Key Highlights
- A uniquely characterful retreat in the Sibillini Mountains of Le Marche with simply spectacular views
- Stay in this unspoilt 11th century watchtower where travellers have rested over the centuries and be sure you will have 21st century comforts!
- A stunning swimming pool, whirlpool bath, hot tub, private amphitheatre for watching the sun set and a glass ceiling dome for star gazing
- A day trip away from the elegant city of Ascoli Piceno and the coastal towns and fabulous beaches of the Adriatic Sea
- A/C in all bedrooms (ductless splits)
Villa Interiors (250m2)
Apartment I (Ground Floor)
- Living room with sofa-bed
- Kitchen area with doors leading to a courtyard
- Bedroom with double bed and bathroom with shower, A/C
Apartment II (Upper Floors, some sloping ceilings)
First Floor
- Entrance
- Living-dining room with doors leading to sun terrace
- Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, fridge-freezer, coffee maker
Second Floor
- Bedroom with double bed, A/C
- Bedroom with single bed, A/C
- Bathroom with shower
Third Floor
- Bedroom with double bed and star-gazing dome, A/C
- Bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower
Outside Grounds (4 hectares)
- Swimming pool (7m x 2.5m, depth: 1.4m), open approximately April to October
- 6-person hot tub (heated up to 32C)
- Sun terrace (off first floor apartment, low walls)
- Al-fresco dining area
- Barbecue
- Gardens
- Terraced levels
- Parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Decorative fireplace
- TV (x3)
- Hot tub
- Toiletries
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Hairdryer
- Mosquito nets (some rooms)
- Washing machine and dryer
- Underfloor heating
- Air conditioning in all bedrooms
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Single Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Double Bed
If you are yearning for a uniquely characterful rustic retreat in surroundings of extraordinary natural beauty, then look no further. On a rocky spur in the Sibillini Mountains of central Italy, Lapis Turris is an ancient watchtower dating back to the 11th century, now converted into two comfortable apartments and just perfect for guests who want to share a holiday but retain some independence.
Fascinating original features have been restored and blend beautifully with modern additions - the stone walls surrounding you have so many stories to tell. The romantic ground floor apartment has living room and kitchen area leading out to a lush courtyard, like a natural balcony in the hillside. In the upper apartment, the fully equipped kitchen looks onto a sun filled terrace with breathtaking views of the small hilltop village and surrounding mountains.
It may be tempting to simply spend your days on the outside terrace or by the sparkling new pool, enjoying the magical mountain views or indulging yourselves with a glass of wine in the hot tub and remembering the travellers who passed through this dwelling over the centuries when life was less comfortable. Watch the sun set from your private amphitheatre, admire the outdoor art and sculpture and marvel at the starry night sky through the glass dome above as you drop off to sleep in the top floor bedroom.
When you decide to explore further afield, look out for the pretty medieval village a short drive away, visit the churches and palace's art gallery or head to Amandola with its fine restaurants featuring some of the area’s specialities of mushrooms, truffles and cheese. There are many hiking and mountain biking trails to be found in Monti Sibillini National Park, many of them near your holiday home.
Take a day trip to the elegant city of Ascoli Piceno with its medieval streets, photogenic piazzas, lovely churches and museums or head further afield to the fabulous beaches of the Adriatic coast. Wherever you go, you are sure to be pleased to return to the peace and tranquillity of your extraordinary Le Marche retreat.
- Lapis Turris features accommodation across two separate apartments, altogether sleeping up to 7 guests (and two extra guests if using the sofa-bed). Please see the ‘Features tab” for full details on the layout.
- Due to the many steep steps and terraced levels, Lapis Turris is not suitable for young children or guests who may have restricted mobility.
- A car is highly recommended to explore the local area.
- Please note that the laundry facilities are located in an external annexe which is also used and accessed by the gardener.
Oliver's Extras
- Maid Service Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Transfers Available
- Excursions, Hiking and Private Boat Trips Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Extra maid service
- Linen change
- Chef
- Massage
- Transfers to and from airport
- Excursions
- Hiking
- Private boat
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Weddings & Events Information
Ask a questionAn ancient watchtower with an abundance of original features, the views are simply magical. Imagine saying your symbolic vowels by the heart-shaped rose garden, before enjoying an incredible feast on the terrace gazing at the beauty around you.
As the evening draws in, pause with loved ones to watch the sunset, then dance the night away on the amphitheatre beneath the starry skies in this truly spectacular setting.
Wedding Reception
Outside, a beautiful reception can be hosted for 100-110 guests on the terrace above the swimming pool and near the heart-shaped rose garden.
Dancing can take place in the amphitheatre with space for up to 60 people – there is further room on the terrace above the amphitheatre for other guests.
There are no restrictions to the event times and music.
Marquee hire may be possible – this would really depend on guest numbers and size.
Wedding Ceremony
Only symbolic ceremonies can be arranged at Lapis Turris. If you prefer a civil wedding, this would need to be held at a townhall in a nearby municipality.
Alternatively, a civil ceremony could take place at the owner’s other historic venue which is approximately an hour away by car. This venue can also be used as a back-up, if available, in case of poor weather (for both ceremony and reception).
Where to Stay
Up to 9 guests (including the use of the sofa-bed) can stay at Lapis Turris.
Furthermore, there are agriturismi and various rentals dotted across the area – within a radius of around 10km there should be enough accommodation for everyone, subject to availability. Transportation firms can be recommended.
Wedding Planning
The venue can provide a wedding planner or you may use your own.
Catering
The venue has an external supplier who they use for catering – they are familiar with Lapis Turris’ location and logistics.
Alternatively, you may bring your own catering at no extra cost.
Other Information
In order to reduce the chance of rainy weather, the recommended months for events are late May to late September / early October.
Extras that can be arranged include round tables, chairs, flowers, photography and videography.
There is a mandatory event fee on top of the accommodation rental, then other services are extra – please enquire for a quotation.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
