Relais Valcastagno

The fascinating Marches region has been justifiably receiving great press recently as one of Italy’s last undiscovered treasures. Certainly one of the most interesting areas from which to begin exploring is that of Monte Conero, which boasts the most spectacular coastline on the Adriatic, with white cliffs plunging into the sea. Here you find many historic villages and churches in scenic countryside, the highest concentration of historic theatres in Italy, and a summer opera festival in Macerata and Pesaro. Just slightly inland is the 80-acre agritourism property of the noble Nembrini Gonzaga family, producers of top-quality Rosso Conero wine and virgin olive oil. Next to the family’s elegant 18th-century villa is a restored grain mill converted into guest apartments. An extensive two-story structure of white stone typical of the area, it contains pleasant, practical accommodation for two to five persons consisting of one or two bedrooms, bathroom, and living room with kitchenette. Adjacent to the apartments and surrounded by a large garden is a recently built house with eight very tastefully decorated bedrooms. A wide variety of sports including sailing, golf, hiking on national-park trails overlooking the sea, and horseback riding can all be arranged.