Casa Fontana was the real gem out of the hundred plus houses we have visited. Already in Holland we were searching the internet for many nights, but the only interesting house we found on the web was Casa Fontana. This one was truly the only house that deserved to be printed. A few weeks later, on a sunny winters day, we went to see our future home for the first time with our favourite real estate agent.

During this first walk across the ‘estate’ we were already pretty sure that this would be one of the top houses we would be able to find during our extensive search. Few Italian country houses have a terrain with well defined borders and an identity. Usually there is just a small plot of boring land around the house followed by acres and acres of field. On the other hand the terrain of Casa Fontana has many trees (conifers, olive and fruit trees). These trees define separate areas and give a lot of privacy. Besides the trees the pretty fountain gives a very special atmosphere to the garden.

The location and the views are strong features of Casa Fontana. The house is situated in walking distance of a small village named Mergo, where you can find a good restaurant, a small church, a school and a grocery store. Also very nearby you find the beautiful nature reserve ‘Gola Rossa’, which is perfect for hiking. In the ‘Gola Rossa’ you can also find the famous Frasassi caves, the biggest caves in Europe which are absolutely worth a visit. The house is situated just ten minutes from the Superstrada that goes from Ancona through Umbria to Rome.

This road gives easy access to a range of different destinations for day trips, such as the seaside, the finest villages of Le Marche and Umbria, the Frasassi caves and of course Rome. The house itself has a pretty facade in stone, which gives it a cosy rural feel. The structure of the house is very characteristic for Italian country houses. An external staircase leads to the habitable first floor and wine cellars and stables are situated on the ground floor.

On the first floor we have our private appartment. In the winter of 2005-2006 we refurbished the ground floor to a B&B. We kept the three guest rooms as authentic as possible, all with a private bathroom and private entrance. In the kitchen you'll have your breakfast in the morning. You can also use the kitchen to make an afternoon snack or to sit down and drink a glass of wine with the other guests.

Most important is that the house just felt right instantly. The house just breathes atmosphere, nature and freedom. It is exactly what you expect of an Italian country home.

But enough talk; seeing is believing!