10/10 Excellent
Matthew R.
2 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
June at Alto Cielo
We have just had a wonderful 2 week holiday at Villa Alto Cielo.
First off the information provided before our arrival was excellent - local knowledge in Le Marche is essential as this is not a tourist mecca which is part of its charm. The villa’s location overseeing a patchwork of fields with the backdrop of the Sibilini mountains is the highlight. Last 2 weeks in June felt like we were in a heatwave so the best time to sit and gaze at the view was first thing in the morning after a swim. Whenever we stay at villas we try and imagine the decisions made in its development. The house itself is perfect for families looking for peace, quiet away from neighbours. The decor reflects that this is Will & Bettina’s home as does the extensive library available to peruse. For those who cannot live without social media - the broadband works perfectly well in the library. There were lots of towels available and the electric fans made the hot nights a little more comfortable. Take advantage of opening the screened windows as mosquitos don’t miss an opportunity to do their mischief.
Outside the covered veranda is perfectly designed for some welcome shade in the day and sitting outside to dine, read and chill in the evening. The kitchen is a lovely size for cooking and when it gets too dark playing cards in the evening. The new BBQ is a welcome addition (and is positioned perfectly for alfresco dining) and the sausages, steaks and chicken purchased from Oasi in Tolentino were delicious. The pizza oven was used once and we managed some creditable pizzas - as indicated the oven is large and does take a while to heat up. The filter coffee machine was put to good use - but we could not find filters in any of the shops (either find some at home or improvise with kitchen towel).
The wildlife is interesting: of note were the Swifts who would swoop in and take a drink whilst you swim, the fireflies (first time I have seen them) and a hare came visiting. Sunflowers are out and there has been lots of agricultural activity - mostly cutting and harvesting but nothing intrusive. Do not be alarmed by the occasional hornet who comes exploring but is completely docile (nothing like the wasps in the UK) and the little scorpions who are quite happy to avoid you.
Sarnano is definitely worth visit and we managed a 5 course agriturismo experience. Don’t expect anyone to speak English but you an get along with little Italian.
Matthew R.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022
