Casa Fugiano, a restored farmhouse in Marche, Italy

An 18th-Century Papal Retreat

Architect Nazzareno Petrini of Petrini Solustri and Partners recently transformed this, the former hunting lodge of Pope Leo XII, into a sanctuary of textural precision. Located among Castiglioni and Avacelli the property integrates restoration mortar and recovered 400-year-old masonry with high-performance systems including solar power and underfloor heating. The retreat features two independent yet interconnecting apartments, a heated outdoor shower, and a pool. On-site owners—including a professional sommelier—manage the experience, ensuring a seamless bridge between the estate’s agrarian history and sophisticated modern living.

The aesthetic focuses on materiality and tactile choice. Guests select between crisp linen or lustrous satin bedding prior to arrival. Floors are warmed by underfloor heating, and the kitchens are equipped with high-spec induction technology. The palette is muted, allowing the texture of the original stone to remain the focal point, accented by curated local furnishings.

Nine hectares of private grounds include a forest of tall oak trees that bloom with pink cyclamen twice yearly. A central pool is surrounded by a large sunbathing area and a heated shower. Multiple dining zones are scattered near drinking water fountains and a wood-fired barbecue area, utilizing timber harvested directly from the estate’s expansive woodland.

What we love

There is something deeply soulful about waking up in the former hunting lodge of Pope Leo XII, where the thick, 400-year-old stone walls now house a quiet, modern retreat. We love the intentionality of the experience—the way you can choose between the crisp touch of linen or the soft caress of satin for your bed, or spend an afternoon wandering through private oak woods before a wine tasting led by the owner, Fabio. It feels less like a rental and more like a cherished family secret, where sustainable design and ancient history finally find a perfect, peaceful rhythm together.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Arcevia, Italy sleeps up to five guests. The farmhouse contains two apartments with independent entrances, connected by a sound-insulated internal corridor. Terra, on the ground floor, offers direct garden access. Cielo, on the upper floor, features a panoramic dining balcony and an extra single bed. In total, the property has two primary double bedrooms, one single bed, and two bathrooms.

Experiences

Guests can book private wine cellar tours led by the owner, a professional sommelier with two decades of production experience. The estate provides a welcome set of regional wine and local provisions. Electric bicycle charging and specialized tools are available for cycling excursions.

Good to know

The property is managed by the owners who reside on site to facilitate arrivals and services. Access to nearby restaurants is a five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk through private woods. The building utilizes a fully electric system powered by photovoltaic and solar panels. A lockable bicycle storage room is provided for guests bringing high-value equipment.

The pool uses glass sand, an eco-sustainable filter material made from recycled glass. It's bio-resistant and self-sterilizing, which significantly reduces the growth of bacteria, making the pool healthier.

Pets are allowed on request.

Amenities

Pool, heated outdoor shower, underfloor heating, air conditioning, wifi, smart TV, induction kitchen, wood-fired barbecue, solar panels, bicycle storage, electric bike charging, parking

Around

Casa Fugiano sits in a quiet pocket of Le Marche, where the surrounding landscape remains free from traffic and noise. The property is defined by its private woodland—which fills with wild cyclamen during the shoulder seasons—and its proximity to the region's most significant landmarks.

The house is a practical base for exploring both the rugged interior and the coast. The hiking trails of Gola della Rossa Nature Park are just a few minutes away, while the Frasassi Caves are within an 18km drive. For those interested in local history and gastronomy, the towns of Jesi and Fabriano are nearby, offering a look into the area's traditional food and wine culture.

The Adriatic coast is equally accessible. A 30-minute drive brings you to the beaches of Senigallia, known for its year-round events, while the Conero Riviera offers a more dramatic coastal alternative. Casa Fugiano effectively balances this seclusion with easy access to the art, nature, and seaside towns that define the Marche region.