Montecosaro, Macerata, Le Marche, Italy

In the Italian language the word "particolare" has many meanings. It's usually used to describe something that's different than usual or something that's refined...it can even mean something eclectic. Particolare is the word that came to mind when we first saw this house...a complex, really, of 2 buildings with up to 6 bedrooms, done to a high level of finish, with a sea view and a walkable distance to a great hill-town. It's definitely not your usual property. It's different. You could say it's "particolare"...hence the name of this coastal Marche property - Casa Particolare!

Casa Particolare lives up to its name. It's different. First, the house. Instead of a big cavernous house loaded with bedrooms, the owner of Casa Particolare chose to restore the house in a much more intimate way. The choice was to have a "right-sized" main house of 190 sqm. that would be welcoming and warm. There are 2-3 bedrooms inside the main house, just right for the nuclear family or a couple of couples, and ideal when it's just the two of you. It's easy to maintain, easy to heat and easy to clean. It's also easy to feel comfortable and happy in the space. Of particular note are the finish materials and the colors inside the house...the floor tiles are excellent, high-end cotto tiles, the same for the outside tiles. The bathrooms, too, have excellent quality tiles and materials. Old pieces of furniture have been converted into bathroom sink bases...another was modified to "hide" the boiler. The walls are an eclectic mix of shades. The effect is molto particolare, very unique, and it gives Casa Particolare some personality that other houses lack.

The ground floor has a big living room/lounge with 2 big arched double doors that lead out to the impressive loggia. You pass through an old brick archway to enter the kitchen and dining area. It's the same old brick that was recovered and used in the restoration of the house. The kitchen is a simple one with locally crafted cabinetry and an oven that's unlike those we typically see. There's a travertine countertop. This floor also has a WC that's quite particolare itself! Moving upstairs at Casa Particolare, there are currently 2 big bedrooms, one of which looks out at the Adriatic Sea. There is a landing space that is destined to be a 3rd bedroom, but the owner left it open, creating, for now, a small lounge. There is a very big bathroom with an impressive massage tub with shower fitting. This floor is done in wood plank flooring.

Casa Particolare must be thought of as a "complex" of two buildings, totaling nearly 300 sqm. There's the main house and then there's the 90 sqm., 3-bedroom outbuilding with it's taverna area and massive BBQ. This, too, is particolare. The thinking behind it is that when lots of friends or the extended family descend on the property, there's plenty of room for everybody, without compromising the intimacy and efficiency of the main house. The 3 bedrooms are quite spacious, one of which sleeps 4. Each has its own bathroom and the bathrooms are done in high-end fittings and tiling. Also in the outbuilding is the laundry and the technical room. The previously mentioned taverna area is terrific. Part loggia, part open-topped it's the perfect party space. The massive BBQ is a centerpiece of the good times you'll have at Casa Particolare. So, taking a step back, the property has 5-6 bedrooms that can sleep 12-14 people. There are 5 bathrooms.

The grounds at Casa Particolare consist of 3,000 sqm. garden/lawn around the house and outbuilding and 10,000 of surrounding land that includes olive trees and fruit trees. The plot is quiet and private, a rarity for a property so close to the coast. Speaking of which, there's a terrific view of the Adriatic Sea from the plot, the loggia and one of the bedrooms. The rest of the view is composed of the rolling hills, olive groves and sunflower fields typical of Le Marche. Also of note is the architectural nod to the past, something itself quite particolare - the classic external staircase common in old Marche farmhouses was reprised in the restoration.

As we've described, much Casa Particolare's personality is derived from its materials and furnishings. It's important to note that with few items excepted the house is sold FURNISHED, saving you thousands on furniture and accessories. Some practical notes - the house has internet coverage and heavy, old-style iron radiators that heat the house.

Amazingly, Casa Particolare is under 10 minutes to the coast and 5 minutes to the town of Montecosaro - you can walk there in about 20 minutes. Montecosaro is a terrific hill-town that sits in a commanding position on a coastal hill-top above the Adriatic Sea. The town is well serviced and equipped. It forms part of a "ring" of coastal hill-towns each lovely in its own right - Montecosaro, Civitanova Alta, Morrovalle, Montelupone Recanati and Potenza Picena - so you have your choice of where to go for dinner and never drive more than 15 minutes! Again, Casa Particolare is just minutes to the beach, the autostrada and the coastal city Civitanova Marche with its shops, 100+ restaurants and bars and year-round life. This is a great area of Le Marche.

So, if you're tired of seeing the same old thing on all those property websites, make a break to something more "particolare", like Casa Particolare!