When we first saw this house we thought it has one of the most stunning views left in Le Marche, very similar to the fabulous panoramic view from Villa Marziali which we love so much. You can only understand by being there, for nothing we can do with a camera does justice to the privileged position and views which this fabulous farmhouse enjoys.

The house is reached by an old road/track which is wooded on either side - ferns, cyclamen and violets growing along its verge. This delightful glade opens out to Umberto's idyllic situation…

The solidly built house is sheltered behind by a gentle slope, whilst to the South it looks out on to a truly panoramic view towards the Sibillini mountain range. The site is both sheltered and flat, with great scope for landscaping and the perfect place for a fantastic infinity swimming pool if anyone should wish it. The west side of the house is particularly sheltered and the dilapidated but not-yet-quite-dead barn lends itself to incorporation in a cloistered courtyard garden.

As you might gather, we had extensive plans for the refurbishment of this house and the development of the site, some of which are referred to in the photo captions, which we would be happy to share with any genuinely interested parties.

Current state of the house

The house is solidly built and has therefore resisted the neglect it has suffered for many years now. Within the last ten years the middle floor was inhabited and it would be possible for an enterprising builder/DIY person to establish a temporary base, but frankly it would require a lot of enthusiasm to do so! Services could be quickly reconnected and the middle floor has doubled glazed windows so it certainly would be possible to make a temporary base there.

The house is in need of total refurbishment. We have effected temporary repairs to the roof to prevent it from further deterioration, but a better quality new roof is required. The only other thing we have done is to install an extremely effective patented Dutch damp proof system at ground floor level. (We have done the same at Marziali and it works brilliantly). It is clear from the photographs that the balcony extension needs complete demolition, but regarding the main, original building, as far as we are aware there are no structural problems at all, it clearly must be built on really solid ground. We had a geologist look at the site in general to see where to put a pool and his comment was that the house appeared to be built firmly on sound ground which is very reassuring.

Scope for development

The house is large and would easily provide at least six bedrooms (that was our plan: three on each of the upper two floors. On the first floor we were going to make a fabulous main bedroom leading on to the balcony with large en-suite bathroom and then two more normal sized bedrooms, each with en-suite). The second floor space is hugely flexible. We were going to have a library up there as well.

The present layout of the ground floor suggests a very large and open plan kitchen/dining/living area which could have doors/French windows at East and West ends. Knocking through a non-supporting wall would create an average size sitting room and enough space for a cloakroom and laundry. However, if one were to build out from where there has previously been a bread oven (sadly collapsed) it would be possible to create a simply fabulous living area encompassing the massive views to the South, East and West of the site. This is what we had hoped to do, incorporating a new South-facing balcony above for the main bedroom suite. The photographs explain this idea.

We have floor plans of the property which we can send to seriously interested parties.

The barn is much more extensive that it appears in the photographs. The roof has all but gone, but the main walls are solid. At the west end it has below ground cellar space as well so it really has amazing potential. Equally it could be completely knocked down if no-one wanted to keep it. Our idea was to reduce the height by one floor and build a wall connecting to the house thus making a sort of cloistered courtyard effect which would be wonderfully sheltered for eating, reading, drinking…

Services

Electricity and water could be easily reconnected immediately. There is no septic tank and no gas supply. The house and its need for complete refurbishment lends itself to all manner of possibilities for the new technologies of solar power, photovoltaic heating, geothermal energy, rainwater collection etc. All of which it seems are being embraced by the local Italian building sector. Wish they'd had all this when we did Villa Marziali!

Development and refurbishment

We don't have the time or inclination to conduct a refurbishment project now that the house has become surplus to requirements. However, with the experience of having owned property in the area for twelve years and having carried out our own renovation works obviously we have connections both local and regional and we would be more than happy to help the ultimate purchaser by sharing our relevant knowledge of who does what and how well.

Viewing

The only possible way to appreciate the house is by being there. From the UK there are daily flights to Ancona from Stansted. If this is not convenient there are many more, we can advise you if you tell us where you are coming from. We can arrange accommodation for you if required. If you are already going to be in Italy and want to make an arrangement to view, this can be organised. If you are serious about viewing the house please do get in touch. Telephone 07802 195 868 or e-mail clare@rmib.co.uk

View Photos of Umberto's House