Time and Place travels: An Italian farm stay designed for relaxation
Agriturismo Valdifiori overlooking the Sassoferato valley in Le Marche.
“The eye has to travel,” Diana Vreeland famously said. What better visual feast for pandemic weary folk than Italy. Earlier this Summer, I spent time in the Marche region, situated on the central-east side of the country. It’s an off-the-beaten-path, authentically real part of Italy, still mostly unexplored by tourists. I meandered through small medieval and Renaissance towns, ate and drank among locals, and took it slow — the way Italy is meant to be experienced. There, antiques are an everyday element of life, and the handmade is in each detail.
A highlight of the trip was lodging at Agriturismo Valdifiori, a farm stay nestled 2,000 feet above the Sassoferato valley and facing the steep cliffs of the Apennine mountains toward Umbria. As typical of many agriturismo establishments in Italy, guests enjoy bed and breakfast accommodations, and are invited to dine at the onsite restaurant serving dishes made with local ingredients. It’s a delightful way to explore rural Italy and enjoy the surrounding nature.
The serene Valdifiori is the vision of Hans van Dorst and Massimo Cipriani, who started a new chapter in their lives when they took over the property in 2015. Hans, a Dutch veterinarian who wanted to farm, runs the guesthouse and manages the cows, goats, and chickens. Massimo, a professional chef who sought to run his own restaurant, manages the kitchen and sources ingredients from the farm. Together, Hans and Massimo welcome guests with stunning views, superb meals, and understated design.
Join me for a tour.
The front lawn offers relaxation overlooking the farm and valley.
The main building is a typical farmhouse of Le Marche’s mountain region. The original structure, dating back to the 1860s, was demolished in 2006. A new building was erected, maintaining the original style and using materials partially salvaged from the original. Guest rooms are on the lower floor.
Decor on the property is understated and in keeping with the style of the house.
Across the way from the main guesthouse is the dining room with views out to the valley.
In Summer, dinner is served on the terrace, with a backdrop of the sunset over the Apennine mountains. Linens are pressed cotton.
Massimo’s cooking is divine, and the restaurant is a destination in itself. All wine selections are from the Marche region.
The kitchen’s beef, milk, butter, and eggs come from the agriturismo’s farm.
Hans is a seasoned globe trotter. Framed photographs of animals and world travels line the walls.
Rooms are furnished simply, in an Italian farmhouse style.
Past a crisp linen window curtain, fresh countryside breezes enter the room.
The warm Italian summer calls for a refreshing dip in the pool.
“He's like chocolate,” Hans says of the adorable house cat, Bico.
Hans gears up for tending to the farm animals. The agriturismo sees many guests (sometimes with pets) from The Netherlands, loyal patrons of Hans from his veterinarian years in Holland.
Spanning mountain ranges on one side and the Adriatic on its other side, Le Marche has a diverse landscape. Nearby the agriturismo are the Frasassi stalactite caves.
Salvaged equipment from the farm’s earlier days has been integrated into the landscaping, with scented lavender flowers.
Sunsets over the Apennines, wild flowers, and quiet rest calling travelers who appreciate a slower pace.
Bringing a piece of Italy into your home
Italian design is unmatched for quality of craftsmanship and style. Click the images below to browse our picks of fine Italian homewares, inspired by the trip to Le Marche.
Your home. Your interior design story.
Time & Place Interiors designs spaces that celebrate homeowners’ love for travel and discovery of the globe’s wonders. We love authentic, handmade design with origins in all corners of the world. Use the link below to schedule a free 20-minute information call with founder Ksenya Malina about your design needs:
