Spacious 2-bedroom apartment with wonderful views of the Sibillini Mountains

Apartment Vettore is on the ground floor of a large extension to thel farmhouse, Casa Carotondo. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and provides accommodation for up to six people. From the terrace there is a view of the mountains while the windows of the apartment face northwest with a view of hills and woodland. The northerly aspect ensures that the apartment stays cool in summer. All windows have been fitted with fly screens. Apartment Vettore has its own entrance and a large outdoor terrace to the right of the building with table and chairs for al fresco dining. A large oak tree provides welcome shade during part of the day in the summer. The apartment is about 85 sq.m. It has been newly renovated throughout to a high standard with the old stone walls left exposed where practicable. The unusually large windows, high ceilings and generous room sizes give this apartment a pleasantly light and airy feel.

Apartment Vettore has a separate, modern and fully equipped kitchen including a microwave, gas cooker and hob, fridge/freezer, toaster and filter coffee machine. The living area is spacious, consisting of a dining and a sitting area. In the sitting area there are two comfortable sofas (one is a sofa bed). For your entertainment there is satellite TV, a DVD player and sound system. We have a small library of DVDs and books for guests. The dining area has a large extendable table and chairs for six people. There is a ceiling fan for the summer, while the wood burning stove in the living area will provide a warm cosy atmosphere on cool evenings. For very cold days there is the additional convenience of a full central heating system. There is an internet connection in the apartment.

The large main bedroom of the apartment contains a double bed with bedside tables and lamps, a chest of drawers, mirror and wardrobe. The second bedroom contains two single beds with side tables and lamps, a chest of drawers and wardrobe.

The main bathroom is en-suite. Each bathroom comprises a toilet, bidet, a large shower and washbasin. The second bathroom is just across the corridor from the second bedroom.

What to do in the area:
Cultural Activities: The Macerata area has been inhabited for 10000 years so there is plenty of history to enjoy. Urbs Salvia is the largest Roman era excavation in the area. Casa Carotondo is surrounded by medieval hilltop towns with architectural and artistic treasures of interest. In the Middle Ages Castles were built around the Calderola area, some have been restored and are worth visiting.The works of Carlo Crivelli are exhibited throughout the Marche, the nearest  to Casa Carotondo being at Monte San Martino. Paintings by Lorenzo, Lotto, Titian and others are to be seen at various locations. For modern art head to Ripe San Ginesio. Visit the home of the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi who was born and lived in the Marche in Recanati. Religion has played an important role in the Marche history find out more and visit the beautiful Cathedrals of Tolentino and Loretto. Day trips to famous Umbrian towns such as Assissi and Perugia are also possible..

Outdoors: Around Casa Carotondo you can take short strolls or mountainbike through woodland. There are routes in the surrounding countryside for walking or cycling from Sarnano or you can head into the Sibillini mountains. There are guidebooks for walking and cycling and we can help with route planning. Other possibilities include horse riding - the experienced can trek in the mountains. Paragliding is possible as are balloon flights over the area. You can swim or fish in Lago di Fiastra surrounded by mountains. If you just want to relax, drive to the top of the mountains, have a picnic and take in the views. In winter there is the possibility of downhill or cross country skiing. Further afield the Adriatic coast beckons with its sandy beaches and excellent fish restaurants. The Conero regional park is a rocky but beautiful stretch of coastline. Alternatively head north to the caves of Frassasi and the Gola della Rosa regional park.

Other: Sarnano, the nearest town, has a wide range of shops and three supermarkets. There is a weekly market for fresh produce and a number of shops selling specialty foods such as locally made Pecorino cheese. Alternatively you can try out 'la cucina marchigiana' at the many reasonably priced restaurants in the area. For those in need of more retail therapy outlet shopping is a possibility with names such as Armani and Hogans. Every summer each town puts on a number of festas to attract tourists. These generally involve live music and food. A number of the medieval towns also stage Palios. Every year San Ginesio reenacts a battle it fought with Fermo in 1377. There are numerous historical theaters in the area, which regularly have performances. There are a number of music festivals  during the summer for blues, jazz and most famously the Sferisterio opera in Macerata. All too hectic? Then sit on your apartment terrace, enjoy a glass of wine, the cool evening breeze and listen to the cicadas of that she