Bicycle Race

Bicycle Race: Marche

The quaint town of Fermignano, the home of 19th-century bicycle races, is the birthplace of this grand villa. The town centre is just seven minutes away in the car, but such is the sprawling greenery, you'd think you were in the heights of the mountains. It's a home that blends the privacy of the countryside with the convenience of city comforts.

If you did want to wander through Fermignano, make sure to taste the world-class ice cream. Choose your flavours and lick the scoops as you peruse the cosy cafes, chic stores and welcoming restaurants.

To continue the urban spree, the vibrant city of Urbino is just fifteen minutes in the car. It's one of Italy's hidden gems and offers an authentic experience without being swarmed by tourism.

If you don't fancy exploring too much, the villa offers enough to keep you entertained for the whole trip. While away the hours in the pool or just lounge on the comfy seats by the edge. When the suns sets on the stone walls, gather under the veranda to share pizza, pasta and crisp bottles of wine.

Home truths:
* The surrounding area is beautiful, so we suggest using a car to explore the region
* The pool isn't fenced so children may need to be supervised in the outdoor area
* The home is on the same property as the owner, but you shouldn't see them unless you want to