Casale Arcevia

The villa

Far away from the tourist crowds, close to tiny fortified villages, medieval castles, pretty streams and waterfalls, Casale Arcevia is the place to get away from it all and experience the natural beauty of Le Marche, one of Italy’s most loved destinations.

Part of an organic farm producing extra virgin olive oil (tastings can be arranged), Casale Arcevia is a beautifully restored farmhouse that has been divided into six independent apartments or studios. Rented exclusively with your own private swimming pool and jacuzzi, this could be the perfect option for a relaxing intergenerational family holiday or a getaway with friends in Le Marche countryside.  

Across the three - storey farmhouse and its poolside annexe, each of the apartments and studios feature air - conditioning, Wi - Fi and modern little kitchens alongside a queen - size double bed, sofa - bed and shower room. Following a sensitive restoration, each residence has its own character with handsome furnishings, artwork and original features such as exposed wood beams and stone walls. Some have their own terrace area, others enjoy glorious views of the surrounding hills, forests or swimming pool.

There are several places to gather on different levels across the gardens. We especially love the wooden table and benches beside the brick barbecue, atmospherically lit up as evening nears, or one of the garden terraces with its jacuzzi, sun loungers and vistas of wooded hills. The swimming pool is yet another highlight, facing the olive grove and Le Marche landscapes.

The setting of Casale Arcevia is bucolic. As you drive along the winding roads, come across tiny fortified villages, old churches and one of the medieval castles this area is famous for (the nearest borgo and palace is just 500m away). Discover traditional restaurants serving Le Marche fare accompanied by good wine - the region’s cheeses and salami are especially delicious. This area is also wonderful for walkers with hikes through undulating scenery.

Further afield, spend the day on the long sandy beach known as Spiaggia di velluto (Velvet Beach) in Senigallia or soak up the historic beauty of Urbino, a must for Italophiles seeking art, culture and history. Return to the elegance and charm of Casale Arcevia where you can truly immerse yourself in this magnificent part of Italy.

Surrounded by the rolling landscapes of Le Marche, Casale Arcevia enjoys a beautiful rural setting only half an hour from the Adriatic coast. The converted farmhouse is part of a working organic farm producing extra virgin olive oil - tastings can of course be arranged. Drive along the winding roads to reach tiny fortified villages, pretty churches and medieval castles. The area also offers wonderful walking opportunities through woodland or by the streams with waterfalls and bathing spots. The nearest main village is Arcevia (10km) with its traditional shops, restaurants and Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Arcevia. As you explore the area, try delicious Le Marche fare in local restaurants such as cheeses and salami accompanied by good wine. This region may be away from the tourist crowds yet there is so much to see and experience. The Frasassi Caves, for example, are only half an hour by car with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, considered to be one of Italy’s greatest attractions. Spend the day by the Adriatic with Senigallia (37km) and its stunning 13km - long beach, the Velvet Beach, with its shallow waters, sandy shores and seaside promenade (hire bikes for a spectacular ride along the coast). Look out for a range of vibrant events taking place across the summer as well as plenty of restaurants, some by the seafront, serving seafood and other traditional dishes of Le Marche.  Another superb day out is Urbino (52km), a walled medieval city with incredible Renaissance architecture, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the Palazzo Ducale di Urbino, home of the National Gallery of Le Marche, to the cathedral with its magnificent façade, the town is a must - see for Italophiles seeking culture, history and art.   You can even reach Umbria from this location. The picture - perfect village of Gubbio (66km) is just over an hour away, famed for its medieval charm and annual festival, Le Corso dei Ceri. Try truffles in a local osteria, then tour the town as you admire its cobblestone lanes, vibrant street art and gorgeous main square with incredible views of the surrounding Umbrian landscapes.