This is how successful international cooperation works on a small scale. A family comes from the Netherlands and falls in love. First in Italy and then in an ancient, derelict mill property in the middle of a nature park in the Marche.
However, the two enthusiasts with their children cannot manage to rebuild the buildings that have been abandoned for over half a century and completely recaptured by nature. So the people from the surrounding villages help out. Because for generations the mill and the associated lands have been an important meeting point and place of work for members of almost all families living here. To celebrate the successful cooperation, there is now a big festival every year for the people from the surrounding three villages and all other construction workers.
The mill and miller's house have now been perfectly rebuilt and have become wonderfully comfortable and beautifully furnished guest apartments that are also rented out as an ensemble. There is still a lot of room for design in the garden and lands of La Fenella. But too much cultivation of the surrounding nature is not planned. Nature should be allowed to grow naturally so that so many fireflies can continue to flash and insects can nibble on the wild flower meadows. And if you listen into the forest here at night, you can hear the owls chatting with each other.
Rooms + Rates
| Apartment | from140 € |
| entire house | from428 € |
Sustainable
ArchitectureFrom the ancient water mill with foundations from the year 1000 and the miller's house, almost all that remained over the decades were crumbling walls. Together with knowledgeable specialists and the residents of the surrounding villages, the new owners have succeeded in rebuilding the building using as many original materials as possible. Some of the old beams and other wood could be reused. The floor tiles were still partially preserved and the cross arches and wall paintings could still be saved and shine in new splendor today. And that is why the rooms inside do not appear new, but original and authentic. In addition, modern, durable insulation materials were used.
FoodAutumn is truffle season on La Fenella. Together with a search dog, guests can go on a truffle hunt here and collect white truffles themselves. If you want, you can book an exclusive menu from chef Giuseppe. The boss comes to the apartment and cooks traditional Italian dishes from local and organic products. For example, homemade tagliatelle with fresh truffle or pears from the oven with fresh truffle for dessert. Vegetarian requests or food intolerances are of course taken into account. Those who prefer to cook themselves can book a pasta or Italian cooking workshop with Maestra Francesca.
The La Fenella estate and the mill used to be an important meeting place and workplace for many people from the region. It was abandoned in the 1950s and rebuilt together with the local population since 2013. So today the mill has finally become a place again where people come together. Only together could La Fenella be brought back to life. This reconstruction is duly celebrated every year. There is a festival for the residents of the three surrounding villages, suppliers, employees and friends.
EnvironmentThe La Fenella estate is located in the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi National Natural Park. The new owners feel obliged to the surrounding nature. Electricity and hot water are generated with solar energy. The waste is separated and only organic cleaning agents are used. The swimming pool is operated on a biological basis. The water comes from its own spring and the cleaning is not done with chemicals but with the plants growing in it.
Characteristics
- Antique watermill with foundations from the year 1000, which was made habitable again with a lot of enthusiasm and passion
- Located in the middle of the natural parks of Gola della Rossa & Frasassi
- The three apartments can also be booked exclusively as a complete ensemble
- Chef Giuseppe cooks exclusively in his own holiday kitchen on request
- Pasta / cooking classes with Maestra Francesca
- Accompanied truffle hunt and foodie tour
- Various retreats in the forest and by the stream
- Also suitable for seminars and events
- Many activities possible in the area: hiking trails, mountain biking, rafting and canoe tours
- Excursion destinations: Stalactite caves Grotte di Frasassi 20 km away, the sea about an hour away by car, as well as Urbino
Features
- 3 apartments for 4 to 8 people each
- With a total of 8 rooms, Ensemble offers space for up to 16 guests
- Natural pool with spring water and sun loungers
- Several terraces with long dining tables
- Outdoor kitchen for common use
- Garden with playground by the shallow stream, trampoline, table tennis, barbecue area, fire bowls, etc.
- Books and games available
- Lounge corners in the house and garden
- Children's beds and chairs on request
- Washing machine available
Rooms + Rates
| Apartment | from140 € |
| entire house | from428 € |
Location + Directions
By car
From Rome it takes just under 3 hours to La Fenella (246 km). From Florence it is also just under 3 hours (233 km), from Bologna a good 2 hours (208 km) and from Ancona la Fenella is a good hour away (75 km). The exact address can be found on the website.
Meet the family
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