Luxury 13th Century Castle In Le Marche, Italy

Indulge in the epitome of luxury living surrounded by the captivating landscapes of Le Marche with this majestic 11th century castle. Nestled in the historical town of Tavoleto, this splendid castle stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural grandeur. Originally commissioned by the Malatesta family, the castle later served as the stately residence of the Petrangolini family and played a vital role in the region’s past.

Perched on the ridge of a hill, this castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Riviera. Its construction dates back to 1290, commissioned by the Malatesta Family, and it has since witnessed ownership transitions and historical events, including occupations during World War II and reconstruction efforts.

The Castle

Located on a hilltop in the town of Tavoleto, this castle is a landmark steeped in centuries of history. Commissioned by the Malatesta family in 1290, its sturdy walls have witnessed the passage of history. Over the years, it has served as a stately residence, a fortress, and even a hotel and classy restaurant in the 1960s.

Today, the castle stands as a proud testament to Italy’s history, offering a glimpse into its rich medieval heritage. Over time, the castle underwent various renovations, preserving its medieval charm while accommodating modern comforts.

Upon entering through the gates, you are greeted by a magnificent inner courtyard enclosed by towering walls. From here, a staircase leads to the main body of the castle, which is spread across five floors of living space for a total of 2100 sq.m.

Ground Floor:

Stepping inside the castle from the main road, you are welcomed by a charming closed porch renovated in the 1800s, likely once a stable area for horses and carriages. Adjacent to the porch you will find caves dating back to 1290, originally used as escape routes and now featuring an icehouse and additional service rooms for the castle. From the closed porch you step into the entrance hall, leading you upstairs, into a large reception room.

First Floor:

The reception room is also accessible from the internal courtyard. The first floor of the castle is dedicated to entertaining guests, featuring a series of halls, service rooms, and guest accommodations. These include various reception halls, a kitchen, several bathrooms, and dressing rooms, all restored to their former glory.

Second Floor:

On this level, you’ll find a second kitchen, which originally served the internal operations of the castle. Next to it, there are several bathrooms and rooms designated for staff use. This level also features a multipurpose room currently to a builder’s finish, offering endless possibilities for customization.

Walking through the hallway adorned with frescoes and a fireplace, you step into another multipurpose room filled with natural light from large windows overlooking the street below.

A highlight of this level is the Armiger Hall, a sprawling space of approximately 170 sq.m., which would be the perfect venue to host special events.

Third Floor:

Going up to the third floor, you step into the sleeping area of the castle, comprising five bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. This floor is ripe for renovation, offering the opportunity to customize the space to suit individual preferences, or creating additional suites for more accommodation space.

Fourth Floor:

Continuing upwards, the fourth floor reveals two large halls, with high ceilings adorned with original beams and frescoes that speak to the castle’s past. This level boasts its own terrace offering panoramic views of the sea and the inner courtyard, providing the perfect setting for relaxation. Here you will also find an additional multipurpose room, as well as two bathrooms.

Fifth Floor:

Adorned with stunning frescoes, this top floor offers a grand living room that opens onto a terrace, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This was probably the private apartment of Count Petrangolini.

In addition to the living room, this level boasts two bathrooms and two bedrooms, as well as a versatile multipurpose room. Last but not least, access to the tower from this level adds a touch of charm to the castle.

The Towers

At the pinnacle of the five floors stands a two-level crenellated tower, offering unrivaled views of the surrounding countryside, hilltop towns, San Marino, Rimini, the Apennines and the sea, serving as a reminder of the castle’s medieval heritage.

Within the walls, there are another three towers which can be restored as luxury suites. One of them is accessible from both within and outside the castle walls, and they exude charm and offer a stunning retreat for guests wanting a truly memorable experience.

The Garden

The 700 sq.m. courtyard, enclosed by the main building’s grand facade, benefits from optimal sun exposure and protection from northern winds. Initially the sole open space, it was bounded by a two-meter wall until 1951. Count Petrangolini then extended the enclosure, adding a taller wall with crenellations and three towers. One of them, serving as the boundary between courtyard and garden, features a door onto the adjacent street.

The garden boasts an iron-gated entrance, and stone sourced from the Petrangolini’s land was used for construction. A straight stone path leads you directly to the main entrance.

The Location

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Foglia River Valley, this castle boasts a privileged location midway between the historic city of Urbino and the sun-drenched shores of the Adriatic Sea. This strategic positioning offers you and your guests the best of both worlds: the rich cultural heritage of inland Marche region and the vibrant coastal lifestyle.

The castle stands proudly on a hilltop, commanding stunning views of the surrounding countryside. From its vantage point, you can admire the rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, as well as the coastline and the mountains. The town of Tavoleto adds to the allure of the location, with its charming streets steeped in history and its convenience.

Despite its private setting, this castle is conveniently located within easy reach of all amenities and not too far from a major highway. The city of Urbino, renowned for its Renaissance architecture and artistic heritage, is just a short drive away. Meanwhile, the beaches of the Adriatic Riviera invite you to relax and experience some of the best seafood restaurants of the region.

EPC: Ordered