It never ceases to make us smile. Seeing a property that’s one-of-a-kind is always a real pleasure, no matter how long we’ve been in this business. It all follows from what makes Italy special – there’s no substitute for the Colosseum, or a vintage Vespa, and tell me a simple espresso in Italy has any rivals outside the Bel Paese. They’re all originals. We’ve just seen a true original in the Marche countryside. It’s a big, 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom rustic stone house perched at the end of a hamlet with a lovely pool, best-in-class views and an aura of originality you just can’t copy. We call this unique Marche property L’ORIGINALE, the Original!
L’Originale is not the usual rectangular or boxy house. It’s not one of those houses with a super-modern interior. It’s also not one of those houses where everything is perfect and that’s just the point. It’s the quirkiness and the authenticity that make L’Originale an original. We’ve often commented that between the inside and the outside at L’Originale it’s like a movie set for a film set in Italy, that relaxed, authentic look of a sympathetic restoration that appreciated the patina and the authenticity.
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The first original touch at L’Originale is the shape and style of the main house. It’s shaped like an “L”. This gives the house a certain architectural interest that many houses lack. Inside there are various steps up and steps down, together with a mix of floor tiles and lots of original beams and lintels, all authentic and original. The exterior stone is really something to behold. It’s very local, very old and very original probably dating back two or three centuries.
The second thing about this property is that it’s really a complex of buildings, three to be exact. In addition to the main house of 305 sqm. (plus the cantina of 88 sqm.), there are two stone accessory buildings, one of 45 sqm. and the other at around 98 sqm. “These are currently used as storage sheds but are likely able to be converted to other use, opening up a range of use options at L’Originale (subject to planning permissions and regulations in place at the time).” The complex is filled with trees, hedges and plantings that create a lovely courtyard feel between the buildings. Note, too, that the complex is located at the end of a small hamlet with a cafe and some neighboring houses. This is also unique in that this sort of restored farmhouse complex is usually found out in the fields somewhere, whereas L’Originale gives you more of a sense of community and the luxury of a short stroll for a cappuccino.
Just off the complex is one of the best views we’ve seen in Le Marche. It is, in its own right, an original. There is a vast, expansive and panoramic view of the central part of Le Marche, with a view that encompasses the Adriatic Sea, the Sibillini Mountains, rolling hills, fields of summer sunflowers, iconic coastal mountain Monte Conero and at least 35 hilltop towns all lit up in the evenings. To say it’s a best-in-class class view is to do it a disservice. It’s so impressive we almost forgot to tell you that the pool takes it all in, with the big views to one side and the imposing main house off to the other side and just above. This positioning of the pool gives it a natural “infinity effect”. There are also a number of terrace areas that enjoy the views from L’Originale, including a back-of-house dining terrace, the pool terrace, the courtyard terrace and a perfect purpose-built BBQ area with outdoor seating.
Moving inside at L’Originale you notice right away that the house is big. Virtually every room is super-spacious and filled with natural light.
On the ground floor we start with the big country-style kitchen. It’s very simple and rustic, but also functional and convivial, with its big original fireplace and big round dining table. Note that there is a large walk-in pantry/larder off the kitchen. There are two big windows across the view side of the kitchen so the person prepping the meal and the person washing the dishes can perform their tasks while enjoying the spectacular view! Step down from kitchen into the large, open living room/lounge. Here, too, the view side of the house is filled with windows that are, in turn, filled with that big view. The old beams here are true originals. In addition to the central gas heat (radiators), there’s a wood burner here. Just off the living room is a sizable study or office space. On the other side of that space there’s a bedroom with a wood burner, next to which is the ground floor bathroom. This opens up a particularly attractive possibility, that of being able to live on one floor. If it’s just two of you, you only need to clean, heat and tidy-up a single floor. Many clients tell us that living on one floor is liberating! Also on this main living floor is a big cantina or storage space with room for wine, olive oil, bicycles, an extra refrigeration and the laundry.
Heading upstairs there are 4 bedrooms. All are quite spacious, with one being particularly huge. All enjoy lots of natural light and pleasant views from the windows. One of the bedrooms is ensuite. Another could become ensuite with the simple addition of a door. And, there’s a massive family bathroom in the middle of this floor with both a shower and proper bathtub. So, to recap, L’Originale has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Throughout this floor the original touches abound, including some original corner cabinets, beams and old doors.
Also of note at L’Originale is the very large under-the-house cantina space, a must in all houses back in the day. This is literally a classic cantina, ideal for storage of any kind.
On a practical note, L’Originale has a fine internet connection, central gas heat, an entry gate and, importantly, a team of local people who provide the services needed for maintaining the house, grounds and pool.
A word on the plot. In addition to the shrubs, shade trees and large potted plants, you’ll find pomegranates, figs, olives, roses and rosemary. The plot size is 3,590 sqm. and is terraced into two sections – the main house and outbuildings on one and the pool on the other, set just down the hill from the house and accessed by a path.
When you decide to venture out from L’Originale, its general location is excellent. The house is around 10-12 minutes to impressive Cingoli, one of Central-Marche’s most appreciated hill-towns, with shops, restaurants and an active cultural and civic life. Cingoli hosts multiple festas throughout the year. Appignano, for centuries a center of artisan furniture making, is 15 minutes away. Head to the provincial capital of Macerata in 30 minutes, for dozens of dining choices, concerts, the famed Sferisterio Opera and all manner of shopping, services and healthcare facilities. The nearest coastal towns to L’Originale are some of the nicest in Le Marche, including Porto Recanati and Porto Potenza Picena, at around 50 minutes. There are also numerous rural restaurants and agriturismi with proximity to L’Originale where you’ll experience classic Marche hospitality and enjoy some original favorites of the Cucina Marchigiana. In short, L’Originale has proximity to all there is to see, sample and sip in Le Marche and that makes it an ideal property for rentals and for enjoyment by you, your family and your friends. As far as getting there, the Ancona Airport is around 50 minutes away, with Perugia (1:40), Pescara (1:45) and Rome (2.5 hours) all presenting easy travel options.
So, if you’re looking for something original, that one-of-a-kind property, we’ve found it for you and it’s called L’Originale!
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