Terracotta Sundown

Perched in the hills of Macerata Feltria, this Marche farmhouse earns its keep the moment you settle onto the panoramic veranda to watch the sun drop behind the surrounding ridges. Inside, original terracotta floors, exposed beams, and traditional wooden doors give the rooms a warmth that no renovation can fake – two separate living areas, one anchored by an ornamental fireplace, mean there's always somewhere to unwind. Outside, a private salt-water pool gleams amid four thousand square metres of olive trees, oaks, and alfresco dining beneath an iron pergola. Urbino, San Leo, and San Marino are all within easy reach for day trips.

Home truths:
* The first floor is an attic level reached by two separate flights of internal stairs, and there are additional steps leading into the bedrooms and bathrooms up there. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, it's worth bearing that in mind.
* Air conditioning is only available in the bedrooms, so the ground-floor living and dining areas won't be cooled on hotter days.
* The pool is a few steps above the villa on a raised terrace, reached by a staircase and a lawn path – a short walk rather than stepping straight out from the living room.
* You'll need a car to make the most of the area – this is a rural hilltop village, and the towns, restaurants, and thermal baths nearby all require driving. There are four parking spaces directly in front of the home.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair. You'll need to request them in advance.
* The swimming pool is only available for use between late April and early October.