Along the Watchtower

Once an ancient watchtower looking out over the enchanting Tenna Valley, this place dates back to the 11th century. The view of the Sibillini Mountains has hardly changed over the centuries, thanks to the area’s National Park status, but the interior has everything you need for a 21st-century stay. The swimming pool, for example, hanging off the side of the hill and enjoying panoramic views, is certainly an update along with the hot tub tucked into the cliffside. The grounds here are filled with art in nature – orbs suspended from ancient olive trees, a zen garden and steps that circle like an amphitheatre, making way for that stunning mountain view.

Inside, a sense of the building’s history has been retained with the thick stone walls on displace, vaulted ceilings and grand stone fireplaces filled with candles in both living rooms. The main dining table wouldn’t look out of place in a monastery’s refectory and bedrooms come adorned with religious iconography and tapestries that feel like they’ve been transported from the medieval age. The accommodation is split into two apartments inside the tower, each with its own open-plan kitchen, living and dining room.

When it comes to exploring, trails lead right from your doorstep and snake across the National Park. It’s a seven-minute drive to the little village of Montefortino where you’ll find a handful of bakeries, cafés and restaurants, but it’s really all about escaping it all and connecting with nature here.

Home truths:
*Due to the remote location of this home, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay – there's plenty of private parking
*As this home is in an old tower, there are quite a lot of steps and the garden is terraced, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*This home consists of two separate apartments in one building – the downstairs apartment sleeps four, the upstairs apartment sleeps five
*At capacity, two guests will be sleeping on the sofa bed in the ground floor living room