Ca' Stefioli was just as described. Very private and peaceful location. Lovely view across the valley from rear veranda; fields and hills changed colors at different times of the day, and sunsets were gorgeous. Rooms were bright and comfortable, but steps throughout the house might be difficult to navigate for elderly guests.
Shopkeepers in Barchi and Orciano were very friendly, and we found everything we needed. Recommended local restaurants were spot-on, and we discovered several more on our own. Impossible to go wrong with local cuisine!
When a huge swarm of honey bees took up residence inside one of the shutters, Sylvia called a neighbor Antonio to smoke them out, locate the queen, and move the entire hive in a box to a nearby beekeeper's...quite an adventure, and we made new friends!
Driving on country roads is not for the faint-hearted, but the place is less than an hour's drive from beautiful Furlo Gorge, the spectacular Frasassi caves, and the ducal palace at Urbino. We spent a glorious day strolling through the seaside town of Pesaro. Loved the display of Roman bronzes at the small museum in Pergola, but were a bit disappointed with the disorganization of the paper museum in medieval Fabriano. We could easily have used two more weeks for day trips further south...but maybe next time!
Thanks to Fiona for sharing her special place with us.