Agriturismo Scala

An Organic Agriturismo in Italy’s Marche Region

With its four rooms occupying a sustainably renovated, family-run farmhouse that once served as a convent, this bright, simple stay in the Italian countryside showcases life’s simplest pleasures—sunlight, leafy greenery, natural materials, soft organic linens, and homemade fresh breakfast. It's proof that slow living really is the best living.

The four suites all feature private modern bathrooms, selected artwork, handmade wood furniture and eco-friendly finishes, paired with vintage design pieces as ornamentation.

Mignola: High wooden ceilings and an extra-large bathroom set this romantic king suite apart. It also has a sofa, desk and walk-in closet. Village views and statement lighting fixtures add to its allure.

Leccino: Bright and airy, with tall, exposed beams and pretty views, this serene king suite, with its handmade headboard, vintage stools and woven pouf, is for easy lounging and enjoying the view.

Raggia: A pair of single beds are set in a tranquil, textural, earth-toned room offering sunset views and a Mediterranean feel. The suite’s desk was handcrafted by a neighbor, and linen draperies frame the sunset views.

Ascolana: A king room that’s convertible to two singles with a handcrafted, upcycled olive wood headboard, rustic desk and playful artwork. Vintage lamps add flair, and the sunset views are magnificent.

Additional features

Breakfast is served on the terrace each morning, and the property hosts weekly sunset alfresco dinners. The terrace and pergola are quiet spots to unwind, and the property overlooks the town of Potenza Picena. There’s an indoor guest lounge and kitchen, and the family runs an eco-boutique offering their Scala brand organic extra-virgin olive oil and 100% natural, small batch cream and lip balm.

Around

Potenza Picena is a small village in Italy’s Marche region, an area often referred to as one of the country’s hidden gems. Made of up several connected hamlets, the town offers both hilltop history and seaside scenery, and all goods and services. The beach at Porto Recanati, once a simple fishing village, is 10 minutes from the property, as is the rocky coastline of the Conero, a great spot for swimming and strolling. Porto Recanati offers nine kilometers of golden sand and a pedestrian promenade, and the medieval Swabian Castle, built to protect the area from pirates, rises from the center of town. The ancient Roman city of Potentia is an archeological site worth visiting, and one of the top attractions of the area is the network of cycling paths running from the sea into the surrounding countryside.

The lush Apennines are about an hour’s drive, home to great hiking and biking. And for culture seekers, the small cities of Loreto, Recanati and Macerata offer art, music, churches and lively markets. Loreto has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics for centuries due to its 15th-century Basilica and shrine to the Virgin Mary. This is Italy, so gastro tourism is abundant, too, with Le Marche known for simple dishes such as brodettos, or seafood soups spiked with tomato, local olive oils with a slightly spicy kick, pork-stuffed Cappelletti pasta, and a savory cannelloni named for the famed composer Rossini.

Location

Potenza Picena, Le Marche, Italy. Nearest airports: Ancona (30 miles), Zadar, Croatia (100 miles), Rome (125 miles)

Best time to visit

April to October