Traditional Farmhouse with Unique Contemporary Architecture in Cupramontana, Le Marche

In one of the most beautiful areas of the Marche Region, amongst the protected area of the Colli Esini that surrounds the medieval village of Cupramontana, there sits a unique property of a former farmhouse and annex that have been completely rebuilt and renovated. These two buildings are joined by a courtyard and the land also includes ruins of another farmhouse.

The house with its annex focus the viewer’s attention on all the architectural details and arrangements that complete the property.

Unique contemporary architecture was born from the successful collaboration between the excellent taste and aesthetic sense of the owners and the high professional expertise of local architect Silvia Brocchini. The residential buildings take on the appearance of a small village resulting from the meticulous renovation that transformed the volumes, once the ruins of a rural building, into a prestigious home that won the “InArchitettura 2020” award for Best Renovation in the Marche.

Set like a gem within the beautiful, natural environment, the dwellings adapt perfectly to the terrain, integrating into the surrounding landscape and following the natural course of the gentle slopes.

Arriving at the property, a parking area excludes the view of cars and introduces via stairs and small terraced areas expertly planted with local aromatic plants and centuries-old olive trees. The simple garden beautifully recalls the monastic design of the Hortus Conclusus with the perimeter walls replaced by infinite views towards the horizons.  Avoiding any limitation, the eye takes great pleasure in the spectacular panorama of the Colli Esini that surrounds the property.

The dwellings stand on their own land of just over one hectare. Apart from the garden, the rest of the land is left to agricultural cultivation, typical of the area with a splendid olive grove, some fruit trees and arable land. All around the views sweep over the villages perched on ridges and a succession of agricultural plots with vineyards, resulting in an infinite patchwork of shapes and colors stretching as far as the visible Adriatic Sea.

The demolition and reconstruction of the house and its annex were carried out by local artisans between 2016 and 2018. The architect and the owners wanted, as far as possible, to maintain the harmony of the original building by reusing the materials. The patina of antiquity is not lost despite the use of most modern materials and technologies. The renovation was done in accordance with the laws on urban planning with the most current construction techniques aimed at promoting anti-seismic resistance.

The exterior and interior appear clean, elegant, and sober, all denoting a rare yet sophisticated simplicity of living. The result is nothing short of exciting.

Both buildings are developed on two floors with split levels. The main residence occupies an area of 142 square meters, net (200 gross sqm), distributed inside as follows: entrance hallway that via a small flight of stairs leads to the kitchen, dining room and adjoining living room, these same rooms can also be reached directly from the garden through sliding French windows.  From the living room the large window leads to the solarium patio below; on this same floor is a guest bathroom and technical rooms with laundry.  Below the solarium terrace there is a comfortable storage room and garden tool shed. From the entrance / hallway, the internal staircase leads to the upper floor where there is ample space for the master area consisting of a bedroom with a small private study, a walk in and out wardrobe and a bathroom with tub and separate shower area.

On this floor but at a slightly higher staggered level, always following the course of the ground, reachable both from the same internal staircase and directly from the outside, therefore potentially autonomous, is a large studio apartment that can accommodate a second bedroom with a predisposed chimney for fireplace and an inserted washbasin.

In the nearby second building, rebuilt on two floors, occupies a net area of approx. 32,5 square meters, net (45 sqm. gross), a beautiful studio is situated on the first floor and has been created with a magnificent view and entrance from the garden.  On the lower floor is a bedroom with shower and a separate lavatory.  This floor gives guests privacy from the main building. Adjacent is an outdoor shower and a small area with fixed table and bench made of stone, ancient terracotta, and exposed polished concrete.

The interiors of the buildings consist of clean lines, resulting in a bright and ethereal living environment. The white color, the powder-colored resin floors, the natural sandstone, and the use of oak, create a natural atmosphere that unifies the various levels. Particular attention was given to the design of the openings of different sizes that offer emotional views to the outside as a succession of landscape works of art. In the kitchen, a small original splayed window frames the 12th century abbey of Beato Angelo.

Even the roof assumes a leading role in this design and construction: inside the structure that fulfills the dual structural and aesthetic purpose made with lamellar beams, trusses, and ancient terracotta tiles. The external original tiles, act as gutters, conveying the rainwater to a sophisticated and ingenious way that is invisible from the outside.

Much of the furniture was custom built so that the interiors were homogenous in colors and materials and that the spaces were exploited to the maximum with walls and small storage compartments. The travertine slab stands out above all, a single slab creating the kitchen island.

Even the design of the garden has not been left to chance. It has been wisely designed by creating green spaces alternating with the convivial and relaxation areas whose position opens to different exposures and orientations at different times of day and night. Between the buildings a small square has been created where a table with concrete benches hint to the modernity of the work.

All the works were made by local artisans.

The house and its annex are equipped with all essential and basic services such as connection to the water and electricity service. Underfloor heating installed with a gas-fired radiant system. The property is also connected with WiFi and features built-in sound system and a hidden large projection screen for home cinema.

A short distance from the house and as part of the property, there is the ruin of another rural building which could be rebuilt to accommodate additional living space if desired.  It would also be possible to build a swimming pool.

The property is only 5 minutes from the center of Cupramontana in the Province of Ancona. Easily reached is the main route SS76 Rome-Ancona which leads to the nearby Ancona – Falconara airport in 30 minutes and then to the Adriatic Sea.

EPC Rating: B
Energy Performance Index (IPE): 80,65 kwh/sq.m.*year