of vegetables and wild plants; making of detox beverages and lunch; relax; afternoon riding a mountain bike then sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; 19:30 departure to Ripatransone (15 minutes long drive); tour of the XVI century village and dinner. Wednesday Departure at 7:00 to the Mountains of Laga (towards Ceppo di Valle Castellana); arrival at 9:00; equipment: hiking boots, light jacket and a lot of water; 2 and a half hours long walk towards the Moricana Waterfalls and 2 hours long return to Ceppo with lunch at the Hotel. Back to the Villa with stop at Castel Trosino (Longobard village). Dinner at the Villa after sauna, pool, whirlpool and a drink. Thursday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the gro

ve, picking vegetables and exercising; making of detox beverages and lunch; relax; afternoon riding a mountain bike then sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; 19:00 departure to Grottammare Alta, tour of the town, visit to local ceramic workshops and art galleries; dinner with a view of the coastline at local restaurant. Fryday 7:00 departure to Rocca Calascio, arrival at 9:00 (bring hiking boots!); visit of the old town and the Rocca; transfer to Santo Stefano di Sessanio and sightseeing. Up on the mountains to Campo Imperatore with lunch at the Hotel then tour of the ruins of Cistercians Grange. Return to the Villa at 18:00 then sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi. Dinner and nocturne contemplation. Saturday Packing the luggage and departure. If you your flight leaves from Rome in the late afternoon, you can stop on your way there to see the old city of Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Aquila, now under reconstruction.

the active

This schedule combines relax, detox of body and mind, exploration of the territory and a little exercise. Saturday Check in and settlement in the house, familiarization with the Villa and the landscape; after-trip relax in the pool, by the whirlpool and waterfall; 20:00 transfer to Offida, tour and dinner in one of the traditional restaurants. Sunday Morning at the Villa and stroll in the olive groove, bracing activities and picking of vegetables and wild plants; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax and sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; 19:30 departure to Ripatransone (15 minute drive) with tour of the XVI century city and dinner. Monday Morning at the beach, walk by the seaside and bath; bicycle trip towards Cupra Marittima; return to the Villa at 14:00 and detox lunch. Afternoon rest under the trees and poolside; departure at 18 to Ascoli Piceno (30 minutes long drive), tour of the beautiful medieval city and dinner in Piazza del Popolo; return to the Villa and relax in the bathtub. Tuesday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax; 16:00 transfer to the beach; baths then walk to Grottammare Alta; tour of the town, visit to local ceramic workshops and art galleries; dinner with a view of the coastline at local restaurant.

Wednesday At the beach, walking by the seaside and bathing. Riding bikes toward San Benedetto del Tronto, light lunch by the beach, relax and then baths and walks. Return to the Villa at 18:00, relax by the garden and the pool, reading, chatting and then the ritual: sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi. Dinner and contemplation. Thursday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax; 18:00 departure to San Benedetto (20 minute drive), stroll by the port and the seaside; dinner at the yacht club; evening walk and then back to the Villa. Friday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax; 16:00 transfer to the beach, baths and then 19:00 tranfer to Paese Alto at Cupramarittima with visit of the beautiful town and dinner at the Castle. Saturday Packing the luggage and departure. If you your flight leaves from Rome in the late afternoon, you can stop on your way there to see the old city of Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Aquila.

The hedonist

It combines relax and detox with a little exporation and more relax. Saturday Check in and settlement in the house, familiarization with the Villa and the landscape; after-trip relax in the pool, by the whirlpool and waterfall; traditional dinner with local food. Sunday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax with sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; 19:30 departure to Ripatransone (15 minute drive), tour of the XVI century city and dinner. Monday At the beach, walking by the seaside and bathing. Riding bikes toward Cupra Marittima, light lunch by the beach. Return to the Villa at 18:00, relax by the garden and the pool. Dinner with local food. Tuesday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax; 16:00 transfer to the beach, baths and walks; 19:00 transfer to Grottammare Alta, tour of the town, visit to local ceramic workshops and art galleries; dinner with a view of the coastline at local restaurant.

Wednesday At the beach, walking by the seaside and bathing. Riding bikes toward San Benedetto del Tronto, light lunch by the beach, relax and then baths and walks. Return to the Villa at 18:00, relax by the garden and the pool, reading, chatting and then the ritual: sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi. Dinner and contemplation. Thursday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax with sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; 19:30 departure to Ascoli Piceno (30 minute drive) and tour of the beautiful medieval city with dinner in Piazza del Popolo. Friday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax with sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; 16:00 departure to the beach, baths, walks then 19:00 tranfer to Paese Alto at Cupramarittima with visit of the beautiful town and dinner at the Castle. Saturday Packing the luggage and departure. If you your flight leaves from Rome in the late afternoon, you can stop on your way there to see the old city of Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Aquila.

The family and friends group A little relax, a little detox, fun facts about the territory

Saturday Check in and settlement in the house, familiarization with the Villa and the landscape; after-trip relax in the pool, by the whirlpool and waterfall; traditional dinner with local food. After-dinner by the pool. Sunday Late morning at the Villa, walking in the garden; lunch and afternoon relax with sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; traditional dinner and pool party with some music. Monday Late morning at the beach, long walk by the seaside; riding a bike towards Cupra Marittima; light lunch at the beach. Back to the Villa by 19:00, relax in the garden and by the pool, traditional dinner with local food. After-dinner by the pool and the garden. Tuesday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax; 16:00 transfer to the beach, baths and walks; 19:00 transfer to Grottammare Alta, tour of the town, visit to local ceramic workshops and art galleries; dinner with a view of the coastline at local restaurant sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; traditional dinner and pool party with some music.

Monday Late morning at the beach, long walk by the seaside; riding a bike towards Cupra Marittima; light lunch at the beach. Back to the Villa by 19:00, relax in the garden and by the pool, traditional dinner with local food. After-dinner by the pool and the garden. Tuesday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating, walking the paths in the grove, picking vegetables; making of detox beverages and lunch; afternoon relax; 16:00 transfer to the beach, baths and walks; 19:00 transfer to Grottammare Alta, tour of the town, visit to local ceramic workshops and art galleries; dinner with a view of the coastline at local restaurant Wednesday Late morning at the Villa, walking in the garden; lunch and afternoon relax with sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; traditional dinner and pool party with some music. Thursday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating; lunch; afternoon relax with sauna, pool, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi; 19:00 departure to Ascoli Piceno (30 minute drive) and tour of the beautiful medieval city with dinner in Piazza del Popolo. Friday Morning at the Villa, reading, relaxing, contemplating; lunch; afternoon relax; 19:00 transfer to Offida to visit the city and have dinner in one of the typical restaurant; after-dinner digestive walk or music event, local market etc… then pool party at the Villa. Saturday After having difficulties getting out of bed, packing the luggage and departure.

Kids The Villa is their paradise and, except for some beach escapes, they would never leave it. The guests of a same group might of course decide to spend their time in different ways, in which case, kids would probably be happy to stay with “the hedonists”. “The family group” is, of course, meant for them but it could be more difficult to make them go on a “overactive” kind of trip. If all the adult guests want to go on an adventure babysitting service can be arranged if the following conditions apply: 1 the kids must speak English 2 they cannot be younger than two year-old 3 they need to accept to be in the company of a stranger that will not give them complete freedom.