Tucked away in the hills above the village of Smirra, which lies between the historic town of Cagli and Acqualagna, la Maestade is an oasis of rural tranquillity. The property, originally a tiny religious settlement belonging to the papal estates, has been lovingly and tastefully restored by its new owner, Pio Bracco, who offers a warm and gracious welcome to his guests.

Pio lives in the converted chapel itself, while the upper half of the original building and a small separate structure have been restored and adapted as holiday accommodation. Pettirosso is a spacious one-bedroomed apartment with a large, light living/dining-room. Rondine, to the side, is on two levels, a pretty double bedroom on the upper floor and sitting room with divan beds and a small kitchen below. It is suitable both for couples and small families. Cinciallegra is the name of the separate single studio, which comprises one large, high-ceilinged bed-sitting room with cooking facilities and a small bathroom with shower. All three apartments are elegantly fitted and furnished.

Each apartment at la Maestade has its own outside seating area, from which stupendous views of the surrounding Marche countryside can be enjoyed. To the north and west, the spurs and peaks of the Montefeltro seem close enough to touch, while to the south and east the eye is enchanted by a long vista of rolling hills and tapering valleys. On a slope just below the house is the swimming pool, with sunbeds, and next to it something of a surprise, a sauna. Pio and Angelina came by the sauna habit during their long sojourns in Scandinavia and Russia, and now guests at their new home in the Marche can have the sauna experience as well (at their own risk!).  

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