Escape Chianti-shire and head for Le Marche, Italy's little-known gem. Stretching for 100 miles between the hills and the Adriatic sea, Le Marche may not have Tuscany’s cultural allure but it has heaps of off-piste charm. Find long sandy beaches and rolling fields of wheat, abundant seafood, truffles a-go-go, and crisp verdicchio wines. And near Montecarotto, this: an architect-designed borgo with a saltwater pool and a gorgeous panorama of patchwork hills.
Owners Sabine and Konrad welcome all ages. This is a warm, rustic, artistic retreat, ideal for a romantic getaway or a gathering of family and friends. A party of 12 plus kids would fill the place nicely. There’s a small shop of homemade products, and each rustic-chic apartment has a dining terrace with barbecue. Borrow the ebikes and have a coffee in the village; you’ll be there in a trice. Or stroll there for simple dinners at one of the friendly restaurants. Further afield is Urbino, best known for its 15th-century Ducal Palace, a cliff-hung World Heritage site heaped with treasures. Head for the Sibillini Mountains, too, criss-crossed with ancient paths.
Highs
- The beautiful, tranquil setting… you could bask by the pool all day
- But it’s a great base from which to discover medieval hilltop villages and gorgeous Adriatic beaches
- Just 4 apartments spread over 2 traditional houses: contemporary yet they exude character and charm
- The flexibility of self catering or walking/cycling to local restaurants
- Owners Konrad and Sabine create a warm, welcoming feel
Lows
- The pool and garden are shared
- Summer months are popular with families; honeymooners may find more seclusion off season
- A 3-night minimum stay
- You'll want a car to explore, though airport transfers are free if you're happy to just potter locally by ebike
Best time to go
June to September are very hot months; keep cool by the pool, or visit the beaches. Spring and autumn are perfect seasons for walking, biking and hiking. The apartments are open all year and have wood-burners to keep things cosy in winter.
Our top tips
Acqualagna, a 45-minute drive, is the best place in Italy for fresh truffles all year round. Note the local annual fairs: ‘Prized Black Truffle’, the last Sunday of February; ‘Black Summer Truffle’, the last Sunday of July; and ‘National White Truffle’, the last 2 weeks of October.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We stayed at Borgo Farneto in April ‘23. It was in a beautiful, remote and peaceful location. The owners were very welcoming and the place was immaculate and nicely furnished. It was a great place to spend a week. Would highly recommend.
A perfect and lovely stay at Borgo Farneto. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for a peaceful escape to the Italian countryside. The room, pool, and gardens are meticulously cared for with beautiful views everywhere you look. The ebikes and little store on the property with homemade jams and local olive oil add to luxury touches of this magical place. Highly recommend Osteria Nido dell'Astore near Arcevia, Ristorante Marcello in Portonovo, and a day trip to Urbino. Spaggia Mezzavalle (beach under an hour away) is worth the steep climb for impressive views of the Adriatic Sea. Overall, we loved our stay and can't wait to go back.
A wonderful place. The design and details of the house were great. The nature around Le Marche is stunning.
This is an amazing place, truly! It is in the most gorgeous setting and the apartments are beautifully designed and private. Little touches such as sharp knives, linen tea towels, local olive oil and jam make this such a special treat and give a strong impression that the hosts have taken the time to consider what it would be like to stay there. The hosts Conrad and Sabine live very close by and are present but unobtrusive and really lovely. Conrad is an architect and you can tell by the design of the house, gardens and pool that everything has been thought out very carefully with great attention to detail. If you are looking for a peaceful, tranquil space to unwind, then this is it. We are definitely going to return.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape