2 Bedroom Farmhouse in Camerino

Palomba is a traditional Le Marche farmhouse in the midst of the countryside, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet place away from the fast pace of modern life. We often see deer, wild boar and porcupines in the surrounding fields; peregrine falcons, kestrels and buzzards are frequent sights circling overhead, and we even once saw a golden eagle which must have drifted over from the mountains. The place is also a butterfly heaven.

We spent two years renovating this big stone house to create our home and a holiday apartment for up to five people. We’ve aimed for rustic but elegant, integrating modern conveniences with an essential simplicity. Terracotta, exposed beams and whitewash give a light and airy feel. The furnishings are simple and comfortable, mixing modern and antique, English and Italian. In 2008 we installed photovoltaic panels and are self-sufficient in electricity generation.

The apartment is completely private and self-contained, with separate entrance. The accommodation is on two floors. The ground floor comprises a kitchen with dining area and antique oak table, a living-room with comfy sofas, and a bedroom with twin beds; there’s also a ‘loggia’, which is probably our favourite space. Its open balcony gives direct access to the beautiful views across the valley, and it’s a lovely place for breakfast, for relaxing in, even for sleeping in. Upstairs are a characterful wood-floored double bedroom under the eaves, and the bathroom (with shower). The living-room has a cast-iron woodburning stove for cooler evenings.

Cooking is a pleasure here with the wonderful fresh local ingredients, and in the kitchen you’ll find all the equipment you’ll need to get really creative. You can eat outside on the shady veranda with its pots of herbs and trailing vines. We will ply you with fresh vegetables from our garden and eggs from our ducks – and hopefully in summer 2011, also hens. We’ve planted up the shell of an old stone-built bread oven as a flourishing herb garden which you are free to plunder for your meals.

The garden features walnut, fig and fruit trees, a lawn area and a wild area. There’s plenty of outdoor furniture including sun umbrellas and deckchairs, and there’s an enormous collection of books to choose from.

We have chosen not to install a large swimming pool as so many holiday properties are doing. However, we can’t deny that a pool is a wonderful thing, and in the summers we now set up a splashpool (3m diameter, 90cm high). This provides endless fun for children and allows the grown-ups to relax in peace – and it’s also big enough for adults to take a cooling dip.

We have a sweet-natured pony named Cassie and young guests are welcome to help look after her. Children can ride her under supervision and on the lead-rein – we have a small riding-ring or it’s fun to take Cass out on a family walk.


The boring stuff

Towels and bed-linen are provided and a change is supplied once a week. (Note: beach towels are not provided.) A washing-machine is available. We can babysit for a small charge if required. A soft futon mattress suitable for a child can be placed in either bedroom or in the living-room. Indoor and outdoor children’s toys, a baby bath and a pushchair are available. We’re happy to give advice or help when necessary but are careful not to be invasive, making this an excellent place for a family holiday or for those seeking a romantic escape.



We now have fast Internet access via a 3G signal which is free to guests.

We now have fast Internet access via a 3G signal which is free to guests.

It is a university town of approximately 8500 inhabitants, perched on its hilltop at 670 metres. It has a pleasant centre & a very attractive relaxed atmosphere, with narrow paved streets, wooden-shuttered old houses, small piazzas & a handful of medieval churches & courtyards, as well as the remains of a rocca (fort) built 1500 by Cesare Borgia who ruled here briefly.

The town has all amenities including a good baker, fresh pasta shops, delicatessens & a weekly market. There are several banks and a main post office. Outside the town centre are a couple of good, small supermarkets & there are other, very large ones, about 20 minutes’ drive away. There are several restaurants in the town centre or just outside & lots of excellent eating places in the surrounding area – we have in the past couple of years benefited from n various agriturismi opening nearby, which offer really good food made from local, seasonal ingredients (often organic & home-produced) at amazing value for money.