Sanctified

Stays in this part of Italy come in all shapes and sizes but if you're looking for the grandeur of an imposing historic home then this stunning place on a cliff top certainly fits the bill. Lovingly converted from an old monastery into apartments, it's the perfect combination of character features and modern styling. Set on the first floor, you'll have two bright and airy levels with high ceilings, curved windows and plenty of natural wood. Joined by a contemporary staircase and featuring a mezzanine area that's used as a TV snug, it's a spacious home for up to six.

There's an open layout to the living space, where a sleek new kitchen and an antique dining table are the stars of the show, plus a bedroom and bathroom on the lower level and a huge master suite above. We love the ancient vaulted ceiling in this room in particular.

And for the full experience, take a stroll around the building's shared gardens, dotted with trees and grapevines. Overlooking the sea, you'll no doubt find yourselves out here morning and night. Just a walk or a short drive from the centre of Sirolo, and with a selection of beaches on your doorstep, it's a perfect base for adventures in Marche.


Home truths:
*Two guests will be sleeping on the sofa bed in the living room
*While one bedroom and a bathroom can be found on the main level (the building's first floor) the second is up an internal flight of stairs
*There's underfloor air conditioning with dehumidification
*You'll have space in the private car park
*There's laptop-friendly workspace at the table
*The gardens are shared