The apartment, on two floors, is at one end of our farmhouse and is completely private and self-contained. The ground floor comprises a kitchen/dining area, a living-room with sofas and a wood-burning stove, and a bedroom with twin beds. An open ‘loggia’ has beautiful views across the valley. Upstairs is a wood-floored double bedroom under the eaves and the bathroom (with shower). There’s a huge collection of books. Cooking is a pleasure here with fresh local ingredients, including vegetables from our garden: the kitchen contains all the equipment you’ll need to get creative. Outside is a barbecue, garden furniture and table tennis. We are happy to give advice or help when necessary but are careful not to be invasive, making this the perfect place for a family holiday or a romantic escape.

For walkers, the Sibillini mountains offer opportunities from relaxed strolls to challenging hikes, including guided excursions. Horse-riding, mountain-biking and white-water rafting are also available. Lake Fiastra is a spectacular mountain lake just 20 minutes’ drive away, their favourite place for a picnic and a swim.