BOUTIQUE REPOSING IN AN UTTERLY ITALIAN COUNTRY SETTING
The pathway of Italian cypress leading up to La Commenda, a boutique hotel in Osimo, Ancona, near the east coastline of Italy, promises something special. The building itself has a grand history – once used as a small Knights Templar fort in the 14th century, set in 400 hectares of grounds that also held a hospital, a refectory and a house of worship. Today, the property is owned by the Pugnetti-Laude family, acquiring it 15 years ago from Count Beleani Baldechi of Jesi, restoring and converting it into a nine suite countryside getaway.
Once this area of Italy was the heart of activity, trading in silk and silk cocoon weaving, and a departure point for the Crusades and wars; today, only peace reigns in pristine Italian countryside that is beyond idyllic. It’s a perfect place to repose in utmost tranquillity, far from maddening hordes of tourists that besiege Italy over summer, enjoying the lovingly restored house that also includes an expansive swimming pool and soon, a spa, a rarity in this part of Italy. Enjoying breakfast à l’ancienne on the terrace or an aperitif on the patio at sunset is a luxurious indulgence.
Beyond the borders of La Commenda is also an Italy off the touristic beaten path, but no less rewarding. Just a few kilometres away is the Conero, the most beautiful coast along the Adriatic Sea with the white sand beaches of Due Dorelle and Dei Gabbiani. Head inland for the beautiful Frasassi Caverns and the gorgeous, mystical town of Loreto with its pilgrims. This is also wine country – where superb wines like Verficchio Santa Barbara, Le Terrazze and Verdicchio Monte Cappone jostle for space on the table with bounty of local farms – olive oil, unsalted bread, ciauscolo salami and crescia cheese.
